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Contemporary Guitar Improvisation Book Reviews

Guitar Player Magazine Reviews of Contemporary Guitar Improvisation
SEE THE MAY 2016 GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE REVIEW HERE!
SEE THE APRIL 2012 GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE REVIEW HERE!

Premier Guitar Magazine May 2012 Story of Contemporary Guitar Improvisation
SEE THE PREMIER GUITAR MAGAZINE STORY HERE!

"... the hand that turns on the light switch in the guitar player's mind..."  (see full quote below)

— Tony Arsene, Los Angeles, California

"...This book is a gold mine for guitar improvisation..."  (see full quote below)

— Chuckster, Guitarist

"There have been a few great music instructors that I have studied with, to advance and expand my knowledge and abilities to play the guitar. Marc Silver is one of these great teachers..."  (see full quote below)

— Aaron Wolfson, LA Session Guitarist, Producer, Songwriter, Performer, Los Angeles, California

"...Wow, man I spent years making my own system of pattern playing and teaching it to others. Now the hard part: I must now tell all my students to get a copy of your system..."  (see full quote below)

— Jim Lair, Lomita, CA

"...The scale patterns presented can produce impressive growth in ANY style of music..."  (see full quote below)

— Bruce Bishop, Recording Artist, Composer, Author, Educator

"...I bought this book many years ago, and it is far and away the best ​guitar book I own... and I probably own 400 music books."  (see full quote below)

— John Borys, Austin, TX

"... you end up understanding what you are doing and why you are doing it..."  (see full quote below)

— Mike R.

"I wish I had known about Contemporary Guitar Improvisation 30 years ago. Thank you for such a valuable resource..."  (see full quote below)

— Shane McMurray, Tuscon, Arizona

"... I HIGHLY recommend this book. It has greatly improved my ability to improvise..."  (see full quote below)

— Gregg Woods, Lead guitarist for Petty Theft

"...Once you learn the shapes and apply them to the chords, the whole fretboard opens up to you..."  (see full quote below)

— Chuckster, Guitarist

"... This book breaks it down in a very simple and logical way..."  (see full quote below)

— Greg Clarke, Woodbridge, New Jersey

"... really opened up new horizons for me ..."  (see full quote below)

— J.A. Courtay, France

"... your book is far better than all the books I have finished before."  (see full quote below)

— Brian Michel, Quebec, Canada

"... I don't normally comment on reviews, etc. But, I am sincerely grateful to Marc and his system..."  (see full quote below)

— Mike R.

"Takes time, but every bit I learn I can use immediately..."  (see full quote below)

— Fred Rickert, Lahaina, Hawaii

"... Best book on the subject - and I have about 30 books on guitar playing - no joke..."  (see full quote below)

— David Raquet, Freemont, Michigan

"...I ​originally​ purchased a copy of your book when I was in my teens and it proved to be invaluable in guiding me through learning the fretboard​,​ and how to improv​ise"  (see full quote below)

— Yamir​ Miranda, Miami, Fl

"... Marc's book and CD is almost as good as having him in your living room teaching you..."  (see full quote below)

— K.S. Chan, Singapore

"...I ​always kept ​Contemporary Guitar Improvisation ​i​n my library of must​-​have​ books​ because it was my first real introduction to a systematic approach to the ​j​azz​/​fusion language that ​worked​​"  (see full quote below)

— Yamir​ Miranda, Miami, Fl

"..Your [book] comes pretty close to the "grail" in terms of building understanding and skills for moving into improvisation..."  (see full quote below)

— Michael Canyon, Long Beach, CA

"...this book is not for everyone, the time and practice required for its mastery separates the men from the boys. Master it, and you will give yourself the gift of REAL improvisational knowledge and understanding..."  (see full quote below)

— Bruce Bishop, Recording Artist, Composer, Author, Educator

"... This is the ONLY method that I recommend for improv to my students..."  (see full quote below)

— Jon Rittmann, Tuscon, Arizona

"The first two lessons of the book have been life-changing! The Five Patterns and the Related Pattern Circle have really opened my eyes to understand how to play across the fingerboard..."  (see full quote below)

— Shane McMurray, Tuscon, Arizona

"...Marc Silver's ​Contemporary Guitar Improvisation​ ​expand​s​ the range of a guitarist's improvised lines and connects chord “colors” to five movable patterns​​"  (see full quote below)

— Carl Verheyen, Lead guitarist for Supertramp, First-call LA Session Guitarist, Recording Artist

"... so happy new generations have access to the magical world of those five patterns and their connectivity across the fingerboard!"  (see full quote below)

— Bonnie Char, Writer/Musician

"... His concept of patterns enabled me to move anywhere I choose on the fretboard during a solo..."  (see full quote below)

— Mike R.

"...I was happy to see that your book is still available and have turned on several players to it."  (see full quote below)

— Michael Canyon, Long Beach, CA

"...This book has shown me a wealth of information about the fingerboard, more than the three guitar instructors I've had over the years and I'm only on the second lesson."  (see full quote below)

— Marcus S., Guitarist

"... the net results are astonishing to say the least. Highly recommended."  (see full quote below)

— K.S. Chan, Singapore

"... THE most informative book that unlocks the mysteries of the fretboard that I have EVER seen..."  (see full quote below)

— Vincent LaBauve, Former lead guitarist for Barry White, Ike Turner, The Chambers Brothers, and the Coasters

"...Why is this book not known more???...This book is exactly what I need.."  (see full quote below)

— Angelo Fiordimondo

"I love your book, it's a whole new world..."  (see full quote below)

— Fred Rickert, Lahaina, Hawaii

"... After only a few chapters, I found myself saying "Oh-- I get it now"..."  (see full quote below)

— Gregg Woods, Lead guitarist for Petty Theft

"... You have laid out everything in a way I have never seen before..."  (see full quote below)

— David Hinds, Lead Guitarist for The Bounty Hunters, Australia

"... one of the definitive reference books for learning to improvise across the entire fingerboard..."  (see full quote below)

— K.S. Chan, Singapore

"This book is outstanding...Very well laid out, and money well spent."  (see full quote below)

