When learning to play the guitar, there are several methods you can use to do so. For some of us, and I include myself here, books are useful. it was the main method I used to learn, that and play with other people. it’s easier for me to process information like that.
Learning to play the guitar using a book or a variety of books is certainly a viable way to learn. A lot of people also enjoy being able to work at their own pace, which is great if you can’t make it to the lessons.
You are reading: Best guitar books for self teaching
but with all the books out there, what is the best book to learn to play the guitar? let’s check it out.
learn to play the guitar with a book
a lot of people go to guitar lessons. And of course, having someone to guide you while you learn and catch your mistakes is a great help. but you can learn to play the guitar without a teacher.
While I wouldn’t recommend using just one book, you can go a long way with just one book. I honestly think you need to go out and play with others too. It can be daunting for those who are more timid or lack self-confidence, but strive to do it once you can at least play the simple stuff.
You can also do it more easily by taking some online guitar lessons. just to get used to watching another human play, even if it’s on a screen.
if you find it difficult and want to throw in the towel, remember that your ability to learn has nothing to do with talent, although it will take you part of the way. you can learn to play the guitar, without any innate ability. it’s about who puts in the work. If you’re still struggling, there’s nothing wrong with seeing a guitar teacher.
but using a book will allow you to work at your own pace. I think you’ll be surprised at how quickly you can learn to play the guitar, especially once those calluses form and the pain stops.
And don’t let the little pain you experience put you off. it’s worth it!
the best book to learn guitar
Let me start by saying that I don’t think there is a single best book for learning to play the guitar. First of all, if you’re going to have a book that covers beginner to advanced guitar playing, well, that’s going to be a big, fat book. there’s nothing wrong with that, but you’ll usually find books that cover specific stages, not all in one.
Second, one author’s teaching style may not work as well for you as another author’s style. but this second point is unlikely to be a problem. you can learn from diagrams and what is written.
but if I had to recommend a book just to get you started, it would be:
all-in-one guitar for beginners: book + online audio and video instructions
If you just want to work through the book, you can, but you have access to the online videos, audio lessons, and examples if you want. this book is actually six books in one:
- guitar for dummies
- guitar theory for dummies
- guitar exercises for dummies
- rock guitar for dummies
- blues guitar for beginners
- classical guitar for beginners
As you can see, it covers guitar basics, theory, exercises, and three different genres. all of these skills will be transferable to other genres. so if you’re more into jazz or reggae, don’t worry too much about it. you just need to learn the chords and/or strumming styles for other genres, something that becomes much easier once you master the basics.
you will learn:
- how to choose a guitar and care for it
- chords (open, power and barre chords)
- scales (via the caged system)
- how to read and play tablature
- how to read guitar sheet music
- music theory
- rhythmic techniques
- guitar conducting
- how to play with riffs
- musical examples so you can learn to play in the three genres mentioned
- skill exercises and faster chord changes
And it’s not just the absolute basics. barre chords, for example, are considered intermediate. It will take you from the beginner stuff to the more complicated stuff in a logical way. my advice is to master the beginner stuff, or whatever level you’re at, before moving on to more challenging stuff.
This book will take you quite a long way, and price-wise, it’s affordable, especially considering the sheer amount of information it contains.
is written by guitarists who are quite well known in the industry. so you know these guys have firsthand knowledge of the skills you need and a good way to learn them. here they are:
jon chappell has a master’s degree in music composition, plays different styles of guitar, and was editor-in-chief of guitar magazine. he is also a prolific author. His books cover various forms of guitar playing in various genres, sheet music, music theory, and recordings at home and in the studio.
Mark Phillips has worked as a guitarist, arranger, songwriter (covering guitar and banjo in various genres), and teacher at various points in his career spanning more than 30 years. he went so far as to get a doctorate in music theory.
desi serna has over 10,000 hours of guitar playing experience and an online platform where he provides private guitar lessons. It doesn’t hurt that rolling stone has also named him as an expert in music theory.
Harold “Hal” Edstrom, Everett “Leonard” Edstrom, and Roger Busdicker form the Hal Leonard Corporation. these musicians run one of the largest music publishing and distribution companies.
See Also: Brian Shea – Book Series In Order
This book comes in a paperback edition.
other books you may find useful
guitar aerobics: for those who want a new exercise every day
if you’re like me, doing the same thing day after day is pathetic. If anything can make me stop playing, it’s monotony. well this book covers 52 weeks with a new exercise every day. exercises span multiple genres, including rock, metal, jazz, folk, country, and funk. You’ll practice techniques such as sweep picking, string bending, string skipping, alternate picking, arpeggios, legato, and rhythm guitar.
