Playing the guitar is a passion for many, and it's not hard to see why. The instrument can produce a wide range of sounds, from mellow and soothing to electrifying and energizing. However, learning to play the guitar can be a challenging task, especially for beginners. One of the most effective ways to learn is by using books that provide step-by-step guidance and exercises.
The best books for guitarists can help beginners learn the basics of the instrument, such as how to hold the guitar, how to tune it, and how to read music. These books can also help intermediate and advanced players improve their skills by providing more advanced techniques and exercises.
When choosing a guitar book, it's essential to consider the skill level of the player. Beginners should look for books that provide clear and concise instructions with plenty of illustrations and diagrams. Intermediate and advanced players should look for books that provide more challenging exercises and techniques.
Additionally, it's important to consider the genre of music the player is interested in. Some books focus on specific genres, such as rock or blues, while others provide a more general overview of the instrument.
We spent hours researching and testing various guitar books to identify the ones that provide the best guidance and exercises for players of all skill levels.
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Best Books for Guitarists
For any guitarist, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, there's always something new to learn. That's why we've put together a list of the best books for guitarists. From technique to theory to history, these books cover a range of topics to help you improve your skills and deepen your understanding of the instrument. So whether you're looking to master a new style or just want to brush up on the basics, these books are sure to help you take your playing to the next level.
Music Theory for Guitarists: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask (Guitar Method)
If you want to learn music theory to develop as a musician and understand how scales and chords work and are put together, then Music Theory for Guitarists is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Concise and comprehensive overview of music theory for guitarists
- Includes chord construction, chord progressions, and scale patterns for any key
- Easy to follow and understand with lots of exercises and examples
Cons
- No CD as stated in the listing
- Several typos and other errors
- Some readers may find it difficult to relate to the content
Music Theory for Guitarists is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn music theory for guitar. The book is easy to follow and understand, with lots of exercises and examples to help you learn. It covers all the important elements of music theory for guitar, including chord construction, chord progressions, and scale patterns for any key.
One downside to the book is that there is no CD as stated in the listing. Some readers may also find it difficult to relate to the content, although this is a minor issue. Additionally, there are several typos and other errors in the book that may be distracting for some readers.
Overall, if you're looking to learn music theory for guitar, Music Theory for Guitarists is an excellent choice. It's concise, comprehensive, and easy to follow, with lots of exercises and examples to help you learn.
The Guitarist's Tablature Book
If you're looking for a versatile music notation book for guitarists, The Guitarist's Tablature Book might be a good choice for you. This book includes standard lines and spaces, tablature, and three different blank chord diagrams. It's a great tool for beginners and advancing guitarists alike.
Pros
- Good sized tablature lines that are easy to write on and see
- Includes chord reference, notes on the guitar neck, and common scales
- Short tips at the bottom of each page that provide helpful information
Cons
- Pages are not perforated and do not lay flat
- Some users may prefer a book with more pages or more advanced material
- The book is relatively small, which may be a drawback for some users
If you're looking for a basic tab book that's easy to use and provides a solid foundation for learning guitar, The Guitarist's Tablature Book is a good choice. The tablature lines are easy to read and write on, and the chord reference and notes on the guitar neck are helpful for beginners. The book is also relatively inexpensive, which makes it a good option for those on a budget.
That being said, the book is relatively small and may not provide enough material for more advanced guitarists. Additionally, the pages are not perforated and do not lay flat, which may be a drawback for some users. Overall, if you're looking for a solid, basic tab book, The Guitarist's Tablature Book is a good option.
Music Theory for Guitarists, Volume 2
If you're a guitarist who wants to take your playing to the next level, Music Theory for Guitarists, Volume 2 is a must-have book.
Pros
- Easy to understand and follow
- Well-organized content
- Clear and concise explanations
Cons
- Some readers may find the email solicitations for reviews annoying
- May require multiple readings to fully understand
- Some concepts may require additional study in Volume 3
This book is perfect for guitarists who want to improve their understanding of music theory and apply it to their playing. The author, James Shipway, presents the material in a way that is easy to understand and follow. The content is well-organized, and the explanations are clear and concise.
Volume 2 builds on the concepts presented in Volume 1, and covers topics such as chord progressions, modes, and improvisation. The book also includes exercises and examples to help reinforce the concepts.
While some readers may find the email solicitations for reviews annoying, this does not detract from the quality of the content presented in the book. Additionally, some concepts may require multiple readings to fully grasp, but the author's clear explanations make this process easier.