— Cornelius Jackson, South Carolina

"... definitely among the three or four most useful guitar music instructional books I have ever bought..."  (see full quote below)

— J.A. Courtay, France

"...The five patterns​... connect to each other to completely open up the fingerboard in a simple, logical manner​ that resonates with the way guitar players think"  (see full quote below)

— Carl Verheyen, Lead guitarist for Supertramp, First-call LA Session Guitarist, Recording Artist

"... it gets right to the point and doesn't waste your time or confuse you..."  (see full quote below)

— Jon Rittmann, Tuscon, Arizona

"...it is far and away the most valuable guitar book I have ever purchased."  (see full quote below)

— Graham Owen, United Kingdom

"...I first got the book around 1999 at a library exchange and the first 10 pages just cracked my head open. Your book had a huge impact on me..."  (see full quote below)

— Travis Mercredi, Canada

"... I recommend it to anyone wanting to broaden their fretboard knowledge!"  (see full quote below)

— Howard Brotine, Chicago, Illinois

"...It was responsible for the "big leap" in my guitar playing..."  (see full quote below)

— Vincent Spaulding, Berkeley, CA

"... I describe Contemporary Guitar Improvisation as The Berklee School of Music in a single book..."  (see full quote below)

— Dan O'Connor, Southington, Connecticut

"... my younger brother borrowed it and became a pretty good player too. Many thanks."  (see full quote below)

— Paul Phillips, Langley, British Columbia

"...I have a lot of books that teach improv, but yours easily tops the list.Thanks again for making this stuff comprehensible!"  (see full quote below)

— Angelo Fiordimondo

"...it helped shape my understanding of improvising incredibly. My soloing ability was noticeably better thanks to this book."  (see full quote below)

— Joey Rotella, Guitarist for Tavares

"Marc Silver's book is for today's guitar player searching for a way to approach contemporary improvisation..."  (see full quote below)

— George Benson, Guitar Legend

"... Contemporary Guitar Improvisation is the single most important book I ever studied."  (see full quote below)

— Chris Pelonis, Lead Guitarist and Musical Director for Jeff Bridges and The Abiders

"...I'm impressed by how ​comprehensive this method is, and ​also with how​ easy it is ​to understand​... which allows you to ​immediately​​ apply these valuable concepts to your playing!""  (see full quote below)

— Carl Verheyen, Lead guitarist for Supertramp, First-call LA Session Guitarist, Recording Artist

"... After I practiced the material in the book for some time, I could feel that my improvisations had a different and a lot richer feel..."  (see full quote below)

— J.A. Courtay, France

"Back in the 90s I had gotten a gig in the pit band of a jazz show and your book saved my life..."  (see full quote below)

— Dan O'Connor, Southington, Connecticut

"... This book is my musical bible."  (see full quote below)

— Vincent LaBauve, Former lead guitarist for Barry White, Ike Turner, The Chambers Brothers, and the Coasters

"... This work can be considered as a reference library for modern harmony and its application to improvised lines on the guitar..."  (see full quote below)

— George Benson, Guitar Legend

"... the hand that turns on the light switch in the guitar player's mind..."  (see full quote below)

— Tony Arsene, Los Angeles, California

"...This book is a gold mine for guitar improvisation..."  (see full quote below)

— Chuckster, Guitarist

"There have been a few great music instructors that I have studied with, to advance and expand my knowledge and abilities to play the guitar. Marc Silver is one of these great teachers..."  (see full quote below)

— Aaron Wolfson, LA Session Guitarist, Producer, Songwriter, Performer, Los Angeles, California

"...Wow, man I spent years making my own system of pattern playing and teaching it to others. Now the hard part: I must now tell all my students to get a copy of your system..."  (see full quote below)

— Jim Lair, Lomita, CA

"...The scale patterns presented can produce impressive growth in ANY style of music..."  (see full quote below)

— Bruce Bishop, Recording Artist, Composer, Author, Educator

"...I bought this book many years ago, and it is far and away the best ​guitar book I own... and I probably own 400 music books."  (see full quote below)

— John Borys, Austin, TX

"... you end up understanding what you are doing and why you are doing it..."  (see full quote below)

— Mike R.

"I wish I had known about Contemporary Guitar Improvisation 30 years ago. Thank you for such a valuable resource..."  (see full quote below)

— Shane McMurray, Tuscon, Arizona

"... I HIGHLY recommend this book. It has greatly improved my ability to improvise..."  (see full quote below)

— Gregg Woods, Lead guitarist for Petty Theft

"...Once you learn the shapes and apply them to the chords, the whole fretboard opens up to you..."  (see full quote below)

— Chuckster, Guitarist

"... This book breaks it down in a very simple and logical way..."  (see full quote below)

— Greg Clarke, Woodbridge, New Jersey

"... really opened up new horizons for me ..."  (see full quote below)

— J.A. Courtay, France

"... your book is far better than all the books I have finished before."  (see full quote below)

— Brian Michel, Quebec, Canada

"... I don't normally comment on reviews, etc. But, I am sincerely grateful to Marc and his system..."  (see full quote below)

— Mike R.

"Takes time, but every bit I learn I can use immediately..."  (see full quote below)

— Fred Rickert, Lahaina, Hawaii

"... Best book on the subject - and I have about 30 books on guitar playing - no joke..."  (see full quote below)

— David Raquet, Freemont, Michigan

"...I ​originally​ purchased a copy of your book when I was in my teens and it proved to be invaluable in guiding me through learning the fretboard​,​ and how to improv​ise"  (see full quote below)

— Yamir​ Miranda, Miami, Fl

"... Marc's book and CD is almost as good as having him in your living room teaching you..."  (see full quote below)

— K.S. Chan, Singapore

"...I ​always kept ​Contemporary Guitar Improvisation ​i​n my library of must​-​have​ books​ because it was my first real introduction to a systematic approach to the ​j​azz​/​fusion language that ​worked​​"  (see full quote below)

— Yamir​ Miranda, Miami, Fl

"..Your [book] comes pretty close to the "grail" in terms of building understanding and skills for moving into improvisation..."  (see full quote below)

