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Since 2019 my books have been helping guitarists around the world learn better and progress faster than ever before.

Whether it's taking your music theory knowledge to a pro-level level, mastering your fretboard and chord knowledge, or transforming your skills as an improviser, my books can help you achieve your dreams on the guitar. Browse the full range of books below.


NEW: Guitar for Beginners, Volume 1

Learn what you need to get up and running on the guitar fast with this step-by-step method!

Written for the complete beginner with no prior knowledge, this is the book series my students have been urging me to write for years...so if you're a complete guitar beginner and want to avoid the confusion, wasted-time and slow progress most experience, check it now.

Click here to see it on Amazon now!

(Volumes 2 and 3 coming soon!)


(Click the images below to view a specific title or scroll down this page to see all books)

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Music Theory for Guitarists, the Complete Method

(All 3 books in Music Theory for Guitarists series!)

The complete Music Theory for Guitarists series in a single book to take your music theory and fretboard expertise from beginner to pro-level quickly, easily, and without all the confusion most players experience.

  • Detailed lessons teach you all about the major scale, triads and chords, intervals, major and minor keys, pentatonic scales, chord progressions, learning the notes on the fretboard, compound intervals, seventh chords, 'sus' and add9 chords, the Circle of Fifths, mode theory, soloing with modes, 'extended' chords, key changes and modulation, the CAGED System, the harmonic minor scale and minor keys, 'secondary' dominants, diminished and augmented chords and more
  • Easy-to-use format and step-by-step lessons to take your understanding from beginner to pro-level
  • Hundreds of practical examples to play using fretboard diagrams and chord boxes (no music reading necessary) plus quiz questions for testing your knowledge
  • Over 100 downloadable audio tracks including audio lessons, backing tracks, demonstration tracks, practice drills and more
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THIS BOOK!

Rock Lick Method for Guitar

Learn the rock licks, techniques and concepts you need to become an awesome rock and metal guitar soloist with this easy to follow, step-by-step method. No music reading necessary plus over 75 minutes of supporting video lessons and demonstrations and over 50 minutes of backing tracks in a variety of rock styles.


  • Build the soloing vocabulary and technique you need to play authentic rock and metal guitar solos
  • Hundreds of sample licks and exercises based on the playing of legendary guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Angus Young, Michael Schenker, Tony Iommi, Ritchie Blackmore, Gary Moore, Randy Rhoads, Zakk Wylde, Kirk Hammett, Slash, Paul Gilbert, George Lynch, Warren DeMartini  and others
  • Learn essential blues-rock licks, repeating licks, ‘sliding scale’ licks, double-stop licks, legato licks and more
  • Nail the most important rock techniquews like string bending, ‘wide’ rock vibrato, muting and string damping, pinch harmonics, ‘hammering-from-nowhere’ and others
  • Over 2 hours of downloadable video lessons/demonstrations and authentic rock and metal backing tracks

'No Bull' Music Theory for Guitarists

(Book 1 in the Music Theory for Guitarists series)


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The one that started it all: the original 'No Bull' Music Theory for Guitarists book. There is no easier way to learn the basics of music theory!

  • Learn 'must know' music theory fundamentals such as the musical alphabet, tones and semitones, the major scale, major and minor triads and chords, intervals, pentatonic scales, major and minor keys, common chord progressions... and much, much more
  • Easy-to-use format with 100% 'confusion-free' language, explanations and examples (with none of the confusing musical jargon you find in most other books)
  • Dozens of practical examples using fretboard diagrams and chord boxes (no music reading necessary!)
  • Includes downloadable audio lessons to use with each chapter. Listen and learn 'on the go' - whilst driving, walking, or exercising the dog!

'If you're looking for something that does what it says 'on the tin' then you're in safe hands. Makes concepts that are often overcomplicated seem easily understandable. We'd highly recommend this book!'


Guitar Guys Blog, 2020

'James you're a flippin' genius! I have just learned more from No Bull Music Theory than I have from all the many different lessons and teachers I've had. You are the best teacher there is! Thank you, thank you, thank you!'

