The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory

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A music theory book that hits the high note … This updated and expanded edition of The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Music Theory breaks down a difficult subject in a simple way—even for those who think they have no rhythm or consider themselves tone deaf. With clear, concise language, it explains everything from bass-clef basics to confusing codas. This new edition
-A brand-new CD
-A comprehensive ear-training section
-Musical examples of intervals, scales, chords, and rhythms
-Aural exercises so readers can test their ear training and transcription skills

Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 40 votes)
5 stars
14(35%)
4 stars
9(23%)
3 stars
17(43%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
40 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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So far, things are going pretty good.

The content presented is fairly basic, but that's okay. In fact, it has been quite beneficial as it reinforces what I've learned before.

Sometimes, going over the fundamentals helps to solidify our understanding and build a stronger foundation.

It's like revisiting the basics of a language or a skill.

Even though it may seem simple at first glance, it can actually bring to light areas where we might have had some misunderstandings or gaps in our knowledge.

This process of reinforcement is essential for our growth and development.

It allows us to apply what we've learned more effectively and with greater confidence.

Overall, I'm quite satisfied with this review and look forward to further expanding my knowledge and skills based on this solid foundation.

July 15,2025
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Good Music Theory Review


This is an excellent review that presents the fundamental concepts of music theory in a manner that is easy to understand. It serves as a great and accessible reference guide for refreshing one's knowledge of the basic concepts. Whether you are a beginner looking to get a solid foundation in music theory or an experienced musician wanting to brush up on the essentials, this review has something for everyone. It simplifies complex ideas and breaks them down into manageable parts, making it easier for readers to grasp and apply. With clear explanations and examples, it helps to demystify music theory and make it more approachable. Overall, it is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning or improving their understanding of music theory.

July 15,2025
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Coco Chanel once said, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.”

For this author, I would modify that advice to “Before you go to print, look at the title (which claims to teach a complete idiot) and take 55 concepts out of your book.”

I was in tears while reading about The Intervals of the Mixolydian, and the author hadn't even bothered to explain a damn quarter note.

Just because you possess knowledge doesn't mean you should dump it all into a book, especially when the book is targeted at readers with no prior knowledge of the subject.

A truly talented teacher simplifies explanations, edits carefully, and understands his audience.

I'm not overly impressed by his knowledge; I would have been more impressed by his ability to communicate it to me, if he had managed to do so.

It seems that the author failed to meet the expectations set by the title and left the readers confused and frustrated.

Perhaps a more thoughtful approach to presenting the material would have been beneficial, ensuring that the concepts are introduced gradually and clearly.

This would have made the book more accessible and useful for those seeking to learn about the subject.

As it stands, the book falls short in its attempt to teach the complete idiot.

July 15,2025
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This is a very good book for learning music theory at a minimal level.

It is designed in such a way that it never gets too complex or too detailed, which makes it extremely accessible for beginners.

The content is presented in a clear and straightforward manner, allowing readers to easily understand the fundamental concepts of music theory.

Whether you are a complete novice or someone who has a basic interest in music and wants to learn more about the theory behind it, this book is an excellent choice.

It provides a solid foundation for further exploration and study in the field of music, without overwhelming the reader with excessive technicalities.

Overall, it is a highly recommended resource for anyone looking to gain a basic understanding of music theory in a simple and enjoyable way.
July 15,2025
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This is an amazing book indeed!

It has been an invaluable resource for me as it has truly helped me to deepen my understanding of music theory.

The detailed explanations and examples provided in the book have made it much easier for me to grasp the complex concepts.

Moreover, it has also solved some of the confusion that I had regarding the reading of music sheets.

Before, I used to struggle with understanding the notations and symbols on the sheets, but this book has cleared all those doubts.

It has given me the confidence to approach music sheets with a better understanding and has enhanced my overall musical experience.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about music theory or improving their music sheet reading skills.

It is definitely a must-have for all music enthusiasts.
July 15,2025
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I like this book better than Music Theory for Dummies.

It is extremely thorough and precisely what is needed for us music idiots.

This book has been recommended by the BYU Music Department for their beginning theory classes.

It serves as a great reference for music teachers as well.

The detailed explanations and examples in this book make it easy to understand even the most complex music theory concepts.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, this book has something to offer.

It provides a solid foundation for further study in music theory and helps you develop a better understanding of how music works.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about music theory.
July 15,2025
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I'm an amateur in everything, and that includes being a musician. This book has truly become my go-to reference.

I'm an engineer by profession, and I have a deep appreciation for the structure and theory that lies behind music. It is absolutely fascinating to me.

If you're looking for a great book that can help you learn something new and impressive to share with your neighbors and friends, then this is the one for you. It offers valuable insights and knowledge that can enhance your understanding and enjoyment of music.

Whether you're a beginner or have some prior experience, this book has something to offer. It presents the concepts in a clear and accessible way, making it easy to follow and learn from.

So, if you're ready to take your musical journey to the next level and expand your knowledge, give this book a try. You won't be disappointed.
July 15,2025
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The book is very good for beginners and even for those who have no idea about music theory and as a reference during the beginning of learning music and understanding the compositions of modes, chords, and the sequence of melodies.

However, the fifth star of my perception dropped because the author in some few places addresses a person who has a musical background.

This might make it a bit challenging for absolute beginners who have no prior knowledge or exposure to music theory.

They might feel left out or struggle to fully understand the concepts being presented.

It would have been better if the author had made the explanations more accessible and inclusive for all levels of readers.

Despite this minor drawback, the book still offers a wealth of valuable information and is a great resource for those starting their musical journey.

It provides a solid foundation and can help readers develop a better understanding of music theory and composition.

Overall, it is a recommended book for beginners, but they may need to do some additional research or seek further clarification in areas where they find the content a bit too advanced.
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