— Michael Canyon, Long Beach, CA

"...this book is not for everyone, the time and practice required for its mastery separates the men from the boys. Master it, and you will give yourself the gift of REAL improvisational knowledge and understanding..."  (see full quote below)

— Bruce Bishop, Recording Artist, Composer, Author, Educator

"... This is the ONLY method that I recommend for improv to my students..."  (see full quote below)

— Jon Rittmann, Tuscon, Arizona

"The first two lessons of the book have been life-changing! The Five Patterns and the Related Pattern Circle have really opened my eyes to understand how to play across the fingerboard..."  (see full quote below)

— Shane McMurray, Tuscon, Arizona

"...Marc Silver's ​Contemporary Guitar Improvisation​ ​expand​s​ the range of a guitarist's improvised lines and connects chord “colors” to five movable patterns​​"  (see full quote below)

— Carl Verheyen, Lead guitarist for Supertramp, First-call LA Session Guitarist, Recording Artist

"... so happy new generations have access to the magical world of those five patterns and their connectivity across the fingerboard!"  (see full quote below)

— Bonnie Char, Writer/Musician

"... His concept of patterns enabled me to move anywhere I choose on the fretboard during a solo..."  (see full quote below)

— Mike R.

"...I was happy to see that your book is still available and have turned on several players to it."  (see full quote below)

— Michael Canyon, Long Beach, CA

"...This book has shown me a wealth of information about the fingerboard, more than the three guitar instructors I've had over the years and I'm only on the second lesson."  (see full quote below)

— Marcus S., Guitarist

"... the net results are astonishing to say the least. Highly recommended."  (see full quote below)

— K.S. Chan, Singapore

"... THE most informative book that unlocks the mysteries of the fretboard that I have EVER seen..."  (see full quote below)

— Vincent LaBauve, Former lead guitarist for Barry White, Ike Turner, The Chambers Brothers, and the Coasters

"...Why is this book not known more???...This book is exactly what I need.."  (see full quote below)

— Angelo Fiordimondo

"I love your book, it's a whole new world..."  (see full quote below)

— Fred Rickert, Lahaina, Hawaii

"... After only a few chapters, I found myself saying "Oh-- I get it now"..."  (see full quote below)

— Gregg Woods, Lead guitarist for Petty Theft

"... You have laid out everything in a way I have never seen before..."  (see full quote below)

— David Hinds, Lead Guitarist for The Bounty Hunters, Australia

"... one of the definitive reference books for learning to improvise across the entire fingerboard..."  (see full quote below)

— K.S. Chan, Singapore

"This book is outstanding...Very well laid out, and money well spent."  (see full quote below)

— Cornelius Jackson, South Carolina

"... definitely among the three or four most useful guitar music instructional books I have ever bought..."  (see full quote below)

— J.A. Courtay, France

"...The five patterns​... connect to each other to completely open up the fingerboard in a simple, logical manner​ that resonates with the way guitar players think"  (see full quote below)

— Carl Verheyen, Lead guitarist for Supertramp, First-call LA Session Guitarist, Recording Artist

"... it gets right to the point and doesn't waste your time or confuse you..."  (see full quote below)

— Jon Rittmann, Tuscon, Arizona

"...it is far and away the most valuable guitar book I have ever purchased."  (see full quote below)

— Graham Owen, United Kingdom

"...I first got the book around 1999 at a library exchange and the first 10 pages just cracked my head open. Your book had a huge impact on me..."  (see full quote below)

— Travis Mercredi, Canada

"... I recommend it to anyone wanting to broaden their fretboard knowledge!"  (see full quote below)

— Howard Brotine, Chicago, Illinois

"...It was responsible for the "big leap" in my guitar playing..."  (see full quote below)

— Vincent Spaulding, Berkeley, CA

"... I describe Contemporary Guitar Improvisation as The Berklee School of Music in a single book..."  (see full quote below)

— Dan O'Connor, Southington, Connecticut

"... my younger brother borrowed it and became a pretty good player too. Many thanks."  (see full quote below)

— Paul Phillips, Langley, British Columbia

"...I have a lot of books that teach improv, but yours easily tops the list.Thanks again for making this stuff comprehensible!"  (see full quote below)

— Angelo Fiordimondo

"...it helped shape my understanding of improvising incredibly. My soloing ability was noticeably better thanks to this book."  (see full quote below)

— Joey Rotella, Guitarist for Tavares

"Marc Silver's book is for today's guitar player searching for a way to approach contemporary improvisation..."  (see full quote below)

— George Benson, Guitar Legend

"... Contemporary Guitar Improvisation is the single most important book I ever studied."  (see full quote below)

— Chris Pelonis, Lead Guitarist and Musical Director for Jeff Bridges and The Abiders

"...I'm impressed by how ​comprehensive this method is, and ​also with how​ easy it is ​to understand​... which allows you to ​immediately​​ apply these valuable concepts to your playing!""  (see full quote below)

— Carl Verheyen, Lead guitarist for Supertramp, First-call LA Session Guitarist, Recording Artist

"... After I practiced the material in the book for some time, I could feel that my improvisations had a different and a lot richer feel..."  (see full quote below)

— J.A. Courtay, France

"Back in the 90s I had gotten a gig in the pit band of a jazz show and your book saved my life..."  (see full quote below)

— Dan O'Connor, Southington, Connecticut

"... This book is my musical bible."  (see full quote below)

— Vincent LaBauve, Former lead guitarist for Barry White, Ike Turner, The Chambers Brothers, and the Coasters

"... This work can be considered as a reference library for modern harmony and its application to improvised lines on the guitar..."  (see full quote below)

— George Benson, Guitar Legend

"... the hand that turns on the light switch in the guitar player's mind..."  (see full quote below)

— Tony Arsene, Los Angeles, California

"...This book is a gold mine for guitar improvisation..."  (see full quote below)

— Chuckster, Guitarist

"There have been a few great music instructors that I have studied with, to advance and expand my knowledge and abilities to play the guitar. Marc Silver is one of these great teachers..."  (see full quote below)

— Aaron Wolfson, LA Session Guitarist, Producer, Songwriter, Performer, Los Angeles, California

"...Wow, man I spent years making my own system of pattern playing and teaching it to others. Now the hard part: I must now tell all my students to get a copy of your system..."  (see full quote below)

— Jim Lair, Lomita, CA

"...The scale patterns presented can produce impressive growth in ANY style of music..."  (see full quote below)

— Bruce Bishop, Recording Artist, Composer, Author, Educator

"...I bought this book many years ago, and it is far and away the best ​guitar book I own... and I probably own 400 music books."  (see full quote below)

— John Borys, Austin, TX

"... you end up understanding what you are doing and why you are doing it..."  (see full quote below)

— Mike R.