Bruce M, USA reader


Music Theory for Guitarists, Volume 2

(Book 2 in the Music Theory for Guitarists series)


Continue your journey of discovery with Music Theory for Guitarists, Volume 2. Intermediate music theory and guitar fretboard concepts explained in 100% confusion-free language with no music reading necessary!

  • Discover how to use modes, seventh chords, chord inversions, sus and add9 chords, 'compound intervals', key signatures, the circle of fifths. Plus, learn how to memorise the guitar fretboard, and much more
  • The same easy-to-use, 100% 'confusion-free' format as the first book in this series with more quizzes to test your understanding
  • Dozens of practical examples using fretboard diagrams, guitar tablature and chord boxes (no need to read written music)
  • Includes downloadable audio demonstrations, 'practice drills' and backing tracks

'Great addition to volume 1, going a little deeper and bringing more subtle

details into play'

Allan, Kobo review 2021

''I bought your Music Theory for Guitarists book. It is excellent and has really opened my understanding. I love how you explain the key concepts - it really talks to me in a logical way. Thanks '

R.B. via email, 2021


Music Theory for Guitarists, Volume 3

(Book 3 in the Music Theory for Guitarists series)


The third book in the groundbreaking Music Theory for Guitarists series! Take your music theory and fretboard expertise to near 'pro-level' with Music Theory for Guitarists, Volume 3.

  • Detailed lessons teach you all about soloing with modes, 'extended' chords, key changes and modulation, the CAGED System, the harmonic minor scale and minor keys, 'secondary' dominants, diminished and augmented chords and more
  • Same easy-to-use format as the previous two books in the series
  • Dozens of practical examples using fretboard diagrams and chord boxes (no music reading necessary) plus quiz questions for testing your knowledge
  • Comes with over 90 minutes of downloadable audio demonstrations and backing tracks

'Really opened up my understanding of theory - some of which I've struggled with since school'

Dave B, via email, 2022

''Got your music theory book and have learned more in just a few hours than I ever knew before'


David M, via email, 2020


The CAGED System for Guitar


Revolutionise your understanding of the guitar fretboard and your skills as an improviser, soloist and composer with The CAGED System for Guitar. Learn to play in any key, with almost any scale, anywhere on the fretboard and experience a whole new level of freedom on the guitar.

  • A step-by-step, practical method book showing you how to master the guitar fretboard
  • Learn the 5 CAGED chord shapes and use them to understand how the guitar neck actually works, then build on this knowledge and master the major pentatonic, minor pentatonic, major scale and natural minor scale in all positions and keys, all over the fretboard
  • Also included: fingerings for useful arpeggios, modes (Dorian, Mixolydian etc), blues scales, harmonic minor and other must-know guitar scales
  • 40 sample guitar licks demonstrating how to use and apply everything you learn in the book. Each lick is demonstrated at multiple speeds in the free downloadable video lessons which accompany the book. Also included are downloadable backing tracks to help you explore, practice and apply everything you learn
  • Plus dozens of practice exercises, practice routines, and 'speed learning' techniques, tips for building a soloing vocabulary, how to make up your own killer licks... and much more

'The teaching approach is so clear and enjoyable. I feel very fortunate to have found this book'


Clarel G, via email, 2022


Barre Chords for Guitar


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The book that shows you step-by-step how to master the essential barre chords that all guitarists and singer-songwriters need to know - explained and demonstrated in 100% confusion-free language with no music reading necessary (and with downloadable audio practice tracks!)

  • Learn the essential barre chord shapes and how to use them to play literally hundreds of chord progressions and songs
  • Discover powerful practice methods and 'memory hacks' to get you learning, remembering, and using barre chords in a fraction of the time it takes most players...
  • Learn the essential barre chord playing tips and techniques you need in order to avoid the problems most players encounter with barre chords ('dead' strings, sore thumb, weak hand position, slow chord changes etc)
  • Use this method book to massively expand your chord knowledge and be able to find a chord shape to play almost any chord you'll ever need
  • Includes downloadable play-along audio practice tracks

Circle of Fifths for Guitar


Discover the awesome power of the circle of fifths with the ultimate guide written specifically for guitar players. Learn what the circle of fifths is and how you can easily use it to boost your guitar skills, music theory knowledge, songwriting skills and more.

