Reading and Writing Chord Charts: The Music Director's Guide to Communicating with the Band by Bob Barrett (1998, 219 pages). Published by Taylor Made Music: 24651 Via Alvorado Mission Viejo, CA (949) 457-0892

Order directly from Bob Barrett (full-time worship arranger at the "mega" Saddleback Church and for ten years a teacher at Dick Groves School of commercial music in LA) at the address above.

Table of Contents

Part One: Song Form and Chart Layout

1. Song Form--The Road Map

2. Chart Layout--Clear, Concise and Consistent Communication

Part Two: Harmony and Chord Symbols
3. Chord Harmony--Understanding Chord Symbols
4. Standardized Chord Symbols--Effective Chord Symbol Terminology

Part Three: Musical Style & Interpretation

5. Chord Chart Application: The Bass Guitar
6. Chord Chart Application: The Drums
7. Chord Chart Application: The Piano

8. Chord Chart Application: The Guitar

A Final Thought.

Appendix: Resources for Learning

Barrett has the "credentials" and this book is unique and badly needed. Get several copies for your worship team(s)! You won't be disappointed.

The book's tone is not condescending, but encouraging. Barrett's writing style is clear and concise, and the layout and design of the book is inviting. This is not a book hastily thrown together--it's organization is thoughtful. Barrett leads you in a systematic, step-by-step approach. You do not have to have a lot of theory background to benefit, but I'm certain that many worship leaders with even a college background or "major in music" will still benefit greatly.

The book probably has 300 musical examples and a very readable running commentary to go with the examples. After working through his book you should be pretty competent at the basics of writing chord charts for your worship band. If you need to make customized chord charts from a CD for your Sunday morning worship, this book will help you get the job done so your band can perform it without wasted rehearsal time and performing mistakes due to your lack of professionalism. Part three gets into writing charts for pop/rock, ballad, country/western, and funk/r&b styles for the bass, drums, piano, and the guitar. Each instrument is considered independently and also in it's role as an interacting member of the band.

Some of Barrett's goals are to help musicians to improve substantially in their ability to

  • read through chord charts without getting lost
  • understand what is meant by the chord symbols
  • adapt to various musical styles and apply a knowledge of chord symbols to each one.

Bob Barrett is a born-again, dedicated, Christian musician. He hopes the book will improve your capacity "to serve the Lord Jesus with the talent He has given you." He writes, "There is no greater joy in the universe than knowing, loving, and serving our risen Lord and Savior."