"I wish I had known about Contemporary Guitar Improvisation 30 years ago. Thank you for such a valuable resource..."  (see full quote below)

— Shane McMurray, Tuscon, Arizona

"... I HIGHLY recommend this book. It has greatly improved my ability to improvise..."  (see full quote below)

— Gregg Woods, Lead guitarist for Petty Theft

"...Once you learn the shapes and apply them to the chords, the whole fretboard opens up to you..."  (see full quote below)

— Chuckster, Guitarist

"... This book breaks it down in a very simple and logical way..."  (see full quote below)

— Greg Clarke, Woodbridge, New Jersey

"... really opened up new horizons for me ..."  (see full quote below)

— J.A. Courtay, France

"... your book is far better than all the books I have finished before."  (see full quote below)

— Brian Michel, Quebec, Canada

"... I don't normally comment on reviews, etc. But, I am sincerely grateful to Marc and his system..."  (see full quote below)

— Mike R.

"Takes time, but every bit I learn I can use immediately..."  (see full quote below)

— Fred Rickert, Lahaina, Hawaii

"... Best book on the subject - and I have about 30 books on guitar playing - no joke..."  (see full quote below)

— David Raquet, Freemont, Michigan

"...I ​originally​ purchased a copy of your book when I was in my teens and it proved to be invaluable in guiding me through learning the fretboard​,​ and how to improv​ise"  (see full quote below)

— Yamir​ Miranda, Miami, Fl

"... Marc's book and CD is almost as good as having him in your living room teaching you..."  (see full quote below)

— K.S. Chan, Singapore

"...I ​always kept ​Contemporary Guitar Improvisation ​i​n my library of must​-​have​ books​ because it was my first real introduction to a systematic approach to the ​j​azz​/​fusion language that ​worked​​"  (see full quote below)

— Yamir​ Miranda, Miami, Fl

"..Your [book] comes pretty close to the "grail" in terms of building understanding and skills for moving into improvisation..."  (see full quote below)

— Michael Canyon, Long Beach, CA

"...this book is not for everyone, the time and practice required for its mastery separates the men from the boys. Master it, and you will give yourself the gift of REAL improvisational knowledge and understanding..."  (see full quote below)

— Bruce Bishop, Recording Artist, Composer, Author, Educator

"... This is the ONLY method that I recommend for improv to my students..."  (see full quote below)

— Jon Rittmann, Tuscon, Arizona

"The first two lessons of the book have been life-changing! The Five Patterns and the Related Pattern Circle have really opened my eyes to understand how to play across the fingerboard..."  (see full quote below)

— Shane McMurray, Tuscon, Arizona

"...Marc Silver's ​Contemporary Guitar Improvisation​ ​expand​s​ the range of a guitarist's improvised lines and connects chord “colors” to five movable patterns​​"  (see full quote below)

— Carl Verheyen, Lead guitarist for Supertramp, First-call LA Session Guitarist, Recording Artist

"... so happy new generations have access to the magical world of those five patterns and their connectivity across the fingerboard!"  (see full quote below)

— Bonnie Char, Writer/Musician

"... His concept of patterns enabled me to move anywhere I choose on the fretboard during a solo..."  (see full quote below)

— Mike R.

"...I was happy to see that your book is still available and have turned on several players to it."  (see full quote below)

— Michael Canyon, Long Beach, CA

"...This book has shown me a wealth of information about the fingerboard, more than the three guitar instructors I've had over the years and I'm only on the second lesson."  (see full quote below)

— Marcus S., Guitarist

"... the net results are astonishing to say the least. Highly recommended."  (see full quote below)

— K.S. Chan, Singapore

"... THE most informative book that unlocks the mysteries of the fretboard that I have EVER seen..."  (see full quote below)

— Vincent LaBauve, Former lead guitarist for Barry White, Ike Turner, The Chambers Brothers, and the Coasters

"...Why is this book not known more???...This book is exactly what I need.."  (see full quote below)

— Angelo Fiordimondo

"I love your book, it's a whole new world..."  (see full quote below)

— Fred Rickert, Lahaina, Hawaii

"... After only a few chapters, I found myself saying "Oh-- I get it now"..."  (see full quote below)

— Gregg Woods, Lead guitarist for Petty Theft

"... You have laid out everything in a way I have never seen before..."  (see full quote below)

— David Hinds, Lead Guitarist for The Bounty Hunters, Australia

"... one of the definitive reference books for learning to improvise across the entire fingerboard..."  (see full quote below)

— K.S. Chan, Singapore

"This book is outstanding...Very well laid out, and money well spent."  (see full quote below)

— Cornelius Jackson, South Carolina

"... definitely among the three or four most useful guitar music instructional books I have ever bought..."  (see full quote below)

— J.A. Courtay, France

"...The five patterns​... connect to each other to completely open up the fingerboard in a simple, logical manner​ that resonates with the way guitar players think"  (see full quote below)

— Carl Verheyen, Lead guitarist for Supertramp, First-call LA Session Guitarist, Recording Artist

"... it gets right to the point and doesn't waste your time or confuse you..."  (see full quote below)

— Jon Rittmann, Tuscon, Arizona

"...it is far and away the most valuable guitar book I have ever purchased."  (see full quote below)

— Graham Owen, United Kingdom

"...I first got the book around 1999 at a library exchange and the first 10 pages just cracked my head open. Your book had a huge impact on me..."  (see full quote below)

— Travis Mercredi, Canada

"... I recommend it to anyone wanting to broaden their fretboard knowledge!"  (see full quote below)

