Robben Ford chord book - which one?

[Farlsborough]

New Les Paul owner, as you’ll see from my NGD thread. Broad range of influences and though I did (and still do sometimes) flirt with the idea of leaning into jazz stuff, it still intimidates me, and I don’t really want to learn to perfectly comp the whole Real Book or whatever - just be more confident adding some outside sounds to chord progressions and solos.

What I’d love to be able to do better is play more “practiced noodles”, some interesting sort of… chord solo stuff? Don’t know how to describe it but YouTuber Paul Stafford Cook exemplifies it brilliantly for me.

Anyway, this is pre-amble: I was watching some Robben Ford videos and i know he refers to the Micky Baker chord book, but he also says he wrote a book, which apparently goes through his different use of chords. My grip is like his - happy to use thumb - so I’d love to get that book.

But on e.g. Amazon, none of the books by him clearly look like the one he’s referring to, and lots of them look a bit “meh”.

I don’t want tabbed out solos, but something with a bit of theory and something to take me from “dom 7th and occasionally a 9th chord” to being more confident bringing jazz sounds into blues/rock. Some diminished, some cool extensions…

Anyway, if anyone knows what book this is, or can recommend any of the Robben Ford books or even any other book that you think fits the bill, please do shout!

 

[Pat Boyack]

Mickey Baker's books (Vol 1&2) are pure Jazz. They are excellent but can be daunting. You really need to take your time with them. There is a guy from England who goes through each lesson on YouTube. Guys like Little Charlie (RIP) and Duke Rubbilard swear by them.

Robben Ford's book is much more simpler and Blues oriented. I have not seen a copy in ages. I bet if you go to his official website it could help you.

 

[ElaineArteaga]

Mickey Baker's books (Vol 1&2) are pure Jazz. They are excellent but can be daunting. You really need to take your time with them. There is a guy from England who goes through each lesson on YouTube. Guys like Little Charlie (RIP) and Duke Rubbilard swear by them.

Robben Ford's book is much more simpler and Blues oriented. I have not seen a copy in ages. I bet if you go to his official website it could help you.

thanks

 

[Sarahbernstein]

Mickey Baker's books (Vol 1&2) are pure Jazz. They are excellent but can be daunting. You really need to take your time with them. There is a guy from England who goes through each lesson on YouTube. Guys like Little Charlie (RIP) and Duke Rubbilard swear by them.

Robben Ford's book is much more simpler and Blues oriented. I have not seen a copy in ages. I bet if you go to his official website it could help you.

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[Amp360]

The Mickey Baker books are (imho) essential for anyone learning to play guitar past the introductory level. Howard Roberts' Guitar Compendium is also one you should check out. I've never seen Robben's book, but I remember a VHS tape he did in the 80s. Great player but I never thought him to be much of a teacher.

 

[CptFnMarvelous]

Build your own! Pick a scale you like. Experiment matching different intervals and voila! Time-consuming yes, rewarding also yes.

 

[Rarymdom]

Adding jazz influences to your playing can definitely open up a whole new world of creativity. I totally get the intimidation factor, but it sounds like you're on the right track with wanting to incorporate more interesting chord progressions and solos into your repertoire.
As for Robben Ford's chord book, I haven't personally delved into his specific works, but I can understand the appeal of wanting to learn from someone with his unique style and approach. Also, if you're ever in the mood for a different kind of adventure, I recently rediscovered the magic of reading the Harry Potter books in order. For me, they're a timeless escape into a world of wizardry and wonder.

 

[Amp360]

I studied with Mick Goodrick for a year and took lessons with him on and off for about twenty-five years. His Do Not Name That Chord still makes my head hurt. He has a wide range of books. A friend of mine was given some of Mick's Klein guitars. Still sad to play.

I'm sure you all know Tomo. I studied with him for about two years, and he offers lessons online, some free and some paid. He is another top-notch instructor and a wonderful guy.

Howard Roberts' Guitar Compendium series is great as well.

I would avoid the online 'experts'. There are plenty of great books written by the true masters.

 

[Dave P]

Ted Greene's Chord Chemistry book is great, made me realize I don't know shit about playing guitar. LOL

 

[kalebroney]

New Les Paul owner, as you’ll see from my NGD thread. Broad range of influences and though I did (and still do sometimes) flirt with the idea of leaning into jazz stuff, it still intimidates me, and I don’t really want to learn to perfectly comp the whole Real Book or whatever - just be more confident adding some outside sounds to chord progressions and solos.

What I’d love to be able to do better is play more “practiced noodles”, some interesting sort of… chord solo stuff? Don’t know how to describe it but YouTuber Paul Stafford Cook exemplifies it brilliantly for me.

Anyway, this is pre-amble: I was watching some Robben Ford videos and i know he refers to the Micky Baker chord book, but he also says he wrote a book, which apparently goes through his different use of chords. My grip is like his - happy to use thumb - so I’d love to get that book.

But on e.g. Amazon, none of the books by him clearly look like the one he’s referring to, and lots of them look a bit “meh”.

I don’t want tabbed out solos, but something with a bit of theory and something to take me from “dom 7th and occasionally a 9th chord” to being more confident bringing jazz sounds into blues/rock. Some diminished, some cool extensions…

Anyway, if anyone knows what book this is, or can recommend any of the Robben Ford books or even any other book that you think fits the bill, please do shout!


Robben Ford’s approach is such a brilliant blend, and the Micky Baker book is definitely a classic starting point for jazz chord exploration. If you’re looking for a resource that delves into theory while offering practical ways to add jazzy extensions like diminished and altered chords to your progressions, I’d recommend checking out Robben Ford's 'Chordal Approaches for Blues and Beyond' (if that’s not the title, it's worth searching deeper or asking around guitar-specific forums). On another note, if you’re balancing guitar practice with other academic commitments or projects, websites like buy capstone project online could be a game-changer for managing your workload. Sometimes delegating tasks can free up more time for hobbies like refining those “practiced noodles” you’re after! Good luck with your jazz journey, and I’m sure your playing will evolve beautifully with the influences you’re exploring!

Congrats on your new Les Paul! It’s great to hear you’re diving into jazz-inspired techniques while keeping your blues/rock roots

 

[kalebroney]

I studied with Mick Goodrick for a year and took lessons with him on and off for about twenty-five years. His Do Not Name That Chord still makes my head hurt. He has a wide range of books. A friend of mine was given some of Mick's Klein guitars. Still sad to play.

I'm sure you all know Tomo. I studied with him for about two years, and he offers lessons online, some free and some paid. He is another top-notch instructor and a wonderful guy.

Howard Roberts' Guitar Compendium series is great as well.

I would avoid the online 'experts'. There are plenty of great books written by the true masters.
asd

Mick Goodrick’s teachings are legendary—his "Do Not Name That Chord" book is a classic that challenges even seasoned players.

 

[Amp360]

Mick Goodrick’s teachings are legendary—his "Do Not Name That Chord" book is a classic that challenges even seasoned players.

Great guy and a great teacher.

There's so much misinformation out there about music and guitar playing that the books that have been around for decades are (IMHO) more valuable than ever. Anything by Mick, Bill Leavitt, Mike Ihde, Micky Baker, Abersold, Greene, etc is worth getting.

The whole "I don't want to learn jazz" thing is the wrong mindset (IMHO). It's not about learning jazz; it's about learning music.