Top 5 Books For Guitar Players!. Watch this great video.
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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, Reading guitarists books and learning how to play the guitar can be a challenging task, especially for beginners, but these best books for guitarists will elevate your guitar interest.
Creative Guitar 2:
A comprehensive guide focusing on improving technical aspects of playing, covering various techniques from alternate picking to eight-finger tapping.
What you should know: "Creative Guitar 2" is not just another guitar technique book; it's a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration for players eager to elevate their playing to new heights. Authored by acclaimed guitarist Guthrie Govan, this comprehensive guide delves deep into the technical aspects of guitar playing, offering a diverse array of techniques that cater to musicians of all levels.
What sets "Creative Guitar 2" apart is its inclusivity. While it covers foundational techniques like alternate picking with meticulous detail, it also ventures into more advanced and lesser-known territories, such as eight-finger tapping. This breadth ensures that no matter where you are on your guitar journey, there's something valuable to learn and explore within its pages.
Why we love it: For aspiring guitarists, this book is a goldmine of technical exercises and insights. From developing speed and accuracy to mastering complex fingerings, "Creative Guitar 2" provides a structured approach to technique development that yields tangible results. Moreover, Govan's clear explanations and practical examples make even the most daunting techniques accessible and achievable.
What truly sets "Creative Guitar 2" apart is its emphasis on creativity and expression. While technique is undoubtedly important, Govan reminds us that it's ultimately a means to an end – to express oneself musically. Throughout the book, he encourages players to experiment, improvise, and find their unique voice on the instrument. This holistic approach not only fosters technical proficiency but also cultivates artistic growth and innovation.
As guitar enthusiasts, we love "Creative Guitar 2" for its ability to inspire and challenge us. Whether we're seasoned players seeking to refine our skills or beginners embarking on our musical journey, this book offers a roadmap for continuous growth and exploration. With its well-rounded approach to technique development and Govan's infectious passion for the instrument shining through every page, "Creative Guitar 2" is a must-have addition to any guitarist's library.
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Frank Gambale Technique Books 1 & 2:
A must-have for enhancing improvisational skills, breaking down music into chord types and applicable scales for each, providing multiple soloing approaches.
What you should know: "Frank Gambale Technique Books 1 & 2" stand as indispensable resources for guitarists seeking to enhance their improvisational skills and deepen their understanding of music theory. Authored by renowned guitarist Frank Gambale, these books offer a systematic approach to improvisation that empowers players to develop their own unique voice on the instrument.
What makes these books essential is their comprehensive breakdown of music into chord types and the corresponding scales applicable to each. Gambale's clear and practical guidance provides guitarists with a roadmap for navigating the complexities of improvisation. Whether you're soloing over minor seventh, major seventh, altered dominant, or any other chord type, these books equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to confidently navigate the musical landscape.
Why we love it: For those looking to expand their improvisational vocabulary, "Frank Gambale Technique Books 1 & 2" offer a wealth of insights and exercises. Gambale's approach goes beyond mere scale patterns, encouraging players to explore different soloing approaches and techniques. From arpeggios to pentatonics to blues licks, these books offer a diverse array of strategies for crafting compelling solos.
What sets these books apart is their emphasis on practical application. Rather than presenting abstract theory, Gambale provides real-world examples and exercises that allow players to immediately apply what they've learned. This hands-on approach not only accelerates learning but also fosters a deeper understanding of musical concepts.
As guitar enthusiasts, we love "Frank Gambale Technique Books 1 & 2" for their ability to unlock new creative possibilities and deepen our musical understanding. Whether you're a beginner looking to build a strong foundation or an experienced player seeking to refine your skills, these books offer invaluable insights and techniques that will take your playing to the next level. With their systematic approach to improvisation and Gambale's expert guidance, these books are essential additions to any guitarist's library.
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Chord Chemistry" by Ted Greene:
Described as the Bible of chord books, containing a vast array of chord shapes, though some may be challenging to incorporate initially.
What you should know: "Chord Chemistry" is a comprehensive resource for guitarists seeking to expand their chord vocabulary. While some of the chord shapes may initially seem daunting, the book offers invaluable insights into chord construction and voicings.
Why we love it: Ted Greene's meticulous approach to chord voicings and shapes provides a wealth of inspiration for guitarists of all levels. Exploring the diverse range of chords presented in this book opens up new possibilities for harmonic exploration and creative expression.
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Jazz Theory Book" by Mark Levine:
Not just for jazz players, this book offers a wealth of contemporary music theory information, split into clear sections for easy understanding.
What you should know: Despite its title, "Jazz Theory Book" is a valuable resource for musicians of all genres. Mark Levine breaks down complex music theory concepts into digestible chunks, making them accessible to all players.
Why we love it: This book goes beyond traditional jazz theory, offering insights into contemporary music theory that can be applied across genres. Whether you're a jazz enthusiast or not, the clear explanations and practical examples make this book a valuable addition to any musician's library.
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William Leavitt's A Modern Method for Guitar Volumes 1-3:
A comprehensive method for sight reading, starting from basic exercises and gradually progressing to more advanced material, recommended for aspiring professional guitarists.
What you should know: William Leavitt's methodical approach to sight reading provides a solid foundation for aspiring professional guitarists. The three volumes offer a structured progression from fundamental exercises to more complex musical pieces.
Why we love it: Sight reading is a valuable skill for any guitarist looking to pursue a career in music. Leavitt's method breaks down sight reading into manageable steps, allowing players to develop their reading skills systematically over time. With consistent practice, this book can help guitarists become proficient sight readers, opening up new opportunities for musical growth and performance.
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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.
Conclusion
All books offer clear and practical guidance, accompanied by exercises and examples that facilitate immediate application. Whether you're a beginner starting your musical journey or an experienced player seeking to refine your skills, these best books are invaluable assets that will enrich your playing and deepen your musical understanding.