— Howard Brotine, Chicago, Illinois

"...It was responsible for the "big leap" in my guitar playing..."  (see full quote below)

— Vincent Spaulding, Berkeley, CA

"... I describe Contemporary Guitar Improvisation as The Berklee School of Music in a single book..."  (see full quote below)

— Dan O'Connor, Southington, Connecticut

"... my younger brother borrowed it and became a pretty good player too. Many thanks."  (see full quote below)

— Paul Phillips, Langley, British Columbia

"...I have a lot of books that teach improv, but yours easily tops the list.Thanks again for making this stuff comprehensible!"  (see full quote below)

— Angelo Fiordimondo

"...it helped shape my understanding of improvising incredibly. My soloing ability was noticeably better thanks to this book."  (see full quote below)

— Joey Rotella, Guitarist for Tavares

"Marc Silver's book is for today's guitar player searching for a way to approach contemporary improvisation..."  (see full quote below)

— George Benson, Guitar Legend

"... Contemporary Guitar Improvisation is the single most important book I ever studied."  (see full quote below)

— Chris Pelonis, Lead Guitarist and Musical Director for Jeff Bridges and The Abiders

"...I'm impressed by how ​comprehensive this method is, and ​also with how​ easy it is ​to understand​... which allows you to ​immediately​​ apply these valuable concepts to your playing!""  (see full quote below)

— Carl Verheyen, Lead guitarist for Supertramp, First-call LA Session Guitarist, Recording Artist

"... After I practiced the material in the book for some time, I could feel that my improvisations had a different and a lot richer feel..."  (see full quote below)

— J.A. Courtay, France

"Back in the 90s I had gotten a gig in the pit band of a jazz show and your book saved my life..."  (see full quote below)

— Dan O'Connor, Southington, Connecticut

"... This book is my musical bible."  (see full quote below)

— Vincent LaBauve, Former lead guitarist for Barry White, Ike Turner, The Chambers Brothers, and the Coasters

"... This work can be considered as a reference library for modern harmony and its application to improvised lines on the guitar..."  (see full quote below)

— George Benson, Guitar Legend

"... the hand that turns on the light switch in the guitar player's mind..."  (see full quote below)

— Tony Arsene, Los Angeles, California

"...This book is a gold mine for guitar improvisation..."  (see full quote below)

— Chuckster, Guitarist

"There have been a few great music instructors that I have studied with, to advance and expand my knowledge and abilities to play the guitar. Marc Silver is one of these great teachers..."  (see full quote below)

— Aaron Wolfson, LA Session Guitarist, Producer, Songwriter, Performer, Los Angeles, California

"...Wow, man I spent years making my own system of pattern playing and teaching it to others. Now the hard part: I must now tell all my students to get a copy of your system..."  (see full quote below)

— Jim Lair, Lomita, CA

"...The scale patterns presented can produce impressive growth in ANY style of music..."  (see full quote below)

— Bruce Bishop, Recording Artist, Composer, Author, Educator

"...I bought this book many years ago, and it is far and away the best ​guitar book I own... and I probably own 400 music books."  (see full quote below)

— John Borys, Austin, TX

"... you end up understanding what you are doing and why you are doing it..."  (see full quote below)

— Mike R.

"I wish I had known about Contemporary Guitar Improvisation 30 years ago. Thank you for such a valuable resource..."  (see full quote below)

— Shane McMurray, Tuscon, Arizona

"... I HIGHLY recommend this book. It has greatly improved my ability to improvise..."  (see full quote below)

— Gregg Woods, Lead guitarist for Petty Theft

"...Once you learn the shapes and apply them to the chords, the whole fretboard opens up to you..."  (see full quote below)

— Chuckster, Guitarist

"... This book breaks it down in a very simple and logical way..."  (see full quote below)

— Greg Clarke, Woodbridge, New Jersey

"... really opened up new horizons for me ..."  (see full quote below)

— J.A. Courtay, France

"... your book is far better than all the books I have finished before."  (see full quote below)

— Brian Michel, Quebec, Canada

"... I don't normally comment on reviews, etc. But, I am sincerely grateful to Marc and his system..."  (see full quote below)

— Mike R.

"Takes time, but every bit I learn I can use immediately..."  (see full quote below)

— Fred Rickert, Lahaina, Hawaii

"... Best book on the subject - and I have about 30 books on guitar playing - no joke..."  (see full quote below)

— David Raquet, Freemont, Michigan

"...I ​originally​ purchased a copy of your book when I was in my teens and it proved to be invaluable in guiding me through learning the fretboard​,​ and how to improv​ise"  (see full quote below)

— Yamir​ Miranda, Miami, Fl

"... Marc's book and CD is almost as good as having him in your living room teaching you..."  (see full quote below)

— K.S. Chan, Singapore

"...I ​always kept ​Contemporary Guitar Improvisation ​i​n my library of must​-​have​ books​ because it was my first real introduction to a systematic approach to the ​j​azz​/​fusion language that ​worked​​"  (see full quote below)

— Yamir​ Miranda, Miami, Fl

"..Your [book] comes pretty close to the "grail" in terms of building understanding and skills for moving into improvisation..."  (see full quote below)

— Michael Canyon, Long Beach, CA

"...this book is not for everyone, the time and practice required for its mastery separates the men from the boys. Master it, and you will give yourself the gift of REAL improvisational knowledge and understanding..."  (see full quote below)

— Bruce Bishop, Recording Artist, Composer, Author, Educator

"... This is the ONLY method that I recommend for improv to my students..."  (see full quote below)

— Jon Rittmann, Tuscon, Arizona

"The first two lessons of the book have been life-changing! The Five Patterns and the Related Pattern Circle have really opened my eyes to understand how to play across the fingerboard..."  (see full quote below)

— Shane McMurray, Tuscon, Arizona

"...Marc Silver's ​Contemporary Guitar Improvisation​ ​expand​s​ the range of a guitarist's improvised lines and connects chord “colors” to five movable patterns​​"  (see full quote below)

— Carl Verheyen, Lead guitarist for Supertramp, First-call LA Session Guitarist, Recording Artist

"... so happy new generations have access to the magical world of those five patterns and their connectivity across the fingerboard!"  (see full quote below)

— Bonnie Char, Writer/Musician

"... His concept of patterns enabled me to move anywhere I choose on the fretboard during a solo..."  (see full quote below)

— Mike R.

