Edly’s Music Theory for Practical People

Edly’s Music Theory for Practical People

Edly’s Music Theory for Practical People is the book that makes learning theory easy and fun—or at least, easier and funner. It’s written for anyone, teen to adult, wanting to understand what’s going on inside music, regardless of musical style or instrument: rock ‘n’ rollers wanting to broaden their musical horizons, jazzers needing more knowledge of chords and scales, theory students needing supplementary help, or classically trained folks wanting to better understand their Chopin… or branch into popular styles or read from fake books.

Paperback: $25 + shipping or PDF-book: $20

Feeling weary of dreary music theory?
Read Edly’s and you’ll be cured!
Cuz theory should be enjoyed… not endured!

If you’ve been put off by boring theory books in the past, you owe it to yourself to check this book out. If you thought that learning music theory had to be a nail-biting, hair-pulling affair, or that you didn’t have what it takes to understand how music works, this book will change your mind. The writing is clear and informal; friendly and fun. Further, each topic is accompanied by an explanation of what it is, how it’s used, and why it is helpful. The book’s casual tone sets it apart from most textbooks, making music theory inviting at last. Lively and plentiful illustrations by artist Peter Reynolds complete the effect.

Regardless of what styles of music you play—even if you don’t know how to read music—Edly’s makes theory approachable, enjoyable, and more easily understood than any other theory book.

Don’t take my word for it; see what others have said about this book.

The Fun Way To Learn Music Theory!

For all instruments and singers

Music notation examples are written in both treble and bass clefs, except for the most advanced ones. (Sorry, fellow viola players, no alto clef.)

Even if you don't read music!

With this book, you can learn theory even if you don’t read music: music notation examples are also written in rocker- and folkie-friendly text, diagrams, or charts.

Cross-stylistic

Stylistically- and instrumentally-inclusive, this book doesn’t discriminate, roping in concepts from many different musical genres.

Ask Edly

Readers are invited to email in questions if necessary. And the questions actually get answered. How many theory books can claim that? Q&A are here.

Available in three formats

Paperback

  • Full-color cover with black & white (& gray) throughout
  • 25% longer than the 2nd Edition, featuring seven new chapters (fortyish new pages) for more advanced readers
  • Original chapters heavily revised, with updated and improved layout and graphics
  • Workbook exercises available (free) online for printing
  • Available here for $25 plus shipping

PDF

  • Same as paperback, plus…
  • Extensively hyperlinked throughout: contents, index, glossary, and page & chapter references
  • Pix in living color throughout
  • Reformatted especially—and my recommended choice—for tablets or computer
  • Workbook exercises available (free) online for printing
  • Available here for $20 with free email delivery

eBooks (Nook, Kindle, & Apple)

  • Same book, but in two volumes: Level 1 & Level 2: $9.99 each
  • New extra chapter in Level 1: Triad Construction for Impatient People
  • Reflowable, resizable text; zoomable notation examples
  • Extensively hyperlinked
  • eReader-friendly
  • Workbook exercises available (free) online for printing
  • Available online directly from Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Apple