The Complete RSI Book by John Hayden is a definitive and methodical exploration of one of the most misunderstood yet powerful indicators in technical analysis—the Relative Strength Index (RSI). Hayden goes far beyond the traditional interpretation of overbought and oversold signals to reveal the true behavioral and mathematical foundations that make RSI a dynamic tool for timing, confirmation, and trend analysis.
This book redefines how traders perceive RSI, transforming it from a simplistic oscillator into a multi-dimensional market lens capable of identifying shifts in momentum, divergence, and trend strength long before price reacts. Hayden begins by demystifying the original work of J. Welles Wilder, then expands it with his own decades of trading experience to develop a complete RSI framework—one that integrates market psychology, probability, and structural interpretation.
Through a blend of theory, practical chart examples, and quantitative reasoning, Hayden teaches how to use RSI for trend continuation, reversal spotting, and volatility mapping. He explains how to identify “RSI ranges” that characterize different market phases and how to combine RSI with moving averages, price channels, and other momentum indicators to build a robust trading system.
More importantly, Hayden connects RSI behavior to trader emotion and market sentiment, showing how crowd psychology imprints itself on oscillator behavior. He demonstrates the predictive power of RSI reversals, positive and negative reversals, and failure swings—concepts that elevate it far above simple threshold-based trading.
Each concept is reinforced with real-world chart studies, giving traders the tools to recognize RSI patterns that align with professional-level trade entries and exits. Hayden’s insights encourage disciplined, data-driven trading decisions rooted in logic rather than emotion.
For technical traders, analysts, and quantitative investors, The Complete RSI Book stands as the most comprehensive and scientifically grounded reference on RSI available. It transforms a popular but often-misused indicator into a strategic market compass for precision timing and consistent profitability.
Contents:
Section I – Preparation and Understanding – The Key to Success!
- RSI Math
- Price Behavior
- The Real Nature of The Market place
- Price Behavior
- Basic Retracement Theory
- Summary Section I
Section II – Using the RSI to Trade
- Conventional RSI Use
- Professional RSI Use
- Trend Determination Using RSI
- The Truth About Divergence
- Momentum Discrepancy Reversal Points
- Trend Direction Using Momentum Discrepancy Reversal Points
- The Relationship Between Price & RSI Retracements
- Valid Support & Resistance Price Levels
- Help… A Longer TimeFrame Just Jumped in My Puddle!
- Conclusion
The Complete RSI Book By John Hayden pdf RSI: The Complete Book By John Hayden pdf
8 reviews for RSI: The Complete Book
Clear filtersOnly logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Rhea Pineda (verified owner) –
Minus the mistakes (assuming there were, though I have not done the findings), it is a great book on RSI. I have used RSI for my trading and the techniques mentioned in this book does work. The only disappointment was that it only included a basic review of Fibonacci retracements.
Esperanza Hubbard (verified owner) –
My criteria for good books on trading are: 1) originality of the material; 2) applicability of the material to my own trading; and 3) contribution of the material to the broadening of my trading worldview. This book succeeds on all three points.
I was not previously aware of the multiple uses or depth of the RSI indicator. This book shows how to discern underlying market currents that are not readily obvious through other means. If you are interested in technical indicators, this work might prove to be a profitable read.
Forrest Watson (verified owner) –
This book is poorly written overall and is far from complete and there are quite a few errors. The only thing this book has going for it is that there isn’t much out there on RSI. Yes it is true, a bullish trend is between 40-80 and a bearish trend is between 20-60, however the author does not really explain how to really tell when there is a shift from bullish to bearish and vice versa. I am far from sold on the whole divergence thing allthough it does work from time to time. There is a much simpler way to tell when price is consoladating and how to tell when it is breaking out of consolodation and which direction.
Frankly, I think I am going to write my own book on RSI because it is desperately needed.
Matteo Rasmussen (verified owner) –
I have used RSI in the past but not with the effectiveness I am now, thanks to Mr. Hayden. As a trader I am always looking for that different perspective. Mr.Hayden shows aspects of the market I had not considered before. I found his work original, concise and usable. Thank you Mr. Hayden for enriching my trading.
Gerardo Hail (verified owner) –
Unfortunately there are not very many books on the RSI indicator, or I would have never considered this publication. Although there are a few useful concepts that may be unique with John Hayden, much of what is discussed has been around for quite awhile (80/40 and 60/20, hidden divergences, etc.). Other than support and resistance, RSI patterns are never even discussed. The main complaint here is that the book is absolutely riddled with errors, and many of them in key areas of discussion.
For example: The numbers in the spreadsheet illustrating the RSI formula construction do not add correctly. The author skips from RSI rule #1 to #3 with no mention of #2. Many of the reference labels discussed in the text are missing in the charts. At least one chart is shown in a different time zone than what is under discussion in the text. Be assured, this is only a very small sampling. I have read a few discussions of this book in various trading forums and their complaints are considerably more harsh than mine.
I find it amazing how this book made into publication with so many errors. The whole book, from cover design to content is very unprofessional, especially for the price. I have since contacted the author and publishers inquiring about updates. There has been no response.
Lainey Black (verified owner) –
An interesting book that attempts to use evidence based technical analysis but many studies show that the RSI strategies fail the profitability test. Nevertheless, it is full of good ideas and explanations about what traders do.
Onyx Bradford (verified owner) –
Excellent book.
Please read it many times, go through it while you practice in a demo account. Thanks J. Hayden for teaching how to trade the RSI properly. It is an eye opener book. The second rule not mentioned (as previous reader stated) is on page 62. Also page 72 says which is the rule #2 it is the simple divergence that confirms the existing trend. I recommend this book for all class of traders and from novice to advanced. Thanks once more for this gem i have more confidence with my trading. However have tried to reach Mr. Hayden at the email appearing in the last page but in vain his site does not exist. It should be wise Mr. Hayden to make his appearance through a site and to notify the readers where he can be reached.
Rylie Salazar (verified owner) –
I think it is a good book about RSI as it correct my misunderstanding of how to use RSI before. As there are so little books about RSI, I think it is a must read book for learning it. I bought it From a second hand from Amazon as no more new book available. But still, I enjoyed it so much and thanks a lot, John Hayden.
For those who want to learb more, can also read the “RSI: Logic, signals & time frame correlation” book from Walter J. baeyens. I also bought a second hand from Amazon. Together with John’s book, I learner a lot.