Strings and Ivory: The Exhaustive Book of Scales and Modes - Music

In this review of Strings and Ivory: The Exhaustive Book of Scales and Modes the bottom line is simple: this is a college-level reference for intermediate to advanced musicians who want a compact, usable theory compendium. The book earns its place on the shelf because it organizes scales, modes and formulas in a way that a student or instructor can consult quickly, and the landscape 11 x 8.5 format keeps large diagrams and keyboard layouts readable. If you want a single volume that grows with your technique and songwriting, this review finds it a practical, well-structured tool.

Key Features

• Comprehensive coverage: Presents an exhaustive collection of scales and modes so users can find formulas and patterns without cross-referencing multiple texts.
• College-level structure: Organized for progressive learning so students can revisit sections as they advance in theory and technique.
• Landscape layout: The 11 x 8.5 in format gives space for clear diagrams and keyboard illustrations that are easy to read while playing.
• Color print softback: Color printing helps distinguish notated examples and diagrams for quicker visual comprehension during practice.
• Ready-to-use formulas: All formulas, scales and diagrams are worked out so time is spent on instrument practice rather than derivation.

Who It's For

Strings and Ivory is aimed at intermediate and advanced players, including pianists, guitarists and composers who need a compact reference of scales, modes and music theory formulas. Teachers and college students will appreciate the academic structure and the ready-made diagrams for classroom use.

Beginners who have not learned basic notation or intervallic relationships may find the pace dense; newcomers should pair this book with a beginner method or instructor until comfortable with core concepts.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Well-organized reference that saves time by presenting formulas and scales explicitly.
• Landscape 11 x 8.5 in layout enhances clarity of diagrams and keyboard illustrations.
• Color print improves readability of examples and visual cues within the theory explanations.

Cons

• Written as a college-level reference, it can feel dense for a total beginner without supplemental instruction.

Specifications

Title	Strings and Ivory: The Exhaustive Book of Scales and Modes
Author / Brand	Jeffrey Carl
Format	Softback, color print
Size	11 x 8.5 in (landscape)
Target level	Intermediate to advanced / college-level
Primary use	Reference for scales, modes and formulas

Our Verdict

Strings and Ivory is a practical, well-structured theory reference that delivers value for intermediate and advanced musicians and educators. Its exhaustive approach to scales and modes, combined with color diagrams and a landscape format, makes it a useful daily reference for composition, teaching and practice, though true beginners should supplement it with foundational instruction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for piano players?
Yes. The landscape format and keyboard diagrams make it particularly handy for pianists studying scales and mode relationships.

Does it include worked formulas and examples?
Yes. The book provides formulas, scales and diagrams already worked out so users can apply them directly without deriving each pattern.

Is this a beginner textbook?
Not primarily; it is written at a college level and is best for those with some prior theory knowledge or working with an instructor.