The Chord Book
A clear, practical guide to understanding and playing chords everywhere on the fretboard
Learning a few open chords gets you started. Understanding the entire chord system unlocks the whole instrument.
This book gives you that missing bridge.
If you have ever looked at chord names like F sharp 7 add 11 or Cm7 flat 5 and felt lost, you are not alone. Chords quickly get confusing once you go beyond the basics. The Chord Book: Volume 1 takes you from that confusion to confidence by breaking everything down step by step.
What you will learn
1. Where chords come from
The book starts with the major scale, chord construction and how chords are grouped into keys. You learn which chords go together in major and minor keys and why.
2. How to read and understand chord diagrams
Chord boxes are presented horizontally, as if you are looking down at the fretboard, making it intuitive for visual learners.
3. How to play any chord anywhere on the neck
You learn all the core CAGED forms for major, minor and seventh chords, plus how to navigate the fretboard using Root Note Maps. These maps let you play progressions in any position.
4. How chords function in real music
Every chord type includes context: when to use it, how it fits in a key and how to build progressions around it. This includes chord scales, Roman numerals and practical examples.
5. Essential chord extensions and substitutions
The book covers sus chords, add chords, sixth chords, major seventh, minor seventh, dominant seventh and more. You also learn how to use power chords, slash chords, inversions and useful substitutions.
6. Advanced colours and creative options
You explore symmetrical chords such as augmented and diminished seventh chords, including how to use them as passing chords, altered dominants and creative links.
Who this book is for
• Self-taught guitarists who want the full picture
• Players stuck repeating the same shapes
• Anyone confused by extended chord names
• Songwriters seeking better chord options
• Improvisers who want to understand harmony deeply
If you want chords to finally make sense, this book will get you there.
What makes this book different
• Clear visual diagrams
• Step-by-step explanations for every concept
• Practical examples in the key of C for consistent learning
• Moveable shapes taught across the entire fretboard
• Logical progression from fundamentals to advanced harmony
• Appendices full of one-page chord references, scale charts and CAGED maps
It is designed to be a resource you return to for years.
About the author
Ry Naylor is a guitarist and educator known for clear, visual teaching that makes complex ideas simple. His courses and books have helped thousands of players improve their fretboard fluency, confidence and musical understanding.
If you enjoy guitar content that actually makes sense, you will enjoy this book.
Learn smarter
I'll teach you the five 'master' CAGED chord shapes and how (with a knowledge of the chord tones/intervals) each shape can be adjusted to give you all the seventh chords.
A much more efficient way to learn!
The result
By the end of the book you will be able to:
• Understand how any chord is built
• Play chords confidently in every position
• Build progressions anywhere on the neck
• Use substitutions to add colour and movement
• Read chord names without guessing
• Write better songs and sound more musical
This is the foundation most guitarists never get taught.
Students LOVE The Chord Book
"Very intuitive and with great visuals. I've been playing guitar for over 25 years and unfortunately jumped right to riffs without building really any understanding of chords. This book has opened my eyes."
"I’ve bought all of [Ry's] products, and watched most of [Ry's] videos, learning massively as a result. This chord book is just another great example of [Ry's] work, easy to understand and informative."
"I've been wanting to create beautiful chord progressions in my looper to jam over and I think this will give me the knowledge I need. It's a really good book."
"I know how to construct scales and chords and I would say I'm fairly well-versed in basic-intermediate theory. This book has had several "mind blown" moments. Really great stuff. Look forward to really digging in."
"One of the most accessible books on a pretty challenging topic."
"The Chord Book Volume 1 has been the biggest help in my guitar journey so far, really hope that Volume 2 is also available someday!"
Stop guessing at chord shapes.
Start understanding them.
Download the book today and level up your playing.
Before you buy...
- Please note that this product is sold as a digital download (PDF).
- You will be able to download it instantly and print it at home after purchasing it.
- You will receive access to the PDF as soon as you check out.
- As the product is delivered upon confirmation of purchase, I am unable to offer any refund