Best chord book?

[asa]

Well, ive been looking at mandolin chord books. With so many out there coming to a final decision is tricky. Im looking for a fairly complete/extensive/accurate publication incl chord boxes.

What do you use, recommend?

Thanks

[Jim Broyles]

Scroll down for two chord books by Mandocrucian.
Mel Bay has one called Deluxe Encyclopedia of Mandolin Chords by John Baxter with contributions by Cafe founder Scott Tichenor. I own this one and it is pretty good.

[Chris "Bucket" Thomas]

Niles book:

http://elderly.com/books/items/46-13.htm

[El Greco]

I use MANDOLIN CHORD DICTIONARY HANDY GUIDE by Morton Manus and Mel Bay Deluxe Encyclopedia Of Mandolin Chords .

I like to consult both for different positions. It's nice to have a quick reference to movable chords (they both have that) and also the most frequently used bluegrass and jazz chords with relevant exercises (Mel Bay Deluxe Encyclopedia of Mandolin Chords includes those). Scott Tichenor (Mandolincafe.com) has arranged the patterns in teh Mel Bay chordbook.

They've helped me a lot and they are great reference sources.

[ald]

Deluxe Encyclopedia of Mandolin Chords by John Baxter - that's the only one I use. Extremely reader and player-friendly.

[mandolinmart]

<Comment removed for violating board posting guidelines>

[Rufus]

Perhaps this is not exactly the response you wanted, but I would suggest, in part, learning how the chords are constructed, i.e., a bit of chord theory. Ultimately, I think if you know that, it will be much greater help than having a reference book that shows you a bunch of chords that don't mean anything to you outside of the isolated context of whatever tune incorporates them. Not that a quick reference isn't handy, but I just wouldn't be so concerned about it listing every chord humanly possible -- if you know how to build the chords, that won't be necessary.

[mandroid]

I made up a quick reference, reducing at the photocopier,part of
the Oak published chords and tunings,
and the back of the jethro burns book with its 3 string chords.
Its in a DIY fake book that I write stuff in .
jumbo staff page, reduced nicely to fit. 50%
zip cover for books to contain the pages,on 3 hinge rings, loose leaf .

ohmson's music theory for mandolin; and fretboard roadmaps contain useful stuff too.

[groveland]

<span style='font-size:8pt;line-height:100%'>Perhaps this is not exactly the response you wanted, but I would suggest, in part, learning how the chords are constructed, i.e., a bit of chord theory. #Ultimately, I think if you know that, it will be much greater help than having a reference book that shows you a bunch of chords that don't mean anything to you outside of the isolated context of whatever tune incorporates them. #Not that a quick reference isn't handy, but I just wouldn't be so concerned about it listing every chord humanly possible -- if you know how to build the chords, that won't be necessary.</span>

I second that one!

[MandoSquirrel]

I'll second ,third, or whatever, the Niles Hokkanen chord books, & if you really work with them, you should learn theory as applied to chords so you can make your own when needed. You may even find them useful in improvising melodically, as well.
All of Niles' books are comprehensive theory guides in disguise. If you're at a level to use them, they will work, if you work with them.

[asa]

Anyone know of any UK sites which sell the Niles Hokkanen books?

[mandroid]

Bet Niles will mail you a copy, himself.
Niles you on here?
.. if not he is linked thru the nicely organized LINKS off the home page.

[MandoSquirrel]

jbmando's post, the first response, has the link to Niles' page for them, on here he's "Mandocrucian".

[asa]

Was away to buy both the chord books, but i dont have any of the accepted cards!!!

Does Niles deal with paypal?

[MandoSquirrel]

Don't think so, but Elderly would probably ship to you. Or, if you can wait longer, Niles might take a check or money order.