"...I was happy to see that your book is still available and have turned on several players to it."  (see full quote below)

— Michael Canyon, Long Beach, CA

"...This book has shown me a wealth of information about the fingerboard, more than the three guitar instructors I've had over the years and I'm only on the second lesson."  (see full quote below)

— Marcus S., Guitarist

"... the net results are astonishing to say the least. Highly recommended."  (see full quote below)

— K.S. Chan, Singapore

"... THE most informative book that unlocks the mysteries of the fretboard that I have EVER seen..."  (see full quote below)

— Vincent LaBauve, Former lead guitarist for Barry White, Ike Turner, The Chambers Brothers, and the Coasters

"...Why is this book not known more???...This book is exactly what I need.."  (see full quote below)

— Angelo Fiordimondo

"I love your book, it's a whole new world..."  (see full quote below)

— Fred Rickert, Lahaina, Hawaii

"... After only a few chapters, I found myself saying "Oh-- I get it now"..."  (see full quote below)

— Gregg Woods, Lead guitarist for Petty Theft

"... You have laid out everything in a way I have never seen before..."  (see full quote below)

— David Hinds, Lead Guitarist for The Bounty Hunters, Australia

"... one of the definitive reference books for learning to improvise across the entire fingerboard..."  (see full quote below)

— K.S. Chan, Singapore

"This book is outstanding...Very well laid out, and money well spent."  (see full quote below)

— Cornelius Jackson, South Carolina

"... definitely among the three or four most useful guitar music instructional books I have ever bought..."  (see full quote below)

— J.A. Courtay, France

"...The five patterns​... connect to each other to completely open up the fingerboard in a simple, logical manner​ that resonates with the way guitar players think"  (see full quote below)

— Carl Verheyen, Lead guitarist for Supertramp, First-call LA Session Guitarist, Recording Artist

"... it gets right to the point and doesn't waste your time or confuse you..."  (see full quote below)

— Jon Rittmann, Tuscon, Arizona

"...it is far and away the most valuable guitar book I have ever purchased."  (see full quote below)

— Graham Owen, United Kingdom

"...I first got the book around 1999 at a library exchange and the first 10 pages just cracked my head open. Your book had a huge impact on me..."  (see full quote below)

— Travis Mercredi, Canada

"... I recommend it to anyone wanting to broaden their fretboard knowledge!"  (see full quote below)

— Howard Brotine, Chicago, Illinois

"...It was responsible for the "big leap" in my guitar playing..."  (see full quote below)

— Vincent Spaulding, Berkeley, CA

"... I describe Contemporary Guitar Improvisation as The Berklee School of Music in a single book..."  (see full quote below)

— Dan O'Connor, Southington, Connecticut

"... my younger brother borrowed it and became a pretty good player too. Many thanks."  (see full quote below)

— Paul Phillips, Langley, British Columbia

"...I have a lot of books that teach improv, but yours easily tops the list.Thanks again for making this stuff comprehensible!"  (see full quote below)

— Angelo Fiordimondo

"...it helped shape my understanding of improvising incredibly. My soloing ability was noticeably better thanks to this book."  (see full quote below)

— Joey Rotella, Guitarist for Tavares

"Marc Silver's book is for today's guitar player searching for a way to approach contemporary improvisation..."  (see full quote below)

— George Benson, Guitar Legend

"... Contemporary Guitar Improvisation is the single most important book I ever studied."  (see full quote below)

— Chris Pelonis, Lead Guitarist and Musical Director for Jeff Bridges and The Abiders

"...I'm impressed by how ​comprehensive this method is, and ​also with how​ easy it is ​to understand​... which allows you to ​immediately​​ apply these valuable concepts to your playing!""  (see full quote below)

— Carl Verheyen, Lead guitarist for Supertramp, First-call LA Session Guitarist, Recording Artist

"... After I practiced the material in the book for some time, I could feel that my improvisations had a different and a lot richer feel..."  (see full quote below)

— J.A. Courtay, France

"Back in the 90s I had gotten a gig in the pit band of a jazz show and your book saved my life..."  (see full quote below)

— Dan O'Connor, Southington, Connecticut

"... This book is my musical bible."  (see full quote below)

— Vincent LaBauve, Former lead guitarist for Barry White, Ike Turner, The Chambers Brothers, and the Coasters

"... This work can be considered as a reference library for modern harmony and its application to improvised lines on the guitar..."  (see full quote below)

— George Benson, Guitar Legend

"Marc Silver's book is for today's guitar player searching for a way to approach contemporary improvisation. This work can be considered as a reference library for modern harmony and its application to improvised lines on the guitar. It can also help bring about a better understanding of what one is already doing. I consider this book to be a most helpful musical tool in putting it all together. It's for today's modern, versatile mind."
— George Benson
Guitar Legend

Marc Silver with legendary guitarist George Benson
Marc Silver & George Benson 2013

"Marc Silver's ​Contemporary Guitar Improvisation​ ​expand​s​ the range of a guitarist’s improvised lines and connects chord “colors” to five movable patterns​.​​ ​The five patterns​ also connect to each other to completely open up the fingerboard in a simple, logical manner​ that resonates with the way guitar players think​. I’m impressed by how ​comprehensive this method is, and ​also with how​ ​​​easy it is​ ​​to understand​... which allows you to ​immediately​​ apply these valuable concepts to your playing!"
— Carl Verheyen
Lead guitarist for Supertramp, First-call LA Session Guitarist, Recording Artist, Songwriter, Arranger, Producer, Author, Educator

Carl Verheyen -
Carl Verheyen - 2016

"Marc Silver's book, Contemporary Guitar Improvisation is where 90% of what I do comes from. It is, in my opinion, THE most informative book that unlocks the mysteries of the fretboard that I have EVER seen. This book is my musical bible."
— Vincent LaBauve
Former lead guitarist for Barry White, Ike Turner, The Chambers Brothers, and The Coasters

