Breaking the Sound Barrier with Scales and Numerical Theory
by Schell Barkley
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About the Book
Breaking the Sound Barrier with Scales and Numerical Theory is a fast-moving, idea-driven guide to scale theory and improvisation for guitarists who want to understand why things work, not just memorize shapes.
Rather than presenting scales as isolated fingerings, this book approaches harmony and improvisation through numerical relationships, interval structures, and repeatable patterns on the fretboard. The emphasis is on clarity, connection, and practical application—helping players recognize sounds, reproduce them reliably, and develop original musical ideas.
The material is applicable across styles, including rock, jazz, blues, and funk-based music. Throughout the book, scale concepts are reinforced with musical examples and chord progressions, encouraging exploration and real-world use rather than rote practice.
Originally developed through decades of teaching and refinement, Breaking the Sound Barrier brings together multiple theoretical ideas into a single, coherent approach. It is intended for serious students, educators, and self-directed musicians who are comfortable thinking beyond labels and are interested in the deeper structure of the fretboard.
This edition preserves the original instructional intent while presenting the material in a clear, focused format suitable for long-term study.
Rather than presenting scales as isolated fingerings, this book approaches harmony and improvisation through numerical relationships, interval structures, and repeatable patterns on the fretboard. The emphasis is on clarity, connection, and practical application—helping players recognize sounds, reproduce them reliably, and develop original musical ideas.
The material is applicable across styles, including rock, jazz, blues, and funk-based music. Throughout the book, scale concepts are reinforced with musical examples and chord progressions, encouraging exploration and real-world use rather than rote practice.
Originally developed through decades of teaching and refinement, Breaking the Sound Barrier brings together multiple theoretical ideas into a single, coherent approach. It is intended for serious students, educators, and self-directed musicians who are comfortable thinking beyond labels and are interested in the deeper structure of the fretboard.
This edition preserves the original instructional intent while presenting the material in a clear, focused format suitable for long-term study.
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Features & Details
- Primary Category: Arts & Photography Books
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Project Option: 8×10 in, 20×25 cm
# of Pages: 80 -
Isbn
- Softcover: 9798261135739
- Publish Date: Jan 13, 2026
- Language English
- Keywords guitar, music, scale
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