Every Essential Scale and Chord You Will Ever Need - for Guitar
Now available in paperback across Europe, Asia, Australia and North America
Take your guitar playing to the next level with every essential scale and chord! This book teaches you all the core scales, chords, and modes every guitarist needs to know, giving you a complete understanding of how music works across the fretboard. From beginner to advanced, it’s designed to help you confidently navigate any key, connect chords and scales, and unlock the creative possibilities of the guitar. For even faster results, use it alongside The Sliding Scale, a powerful tool that helps you quickly map scales, modes, and chords across the neck in any key.
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What This Book Will Teach You
1. Master every essential scale across the fretboard using the CAGED system
2. Learn all major, minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor scales in every key
3. Play all essential chords: Major, Minor, Diminished, Augmented, 7th, 9th, 11th, and 13th
4. Understand how chords and scales connect for smoother solos, riffs, and songwriting
5. Explore modes of the major, melodic minor, and harmonic minor scales with clear diagrams
6. Learn chord inversions and arpeggios across the neck for maximum fretboard fluency
7. Expand your knowledge of pentatonic scales and essential variations
8. Quickly map scales, modes, and chords in any key using The Sliding Scale companion tool
9. Apply your understanding to improvisation, composition, and performance with confidence
10. Build a complete, integrated view of the fretboard, making practice efficient, fun, and musical
What people are saying
‘This book shows everything you need to play any chords and show the placement as well with notes on each string great for old times players and a new player as well.’ - Piper
‘I was a bit apprehensive when I first purchased this book especially on the kindle addition but the kindle version works perfectly and what an amazing book, all I'll ever need to know about chords and chord shapes. I can't wait for the next book!’ - Mr. M. C. Norris
‘Loving this book! I’ve learned so much and can’t wait to learn more!’ - Samantha Nuanes
‘The best guitar chord book you can get! This is a brilliant book and it does exactly what it says on its cover! I highly recommend it for every guitarist. It's well worth the money and it shows you how to play every chord.’ - Jan Hromek
‘Comprehensive list of chord shapes, beautiful photos, works well with kindle, now hoping to understand it all one day. One chord shape at a time 🤘’ - Ann Belz
‘It is what it says! Handy chord reference book. I bought the hardback. Feels lovely to hold. Really nicely laid out. Really encouraging words throughout. Worthwhile investment!’ James White
About the Author
James Ashbury
James Ashbury is a guitarist, author, and teacher whose books and courses have helped thousands of players transform their music.
A professional musician, James toured the UK and USA as a founding member of the folk-pop band Wildflowers, co-writing and recording their debut album On The Inside and sharing stages with renowned artists including Robert Plant. He is also the creator of the popular music books Every Chord Shape You Will Ever Need and The Sliding Scale, a thriving YouTube channel, and a range of online courses designed to help players of all levels grow their skills and love for music.
Over 15 years ago, James set up a music school that has since grown into GuitarPush, his educational platform dedicated to pushing guitarists to new heights. Through books, lessons, and innovative resources, he teaches chords, arpeggios, scales, harmony, rhythm, the CAGED system, and effective practicing—helping players truly understand the instrument and make real music with confidence.
Unlock your full fretboard potential with Every Essential Scale & Chord You Will Ever Need!
After learning individual scales and chords, the next step is understanding how they all connect across the fretboard. This book gives you not only every essential scale and chord in every key, but also shows how they interrelate using the proven CAGED system. Stop guessing which notes work and start understanding how harmony and melody interact. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to create smoother solos, richer chord progressions, and more confident, expressive playing.
Pair this book with The Sliding Scale, which helps you quickly visualise scales, modes, and chords in any key, making it even easier to apply the concepts across the neck.
•Complete reference of every essential scale and chord in all keys
•Major, Minor, Melodic Minor, Harmonic Minor, and Pentatonic scales fully notated
•Major, Minor, Diminished, Augmented, 7th, 9th, 11th, and 13th chords with clear diagrams
•CAGED system mapped across the fretboard for scales and chords
•Chord inversions and scale positions shown in every key for quick application
•Modes of Major, Melodic Minor, and Harmonic Minor clearly laid out
•Interval names and fret numbers included for all shapes
•Easy-to-read diagrams designed for fast reference during practice or performance
This book teaches you every essential scale, chord, and mode you will ever need on guitar, giving you the tools to master the fretboard, improvise with confidence, and compose music with freedom. Keep your practice focused and musical while unlocking new levels of creativity. Use it alongside The Sliding Scale to navigate the neck faster than ever. Every Essential Scale & Chord You Will Ever Need – For Guitar is perfect for guitarists who want to fully understand harmony, play with confidence, and take their playing to the next level.
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