Former lead guitarist for Barry White, Ike Turner, The Chambers Brothers, and The Coasters

"Contemporary Guitar Improvisation is the single most important book I ever studied."
— Chris Pelonis
Lead Guitarist and Musical Director for Jeff Bridges and The Abiders

"There have been a few great music instructors that I have studied with, to advance and expand my knowledge and abilities to play the guitar. Marc Silver is one of these great teachers. His approach has certain key ideas that will help you achieve higher levels of playing music."
— Aaron Wolfson
LA Session Guitarist, Producer, Songwriter, Performer

"The openness of Marc's approach is of great importance. The scale patterns presented can produce impressive growth in ANY style of music. Let's face it, this book is not for everyone, the time and practice required for its mastery separates the men from the boys. Master it, and you will give yourself the gift of REAL improvisational knowledge and understanding. The keys are here to unlock your own unique style, it's up to you."
— Bruce Bishop
Recording Artist, Composer, Author, Educator

"I am the guitarist for the Grammy-winning group, Tavares, and I studied from this book back in the 80s. I only got through a small portion back then and lost the book on the road... and still it helped shape my understanding of improvising incredibly. My soloing ability was noticeably better thanks to this book. Very excited to see it in publication again! Happy, happy, happy..."
— Joey Rotella
Guitarist for Tavares

"This book is TERRIFIC!!! Before reading Marc Silver's book, I must have bought 9 or 10 other "learn to Improvise" books and did not really understand any of them! Contemporary Guitar Improvisation presents the scales / modes and what chords you can play them against in a very easy to understand way. After only a few chapters I found myself saying "Oh--I get it now!!" In fact, once I had gone thru Marc's book, I went back and found that I could now understand what all the previous books I had been trying to say. I HIGHLY recommend this book. It has greatly improved my ability to improvise. With the system presented, I now understand what scales / modes I can play against what chords, and how to get to those scales easily within the entire range of the fretboard."
— Gregg Woods
Lead guitarist for Petty Theft

"I have taught over 2,000 students since the 1970's. This is the ONLY method I recommend for improv to my students as it gets right to the point and doesn’t waste your time or confuse you... like 99% of all other methods seem to do. I have noticed other people try to copy this method over the years, but this is the original and Marc knows how to teach, so order it today – you will wonder why you didn’t start using this a long time ago."
— Jon Rittmann
Tucson, Arizona

"I have been playing guitar for 43 years professionally, and my credo is, you can never stop learning. I flipped through the book this afternoon and I am going back to school. You have laid out everything in a way I have never seen before, and I am going to follow your method step by step as you say, even as I continue to play and record with my band. At the age of 57, I think I have a lot to learn yet! Thanking you in music,"
— David Hinds
Lead Guitarist for The Bounty Hunters
Australia

"As a young guitarist, one of the first serious books that helped take me to a better overall understanding of the guitar fretboard and how to best utilize it for improvisation was a book by Marc Silver, entitled Contemporary Guitar Improvisation. I still have my original spiral-bound copy and still use it as a practice guide, as it is chocked full of a lifetime's worth of valuable theory. My cassette has long disintegrated, the the lessons that Marc has shared continue to propel me further into the vastness of sonic creations! I am so glad this book entered my life when it did and I recommend it to anyone wanting to broaden their fretboard knowledge!"
— Howard Brotine
Guitarist
Chicago, IL

"Hey Marc! Just ordered the book and I wanted to say thank you for reprinting it. I've been staring at exorbitant-priced used copies for years now. I first got the book around 1999 at a library exchange and the first 10 pages just cracked my head open. Your book had a huge impact on me. Then I lent it to a friend who was struggling with fretboard concepts and never saw it again. I have kept the cassette around all these years in the faint hope getting another crack at this book. Looking forward to working with it again! All the Best!"
— Travis Mercredi
Guitarist
Canada

"The first two lessons of the book have been life-changing! The Five Patterns and the Related Pattern Circle have really opened my eyes to understand how to play across the fingerboard. I wish I had known about Contemporary Guitar Improvisation 30 years ago. Thank you for such a valuable resource… that's why I'm ordering a second book for a friend."
— Shane McMurray
Guitarist
Tuscon, Arizona

"I took Marc Silver's class (taught from his book) at Dick Grove's school around 1979/80. The class was full. Marc taught a very good class. I came from a pentatonic rock background wanting to expand my knowledge of the fretboard. Marc's book and class nailed it for me. Most guitarists think in patterns when they are soloing. His concept was easy to grasp and enabled me to play solos over key changes as well as chord changes. You don't need to be a sight reader to study his course. His concept of patterns enabled me to move anywhere I choose on the fretboard during a solo. OR...to stay in one place on the fretboard and follow any chord or key changes. This course also teaches you the music theory behind these patterns. So, you end up understanding what you are doing and why you are doing it. I don't normally comment on reviews, etc. But, I am grateful to Marc and his system. Marc, if you read this, I am sincerely grateful."
— Mike R.

"I picked up the book without a CD from a music store 10 years ago. I love it! Best book on the subject - and I have about 30 books on guitar playing - no joke. I saw the book & CD noted in Guitar Player magazine and now ordered the replacement CD. I am very excited about this find! I wondered when your book would be available again! I hope every aspiring guitar player gets a copy. Thanks so much for your work!"
— David Raquet
Freemont, MI

"Marc's system of improvisational guitar teaching is the hand that turns on the light switch in the guitarist's mind so that he really does understand what he is doing, and where he is going on the fingerboard. To be able to play that weird chord passage, and to intuitively know how to improvise with it, has gotten this 9th chord funk player smiles and nods of respect from jazz players."
— Tony Arsene
Los Angeles, CA

"I bought Contemporary Guitar Improvisation by Marc Silver in 1982 and I must say that that book really opened up new horizons for me. Prior to that purchase, I used to improvise using pentatonic or blues scales exclusively. After I practiced the material in the book for some time, I could feel that my improvisations had a different and a lot richer feel. So many years later, I still use the five patterns presented in the book as a basis for most of my improvisations in any style of music. Contemporary Guitar Improvisation is definitely among the three or four most useful guitar music instructional books I have ever bought. Thanks a lot Marc."
— J.A. Courtay
France

