Hello - I'm new to the forum. I'm currently going through the self-teaching route to learn piano. I'm using Alfred's adult all in one piano course. I'm also using Hanon exercises. As a supplement to these books I'd like to use some comprehensive scale and chord theory/construction books. Does anyone have any good recommendations?

Hi Oscar,

You're going to love this! When I first started out on this piano journey of mine, I scoured local bookstores, music stores, and libraries for information that would allow me to express myself freely at the piano.

Well, one of the first things I came across was something by Jamey Aebersold. Aebersold is a "jazz" man. But don't let that stop you from learning from him.

You see, Jamey brilliantly put down in one slim volume almost everything a modern piano player needs to get started in terms of theory. His scale syllabus is really something special and explains the modes, and scales in a way that you'll really appreciate.

And here's the best news of all. He's giving away his entire groundbreaking book for free! I couldn't believe it myself. But it's true nonetheless.

Visit http://aebersold.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=JAZZ&Category_Code=_HANDBOOK to go to his download page where you'll see the book arranged by chapters. I highly suggest you take a look at ALL this material for it's extremely useful!

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Play New Age Piano
http://www.newagepianolessons.com

Alfred's has a two-set book called Beginning Musicianship and Intermediate Musicianship. These show you the scales (both major and minor), their arpeggios, their candences, and the inversions.

I also know Keith Snell has a scale series (11 books all together, ranging the 'levels' of most examinations. These will progress slowly and easily). He also has a music theory set which follows the same graded system and will reinforce all necessary theory.

Go to your local music store, if you can. There you should be able to browse the different sets and get a feel as to what might work for you.