  • Use the circle of fifths to learn and apply music theory, master chord progressions, understand the songs you play, compose your own chord progressions and become a better all-round musician
  • Includes a 45 minute Circle of Fifths video-masterclass showing you up-close how the concepts in this book work and what to do with them
  • Revealed: how to memorise the notes on the fretboard easily, practice smarter and more efficiently, learn all the chords in every key, memorise key signatures, learn I-IV-V, II-V-I, I-VI-II-V and other super common chord progressions... simply by learning how to use this incredible musical tool
  • Packed with practical examples, exercises and quizzes to ensure you understand and can apply everything - plus a downloadable 45 minute video masterclass!

Blues Soloing for Guitar: Blues Basics

(Volume 1 in the Blues Soloing for Guitar series)


A step-by-step method showing you what you need to start playing smoking electric blues guitar. Includes free video lessons, backing tracks and audio demo tracks. All lessons taught in 100% confusion-free language with no music reading necessary.

  • Discover the essential techniques (string-bending, vibrato, 'blues curls' etc), the must-know scales (minor pentatonic, blues scale, 'sliding' pentatonics etc), blues chord progressions like the 12 bar blues, and lots more to get you playing authentic blues guitar
  • Features 5 complete solo studies in the styles of Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Albert King, Freddie King and others - complete with lick-by-lick breakdown and analysis. Plus, see all solos demonstrated up-close at slow and quick speeds in the accompanying video demos and lessons
  • Dozens of practical blues examples for you to play, written using fretboard diagrams, guitar tablature and chord boxes (no music reading necessary!)
  • Revealed: how to start playing and improvising blues solos of your own with my easy-to-use 'Power Move' method
  • Includes access to free supporting website with video demonstrations and lessons covering most of the book content, plus downloadable backing tracks and audio practice tracks
  • Perfect for the beginner blues player (with some basic knowledge), through to intermediate level blues guitarists

Blues Soloing for Guitar: Levelling Up

(Volume 2 in the Blues Soloing for Guitar series)


Level-up your blues guitar skills with the second book in the Blues Soloing for Guitar series. More step-by-step lessons covering the licks, concepts and techniques you need to play authentic, head-turning blues guitar! With free video lessons, backing tracks and play-along audio practice tracks.

  • More essential blues techniques and concepts including open string runs and licks, high energy 'repeating' blues licks, 'Texas' blues licks, the minor blues, 'jump blues', major pentatonic scale, mixing major and minor sounds, and more to help you become a great blues guitarist
  • Features 5 complete solo studies in the styles of BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, T-Bone Walker, Albert King and others - complete with lick-by-lick breakdown and analysis. Plus, see all solos demonstrated up-close at slow and quick speeds in the accompanying video demos and lessons
  • Dozens of practical blues examples using fretboard diagrams, guitar tablature and chord boxes (no music reading necessary!)
  • Use my 'Power Move' method to develop your blues soloing vocabulary, your confidence as an improviser, and your all-round blues guitar skills (so that eventually you can hit that local blues jam with confidence!)
  • Perfect for the intermediate level blues guitarist or players who have completed book 1: Blues Basics. Some of this material is suitable for beginners, but it's recommended they study book 1 first!

The Guitar Practice Workbook


The ultimate 'multi-purpose' practice workbook for guitarists of all levels.

  • This is a 'workbook' (paperback only) for you to fill in yourself - log and track your progress as you build your guitar skills
  • Over 50 blank tab pages to fill with your own licks, riffs, song ideas, exercises - or anything else you discover in your practice sessions
  • Half the book includes advice on crucial topics such as: building a practice routine, how to memorise a chord shape or scale pattern, speeding up a lick, 5 practice tools you must have, and more practical ideas to help you progress better than ever before
  • Also includes reference charts showing the most common open chords, barre chord shapes and scales all players use and need to know