Product Description

The Chord Factory is for all levels and styles of chord explorers, from professional-level guitarists in need of harmonic stimulation and to fill in some "gray areas," to the early-level guitarist just embarking on that fascinating and fun aspect of exploring chords and harmony. This added chord vocabulary and understanding will strengthen all areas of your musical world as a performer and composer.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #42516 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 167 pages

Review
Bill Frisell said - Jon Damian blows my mind! In The Chord Factory, he goes deeper and deeper, daring to go where few, if any, have traveled. He looks around every corner, leaving no stone unturned, and continues to unlock the mystery, wonder, magic, and FUN in music. Jon gives us the keys. I look forward to this next adventure. --Bill Frisell, Grammy-Winning Guitarist

James Valentine said - This fresh look at chords and their construction inspired new ideas for me right away. Jon's unique perspective reveals the rich language inherent in great chord progressions. He never loses sight of the fact that it's not how many chords you know, but how well you use them. Try taking a look at the unique ways that Jon and his imaginary friend Chester see chords. It will open up an expansive new world of expression for you. --James Valentine, Grammy-Winning Guitarist (Maroon 5)

Jim Hall said - What an amazing book! Incredibly detailed and thorough, presenting everything in a clear, sometimes humorous way. Jon Damian has done all of us guitar players a huge favor: He's taken us by the hand to some brand new, exotic places musically. Thanks Jon! I'm happy to work at The Chord Factory. --Jim Hall, Legendary Guitarist and NEA Jazz Masters Fellow

About the Author
Author Jon Damian is an active international performer, composer, arranger, lecturer, clinician, and author. His varied career has included performances with performers ranging from Howard McGhee to Bill Frisell, Linda Ronstadt to Johnny Cash, Luciano Pavarotti to Leonard Bernstein and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and many others. He is considered among the world's foremost thinkers about guitar theory and pedagogy, and is author of The Guitarist's Guide to Composing and Improvising (Berklee Press: 2000). Many of his students have become guitar luminaries, such as Bill Frisell, Wayne Krantz, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Leni Stern, James Valentine, and Mark Whitfield.

Customer Reviews

Another wonderful book by Jon Damian
Jon Damian did it again. Six years after his great first book, he created a book about chords. Again it's full of great ideas, lessons and highly motivational - and, as is the first book - full of Jon's great sense of humor so often missed in the "jazz world". But this book is definetely not only for jazz guitarists, but for guitarists of all styles and levels. Everyone can learn from this book.
It's a DIY-book of some special sort. Jon delivers ideas and starting points, the rest is up to us students - I prefer this method over 1000- page- Chord- bibles, where you don't have to think.
The book is about music and discovery and about our love for the guitar AND full of great-sounding chords. So, buy it, sharpen your pencils and get started in the Chord Factory to build your own chord dictionary.
Both of Jon's book and Mick Goodrick's books are "for the island" - lifetime study material....

This is a must have!!!
I've been playing guitar for about 30 yrs and I'm always looking for new books to spark some creativity and improve my playing. When I say I've bought a lot of guitar/music books over the years...that's an understatement...from Greene to Goodrick and everything in between,... and can honestly say this book along with Jon's first book, are two of the most important and useful books you will ever get. Seriously...I've read 'em all and these 2 books by Jon Damian are special. If you like Wayne Krantz(like me)...or Bill Frisell...or Jim Hall, this book will put you on the fast track....not many... if any, other books I've come across can do this. Jon is a fantastic teacher....that in itself is priceless...combine that with the information in this book and you have gold my friends. Think about what you pay for one guitar lesson....this book is worth that many times over....this is a no-brainer...BUY IT.

Another One for the Tool Box !
Jon was one of the most in demand Teachers at Berklee , I Had Jon As a private Teacher . Jon is a Bit of a Mad Chemist , But its fun .This is not a Jazz how to Standard way , its more Designed for someone Whos Been playing for a while and needs a new spin , Try it out !