Not only can you incorporate these things into your playing to make it sound amazing, but they will also improve dexterity and accuracy in both hands. Best of all, if you follow the book, you’ll regularly learn new things and practice the techniques you learn in different ways to keep you up to date. With regular practice, whether you choose to improvise or play existing songs, you’ll have the skills to get it right.
The author, Troy Nelson has an Associate’s Degree in Occupational Music and has worked for the Hall Leonard Library of Music Publishing, and was Editor-in-Chief of Guitar One magazine. this is just one of the books under his name.
It’s a book that has exercises from beginner level to more advanced stuff, so you can challenge yourself too. in addition, it also covers some music theory. And according to Troy Nelson, he built these exercises so they don’t sound like warm-ups.
choose between the kindle version or the paperback or spiral version.
vaideology: basic music theory for guitarists: ideal for learning music theory
I will always recommend that you learn a bit of music theory. it may seem like the boring part of the music, even unnecessary. but it will really broaden your musical horizons. why not learn from one of the best guitar players out there, steve vai? On our list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Albums, Passion and Warfare ranks at number 11.
This book has basic music theory including scales, rhythm, notes on the guitar, music reading, key signatures, harmonics, modes, etc., specifically on the guitar. It also includes a practice guide, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed with where to start and how to structure your practice sessions, this will help. plus, the images will appeal to both art lovers and those in need of instruction.
is available on kindle or as a paperback.
a modern method for guitar: complete set 1, 2, 3: the best for classical guitar lovers
If you love classical guitar and study at Berklee is a dream of yours, well, this book uses the modern methods of the Berklee School of Music guitar program. you get the complete set of volumes, 1, 2 and 3 in one book. in it you will learn melody, harmony and rhythm through solos, duets and exercises.
Not only will you learn the basics here, but you’ll really get what you need to improve your skills using the William Leavitt guitar used at Berklee. the best advice I can give you here is to go at your own pace. you can also look for explanations or tutorials on youtube if you don’t understand something. this book may require some basic music theory and guitar knowledge if you want to follow it as is.
See Also: Brian Shea – Book Series In Order
This book comes in a paperback edition.
creative guitar 1: cutting edge techniques – for those ready for more advanced techniques
This book, along with Creative Guitar 2: Advanced Techniques and Creative Guitar 3: Recording Effects, is aimed at guitarists who may be stuck and just need fresh, new techniques. specifically guitarists who play rock.
Creative Guitar 1 specifically covers pentatonic patterns, minor arpeggios, solos, licks, and various exercises. the content becomes more challenging as you progress. The book comes with a CD that has backing tracks for you to unleash your creativity, as well as examples of the author Guthrie Govan playing.
Speaking of the author, you are in good hands with Guthrie Govan. he has played the guitar for most of his life and his skills span various genres. he’s a guitar teacher, plays in a few different bands and writes for the magazine, guitar techniques.
See Also: Brian Shea – Book Series In Order
This book comes in a paperback edition.
fretboard logic se: special edition volume 1 and 2- for those who want to understand the guitar and learn to play it in an unconventional way
This book may have been written a few decades ago, but the information is still just as relevant. It doesn’t just cover things like chords, scales, arpeggios, and notes. also delves into the why and how of the way the fretboard is arranged and the guitar’s unique tuning system.
if you’re one of those people who learn best when they understand some of the “mysteries” involved, this book is for you. You will gain a greater understanding of the guitar, which will be to your advantage as you learn various techniques. the only limit will be the limits of your creativity… and your motivation to practice, of course.
The author, Bill Edwards is a guitarist, pianist, guitar teacher, and music store owner. he learned to play the guitar predominantly by ear, and how he has been so successful at it is by understanding guitar design. he has passed that knowledge on to students and given the world a different way to learn to play the guitar. definitely a book to refer to if he finds that conventional learning methods don’t work for you.
See Also: Brian Shea – Book Series In Order
This book comes in a paperback edition.
the advanced guitarist: to learn to improvise and play in different situations
You’ll need some musical experience, especially music theory, to get the most out of this book. so if you know the basics, this could be a meaty book to sink your teeth into, so to speak. you will be challenged, not only by learning to improvise (it’s not something that comes naturally to everyone) or by playing in various situations.
You’ll also delve into chords, harmony, modes, harmonic influences, and how to be self-critical (again, not something that comes naturally to everyone). and in case you need to refresh your skills, the basic mechanics of the fretboard.
the author, mick goodrick is a jazz guitarist who is also a teacher, mostly at berklee school. He has also played with great names in jazz such as Gary Burton, Wolfgang Muthspiel and Julian Lage.
