Guitar Improvising

Originally published as a two-volume set (now out of print), this gives a thorough background in the vocabulary of improvisation: scales and arpeggios. It's a 'what to' book, rather than a 'how to' book, but those who are weak on scales and arpeggios will find it a useful supplement. Reading standard notation is shown, beginning with notes in the open position. That's followed by basic scale construction and arpeggios. From there, this book takes you through various chords, scales, and modes used in jazz improvisation, followed by the basics of chord progressions, substitutions, and comping. A brief look at transposition rounds out what was originally volume 1. The second part of the book takes the knowledge you've gained to other positions on the fingerboard. At the end of the book you'll find which scales to use with various altered harmonies, common modulations to other keys, and a few examples of introductions and endings. The book strikes me as good learning outline - almost a method book, but without a great deal of discussion on technique.