Overall, Music Theory for Guitarists, Volume 2 is an excellent resource for guitarists who want to take their playing to the next level. If you're willing to put in the time and effort to study the material, you'll see a noticeable improvement in your playing.
Music Principles for the Skeptical Guitarist - Volume 1 - The Big Picture
If you're a beginner guitarist looking to understand music theory, then Music Principles for the Skeptical Guitarist - Volume 1 - The Big Picture is a great book to start with.
Pros
- Easy to read and understand
- Simple practical explanations
- Builds knowledge in a systematic and progressive manner
Cons
- Examples are mostly songs known to people living in the US
- More basic than expected
- Not suitable for advanced guitarists
This book is well-written and easy to comprehend. The author, Bruce Emery, presents the concepts of music theory in a simple and practical way that is best read with a guitar in hand. The book builds knowledge in a systematic and progressive manner, making it easy to follow along and understand.
One minor thing to note is that the examples used in the book are mostly songs known to people living in the US, so if you're not familiar with them, it may be harder to follow along. Additionally, the book is more basic than expected, so it may not be suitable for advanced guitarists.
Overall, Music Principles for the Skeptical Guitarist - Volume 1 - The Big Picture is a great book for beginners looking to understand music theory. It explains the concepts in a simple and practical way, making it easy to follow along and build knowledge. If you're a beginner guitarist looking to understand music theory, then this book is definitely worth checking out.
The Serious Guitarist -- Blues Chops: A Technique-Building Approach for the Dedicated Guitarist, Book & MP3 CD
If you're looking for a book that can help you improve your blues guitar skills, The Serious Guitarist -- Blues Chops: A Technique-Building Approach for the Dedicated Guitarist, Book & MP3 CD is worth considering.
Pros
- The book comes with an MP3 CD that contains audio examples and play-along tracks.
- The exercises are well-organized and easy to follow.
- The book covers a wide range of topics, including scales, arpeggios, and licks.
Cons
- The book is relatively short, with only 80 pages.
- The exercises may be too basic for advanced guitarists.
- The MP3 CD may not be compatible with all devices.
The Serious Guitarist -- Blues Chops: A Technique-Building Approach for the Dedicated Guitarist, Book & MP3 CD is a great resource for guitarists who want to improve their blues playing. The book is well-organized and easy to follow, with exercises that cover a wide range of topics, including scales, arpeggios, and licks. The MP3 CD that comes with the book is a nice bonus, as it contains audio examples and play-along tracks that can help you practice the exercises.
However, the book is relatively short, with only 80 pages, and may not provide enough material for advanced guitarists. Additionally, the MP3 CD may not be compatible with all devices, which could be frustrating for some users. Overall, if you're a beginner or intermediate guitarist looking to improve your blues playing, The Serious Guitarist -- Blues Chops: A Technique-Building Approach for the Dedicated Guitarist, Book & MP3 CD is a solid choice.
Buying Guide
Choosing the best book for guitarists can be a challenging task. There are many factors to consider to ensure that the book you choose will meet your specific needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting the best book for you:
Skill Level
It's essential to consider your current skill level before purchasing a guitar book. If you're a beginner, you'll want to look for a book that provides a solid foundation for learning the basics. If you're an intermediate or advanced player, you'll want a book that challenges you and helps you to improve your skills.
Genre
The type of music you want to play is another important factor to consider when selecting a guitar book. Some books focus on specific genres such as rock, blues, or jazz, while others cover a wide range of styles. Make sure you choose a book that aligns with your musical interests.
Content
The content of the book is also crucial. Look for a book that provides clear and concise instructions, diagrams, and musical notations. A book with a CD or online resources can also be helpful for practicing and learning.
Price
The cost of a guitar book can vary greatly, so it's important to consider your budget. Keep in mind that a more expensive book may not necessarily be the best option for you. Look for a book that offers the best value for your money.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
What if I can't find a book that meets my needs?
If you can't find a book that meets your needs, consider creating a custom lesson plan with a guitar teacher. They can help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and create a personalized plan to help you achieve your goals.
Can I learn to play guitar from a book?
Yes, it's possible to learn to play guitar from a book. However, it's important to supplement your learning with practice and guidance from a guitar teacher or experienced player.
How long will it take to learn to play guitar from a book?
The amount of time it takes to learn to play guitar from a book varies depending on your skill level and the complexity of the material. With consistent practice and dedication, you can make significant progress in a few months.
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Martin Jacobs
Martin Jacobs