See Also: The Cheapest Way to Send Books: Shipping Costs & Options | TSI
You can buy the paperback or kindle version of the book or just get the sheet music.
the guitar grimoire- for a great repertoire of exercises
If you need drill ideas to improve your dexterity, speed, and accuracy, this book may be just what you need. In it you will find exercises that include chord runs, sequences using the major scale and the minor pentatonic scale, pattern exercises, three-coil exercises, and four-coil exercises.
exercises like these can eventually lead to soloing. that’s because everything that is a solo or a riff is a sequence of notes out of a scale. once you’ve gotten your fingers used to different patterns, you’ll find it easier to move them in a way that makes amazing music.
although there is not much information about the author, adam kadmom, he has music on spotify and youtube that you can listen to.
You can buy the pocket version or just get the sheet music for the exercises.
beyond rhythm guitar: licks, riffs & crowded, if you’re stuck in a rhythm rut and appreciate rock and blues
many of us start out learning a specific side of the guitar and then get stuck in that comfort zone. if you’re like me, it’s rhythm guitar. this book will help you enter the world of solo guitar so you can be a complete guitarist. there is an emphasis on blues and rock with this book, so if these are your favorite genres, this is definitely a book I recommend.
The author is a musician, as is the publisher. simon pratt, in addition to having written several books on guitar techniques, has a degree in music performance and guitar performance from the contemporary music performance institute. Joseph Alexander is a composer and arranger with a variety of books on music under his name as well.
you can buy the paperback or kindle version.
learn to play the guitar by yourself: a quick and easy introduction for beginners, for those who don’t want to read music or like a lot of text
You don’t have to read music to become an amazing guitar player. some of the best guitar players can’t read music. if you can read tabs and know chords and how to get the best melodies out of your guitar, you’re good to go. this book has a lot of pictures and cards, and less text. despite this, it is still packed with techniques and exercises that will take you far on your guitar journey.
david m. Brewster, the author, has been a guitar teacher for more than two decades. he has several books published with some of the largest music libraries, and also writes for guitarists and top guitar players. He has also played with several bands, including Cheap Trick, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Quiet Riot.
You can buy this book in a kindle, paperback, or spiral version. alternatively, just buy the sheet music for the exercises.
gypsy jazz guitar for beginners, if you like gypsy jazz
Gypsy jazz is pretty distinctive, so if you want to learn, be specific. This book teaches you how to play rhythm, get the pitch right, how to use augmented and diminished chords, how to play over dominant seventh chords, solos, licks, scales, etc. You will learn intros and endings and a variety of songs to add to your repertoire. plus things related to performance, like how to control those nerves and how to memorize songs.
all this with relevant exercises to help you improve and everything is particular to gypsy jazz. To say that this book is thorough is an understatement. You also get bonuses like video lessons, audio examples, and access to a gypsy jazz spotify playlist.
the author robin nolan is a well-known gypsy jazz guitarist, as well as an author and teacher. this book is also under the name of joseph alexander.
get it in paperback or kindle format.
the caged system & 100 blues guitar licks, if you like blues
The caged system has simplified the way of playing the guitar for many guitarists. teaches you how to play any key easily, find various notes on the fretboard, and how to play leads, licks, and riffs in different voices. it is also a system that can be used in all genres. in this book, you’ll learn how to apply it to the blues. After learning the licks in this book, you will be able to create your own using the caged scales.
this book is by joseph alexander and is available in kindle or paperback format.
guitar fretboard: memorize the fretboard in less than 24 hours; self explanatory
Knowing the fretboard seems like an impossible task, but it’s not the mountain you’re aiming for. plus, doing it alone will make you a better guitar player. This book gives you tips and exercises to memorize the fretboard quickly and easily.
this book is written by guitar head, a group that has several books under its name to help guitarists learn to play guitar without stress. get it on kindle or paperback.
hal leonard guitar method: complete edition of books 1, 2 and 3, good for electric and acoustic guitar
There is a fairly popular guitar method put forward by the Hal Leonard Corporation, the same authors who wrote the book Guitar for Dummies. In it, you will immerse yourself a bit more in playing the guitar along with some music theory including sheet music reading. With all three editions included, you’ll find plenty of information to start your journey as a guitarist, from the basics to some more challenging stuff.
buy it in kindle or plastic booklet format.
conclusion
well there you have it, lots of options to choose from across all genres and skill levels. work with the book you get for at least 15 minutes per day. it’s important to be as consistent as possible and spend time learning something new or perfecting what you’re currently learning.
don’t rush. make sure you work on accuracy and once you have it, start picking up the speed. and be patient with yourself. just have fun with it.
Happy learning!
See Also: Best Cloud Computing Books for Beginners & Experienced Professionals