Instructional Books
Instructional Books
Instructional Books
I want to change things, and unlock the door to a greater understanding of music notation and music theory. My instructional books are designed with the goal and purpose of lifting guitarists up-into a new level of musicianship.
Modern Notation Method for Guitar Instructional Books One & Two
Guitar notation instruction has centered around conventional and orthodox concepts by learning music notation from Mel Bay’s Modern Guitar Method. Mel Bay’s method was first published in 1948. 1948 was the height of Charlie Parker and way before the dominance of Rock n Roll. It has been unchanged, obsolete and backwards for 70 years.
Book One
Book One provides an introductory to reading music notation for the guitar.
This book emphasizes proper music notation reading techniques from a total beginner approach to an intermediate level. However, the approach is very different from what is currently conventional. This method stresses the importance of identifying the notes on a page immediately. Also, various notational concepts, rudiments are introduced in a more gradual order rather than commenting on those concepts at the beginning of the book. Notes are introduced in alphabetic order as opposed to the typical out-of-order method, i.e. e; f; g; then b; c; d. This first book, prepares a student for anything forth-coming.
Book Two
Book Two builds on the concepts introduced in Book One.
This book starts with the introduction of more challenging aspects of music notation: triplets, sixteenth-notes, syncopation, odd time signatures, key changes, time-signature changes, dynamics and expression, and cut-time. Completion of Book Two will give you a superior foundation–even rivaling that of professionals– to further develop your skill and musicianship.
Book one: Table of Contents
Introduction: Tuning the Guitar, Musical Alphabet, Staff and Note Heads, Holding a Pick
Chapter 1: A, B, and C on the A-String, D, E, and F on the D-string, G on the G-String
Chapter 2 : Three Types of Notes, Quarter Note, Half Note, and Whole Note, A on the G-String
Chapter 3 : Bars and Measures, 4/4 Time, Right Hand Position
Chapter 4 : Rests, B, C and D on the B-String
Chapter 5 : Musical Alphabet on the Fretboard, Low E and High E
Chapter 6 : 3/4 Time, Dotted Half Note and Rest, F and G on the High E-String
Chapter 7 : Ties, Pick-Up Measures and Notes, F and G on the Low E-String
Chapter 8 : Eighth Notes and Rests, Dotted Quarter Note and Rest, Time Circle Concept
Chapter 9 : Sharp and Flat Notes, Accidentals, F♯ on the High E-String and D-String, B♭ on both the G-String and A-String, Key Signatures, F♯ on the Low E-String
Chapter 10 : Duet Playing, Repeat Markers
Book two: Table of Contents
Introduction: Tuning the Guitar, Four Finger Tips
Chapter 11 :Triplets, C♯ on the A-String and B-String, E♭ on the D-String and B-String
Chapter 12 : Time Signatures, 6/8 Time Signature
Chapter 13 : Sixteenth Notes, Counting Sixteenth Notes and Rests, Clapping Exercises (1)
Chapter 14 : More Sixteenth Note Goodness, Clapping Exercises (2)
Chapter 15 : G♯ on the Low E-String, G-String, and High E-String, A♭ on the Low E-String, G-String, and High E-String
Chapter 16 : D♯ on the D-String and B-String, D♭ on the A-String and B-String, Syncopation
Chapter 17 : Performance Marks; Tempo, Dynamic, Endings; Articulation & Expression, Place Markers
Chapter 18 : Position Playing on the Board, A♯ and G♭ All Over the Board, Revisiting “Old Friends”
Chapter 19 : E♯ and C♭ Introduced, Odd Time Signatures, Cut-Time (2/2 Time Signature)
Chapter 20 : B♯ and F♭ Introduced, More on Triplets Appendix: Lead Sheets, Chord Diagrams
Breaking the Code: Harmonic Evolution for Guitar Players Only is a focused exploration of how harmony actually works on the guitar. Rather than relying on memorized shapes or abstract theory, the book breaks down the underlying logic of chord movement, tonal relationships, and harmonic development in a practical, musical, and guitar-centric way.
Jerry Baiden guides players toward a deeper understanding of why progressions work, how harmony evolves, and how to apply these concepts directly to real playing situations. This book is designed for guitarists who want clarity, insight, and a more intelligent approach to harmony, not shortcuts, but understanding.