"I wanted to let you know that your book is far better than all the books I have finished before."
— Brian Michel
Quebec, Canada

"Back in the 90's I had gotten a gig in the pit band of a jazz show and your book saved my life. I got all of the necessary chords and substitutions from the book. You have the best easiest to use and remember system on chords. In the last year or so I wasted $125 on jamplay.com and have looked at countless you tube lessons, DVD packages and the like. I finally remembered your course and dug it out. It's far superior to everything out there today. I describe Contemporary Guitar Improvisation as The Berklee School of Music in a single book. Thanks for writing it."
— Dan O'Connor
Southington, CT

"I finally found my original copy of your amazing book, bought from Dick Grove School of Music in the late '70s; so happy new generations have access to the magical world of those five patterns and their connectivity across the fingerboard!"
— Bonnie Char
Writer/Musician

"I just wanted to thank you for a very informative book. I read the reviews and was a bit skeptical, because I have read many books on this topic that don't really deliver the goods. This book breaks it down in a very simple and logical way. Thanks again."
— Greg Clarke
Woodbridge, New Jersey

"Contemporary Guitar Improvisation is one of the definitive reference books for learning to improvise across the entire fingerboard. Learning from Marc’s book and CD is almost as good as having him in your living room teaching you the detailed nuances of his unique system.Although Marc modestly states his system is “conceived out of SOUND, not theory,” his book is essentially where theory and praxis meet. For example, after mastering the 5 patterns with their chord and fingerboard applications in lessons 1 & 2, I moved into lesson 3, which deals with applying the 5 patterns to sightreading. The layout of the “Sightreading Application” section, mapping out the notes of the fingerboard in relation to the 5 patterns is alone worth the price of the book. And then there are 5 more lessons that take you even further. If one is willing to devote time to a structured learning program, this is the book - the net results are astonishing to say the least. Highly recommended.
— K.S. Chan
Singapore

"Greetings. Just a quick note to let you know the book and CD arrived in excellent shape. I had a copy of Contemporary Guitar Improvisation with the cassette some 30+ years ago. I'm very pleased to see it is available again... and to own another copy. Also, my younger brother borrowed it and become a pretty good player too. Many thanks. "
— Paul Phillips
Langley, British Columbia

"This book is outstanding. Been playing a long time, and I know all of the positions well. But I don't think anyone has ever displayed chords to play over in this way. Very well laid out, and money well spent."
— Cornelius Jackson
South Carolina

"I love your book, it's a whole new world. Takes time, but every bit I learn I can use immediately. Thanks again."
— Fred Rickert
Lahaina, Hawaii

"I ordered your Contemporary Guitar Improvisation book, and I have to say that it is fantastic. Why is this book not known more??? I don't remember how I stumbled upon your website, but I'm sure glad that I did. This book is exactly what I need. I have a lot of books that teach improv, but yours easily tops the list. Thanks again for making this stuff comprehensible!"
— Angelo Fiordimondo

"I have a very copious library of instructional books (always looking for the holy grail). Yours comes pretty close to the "grail" in terms of building understanding and skills for moving into improvisation. I was happy to see that your book is still available and have turned on several players to it."
— Michael Canyon
Long Beach, CA

"I originally​ purchased a copy of your book when I was in my teens and it proved to be invaluable in guiding me through learning the fretboard​,​ and how to improv​ise​.​ ​​In my twenties I attended GIT and later went to Berklee​. ​​​​Though I was exposed to many different method​s​ and publications​,​ ​I ​always kept ​Contemporary Guitar Improvisation ​i​n my library of must​-​have​ books​ because it was my first real introduction to a systematic approach to the ​j​azz​ /fusion language that ​worked​​. ​I am delighted it is back on print and​ I have​ finally have replaced my lost copy.​ ​Thank you so much Marc for sharing your method and I wish you continued success and many blessings."
— Yamir​ Miranda
Miami, Fl

"I bought this book many years ago, and it is far and away the best ​guitar book I own... and I probably own 400 music books. Hoping you write another book at some point."
— John Borys
Austin, TX

"This book is a gold mine for guitar improvisation. Once you learn the five basic shapes and which chords to apply them to, the training wheels come off and you will be improvising across the entire neck in different keys. I have a whole library of books on Jazz Guitar and most of them claim to teach improvisation. This is the first book that I found that really does give you the tools to improvise freely. I also found out that once I learned the shapes, I would hear solos by famous players, or see transcriptions of solos and realize they are contained in these shapes and chords. Once you learn the shapes and apply them to the chords, the whole fretboard opens up to you. Obviously, the book alone wont make you a great player, but it does make it hard to hit a wrong note!"
— Chuckster
Guitarist

"Good day and I'd like to show my appreciation for you bringing back this great improvisational method book for budding musicians such as myself. Thank you, Marc. I have learned so much more about improvisation. This book has shown me a wealth of information about the fingerboard, more than the three guitar instructors I've had over the years and I'm only on the second lesson."
— Marcus S.
Guitarist

"Marc, I bought your book when it first came out in 1978. It was responsible for the "big leap" in my guitar playing. Thanks so much for writing it."
— Vincent Spaulding
Berkeley, CA

"Marc, I just received your book. Wow, man I spent years making my own system of pattern playing and teaching it to others. Now the hard part: I must now tell all my students to get a copy of your system. Well, while my system is very similar to yours, in that I have 5 basic patterns, but I also have ancillary patterns when playing in root 1,2, and 3 (string sets). In short, I like yours. I will follow your system to its end."
— Jim Lair
Lomita, CA

"With the replacement CD it will be fun to have the audio portion of the book again. Contemporary Guitar Improvisation is the one teaching method I own that has stood the test of time... over 35 years! Thanks again for a well-worn, battered, and annotated book that has been my companion, map, and guide for such a long time. I can't remember how much I paid for it, but it is far and away the most valuable guitar book I have ever purchased."
— Graham Owen
United Kingdom

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