At some point in most of our musical careers, whether professionally or just playing for fun, theory has reared its head. if you can’t care about all that, then you can get away with the guitar to some extent, especially if it’s a rock guitar you play.
but playing piano or wind or string instruments, you have no choice. you have to learn it. that gives those people an advantage because there is no other way. but with a guitar and its modern playing styles, it’s easy to avoid theory and bust out the pedals and make some noise.
You are reading: Books on music theory for guitar
the learning theory makes sense
Without a doubt, understanding some music theory helps you understand your guitar a little better. shows you what it is capable of. even an understanding of basic guitar music theory will make you a better player.
and if you write music on your guitar, you will see a dramatic improvement. Getting familiar with harmony, scales, and musical form is one of the best ways to become a better guitarist. So, let’s take a look at some of the best guitar music theory books currently on the market and find the perfect one for you.
reviews of the 7 best guitar music theory books you should buy in 2022
1 the practical guide to modern music theory for guitarists: the best intermediate guitar theory book
This book is written by a man who has published over a hundred books on guitar theory and technique. however, it is probably not a book for beginners.
a basic understanding
The way the lessons are constructed and the terminology used assumes a basic understanding of the theory. To get the most out of this book, you’ll need to have the basics in place. if you are just starting out with guitar theory then this may not be the book for you.
the learning process
It is largely a process based on performing different exercises. the idea is that the more exercises you complete, the more you will learn. that’s true, as long as you don’t rush lesson completion just so you can say you’ve completed it.
For the complete beginner, in my opinion, simply throwing exercises at them doesn’t accomplish much unless there is a full understanding of what they are trying to accomplish and how to do it.
discipline
There is a discipline involved that can be easily broken. Ideally, the student should have some guidance in the early stages. the tendency is when it’s left alone that if there’s something you don’t understand, just skip it.
That doesn’t work because what you’ve skipped you’ll need later. That’s why I say a series of exercises that increase in difficulty is best suited for those with a basic understanding.
if you have the basics
if you have the basics in place, then this is a book that will take you a few steps further. talks about the importance of scales and the various scales used. you can use arpeggios and harmony. you’ll also see how some solos are created and why.
downloaded samples
There are some audio tracks that you can download that will give you new things to listen to and practice. a good learning option with this book is that it is available on kindle. Set at a reasonable price in both Kindle and paperback, it’s a decent option.
2 guitar fretboards: memorize the fretboard in less than 24 hours – the best book on music theory and guitar fretboards
every guitarist, whether beginner or experienced, needs two things. the second one is to learn the root, the third and the fifth for each scale. however, the first thing is to understand the fretboard, and that is what this book is about.
the importance of the fretboard
you need to have a good knowledge of the fretboard and know how to handle it. if you don’t, it can hinder your game and your progress. It seems that many teachers only make passing references and quickly move on to other things.
but it is a fundamental part of the guitar and must be appreciated for what it brings to the instrument. it’s not just there to hold the strings.
learn how to use it
Knowing a few scales is a start, but how many do you know? Do you understand what makes them tick? being able to play some chords is a help. but do you understand how they are composed and why they sound like that?
And what happens when it comes to playing a solo? Do you know instantly on your fretboard where to find the chord notes of the song?
Why learn about the fretboard?
I know a lot of good guitarists who go from one song to the next. from one to another. but they don’t understand how it all works and what they could do to make it sound better.
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If you’re immediately aware of where your next note is, you become a better player. and then when the time comes, and you need to transpose notes or chords, it’s easy. being aware of the fretboard and how it can help you will give you a greater understanding. not just your way of playing but music in general.
what this book will teach you
- will teach you how to find notes that sound good when played together.
- you will see scales not just as random groups of notes.
- see chords in the same way, not just as shapes of where you put your fingers.
- will teach you how to memorize your fretboard.
and all that knowledge is available in this book. it is not a book that contains all the theoretical answers. there will be other theories to come that you must learn. but it’s a great start. available in paperback and kindle at a good price. this should be considered one of the best guitar music theory books.
3 guitar theory for beginners: the best guitar music theory book for beginners
I’ve always disliked these books that offer a “for dummies” theme. you see them covering a variety of disciplines. people are not stupid at all. they are simply inexperienced and have not yet acquired the information.
that’s not being a fool. perhaps the people who gave this book its title are the real “fools” for not understanding the negative connotations that a title can have. but it works brilliantly as a marketing tool, so hats off!
however…
If you’re wondering exactly where to start learning guitar music theory, this could be a good place. offers very basic instruction in a variety of music theories. That’s why I’ve included it. so if you’re looking to jump on the music theory bandwagon, this could be a good fit.
if you are very new to music
covers a variety of simple theories, talks about scales and chord construction and how to build a solo. teaches why certain sounds work well together using chord progressions. and introduce you to keys, tonal centers, and key shifts. How to form chords on the fretboard is also explained, as it helps you understand the importance of shapes.
resource material
Songs to learn are included, as well as some scale patterns using visual and audio content accessible online. It comes in book and kindle format. forms a step-by-step guide through those early stages and then takes you a little further. I would quite like it if it weren’t for the title.
4 vaideology: basic music theory for guitarists: the best general book on guitar music theory
If you like books that are visually outstanding as well as having good content, then this is going to impress you. Written by Steve Vai, which needs little introduction, it’s quite the work.
He may have had some help writing it, but his knowledge is included and that’s what you need. but the illustrations and color drawings that adorn most of the pages are his work. It’s almost worth buying for that alone.
the basics and a little
takes you through many theories that are fundamental to your development as a player. it also covers the basic theories, but it also covers the technique and also how some of their songs were built.
you can feel from the way it’s written that it understands the importance of theory. but unlike some publications, this is a book on how music theory works with the guitar. if you’re starting from the beginning, it’s a good place.
Tips and Visuals
goes into a lot of detail about the technical aspects. somehow a bit too deep for a beginner. but this is a book that will stay with you as you improve. It has practical exercises and personal tips. diagrams and, most importantly, practice methods.
covers:
- reading and writing music.
- the difference between experiential and academic learning.
- chords, scales, and key signatures.
- modes and harmonics.
- rhythms.
And as I mentioned, great color illustrations on every page. It comes in a kindle version as well as a spiral bound print. a good idea that allows you to lay it flat when you are studying and playing.
5 the guitar manual: a unique sourcebook for the guitarist: the best music theory reference guide for guitar
When you’re learning something new from a book, it’s a good thing if that book can later become a reference manual. by that, I mean you can refer to it over and over again. this guitar manual is exactly that. this book on guitar theory starts from scratch and progresses you through the various theories that are important to understand.
This is not a new post
This is not a newcomer to the library of music theory publications. It has been around for about 40 years. the fact that it is still bought and used is a testament to its ability to teach you what you need to know.
a unique source of knowledge
What I like is that it covers a variety of other topics as part of the discussion, including how to build a guitar and the important elements. but, of course, it is the theoretical aspect that is the most important.
There are theoretical and practical classes for guitar beginners to more advanced guitarists. that’s why I say it can stay with you as a reference guide. is a tool for all levels and abilities.
theory with technique
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also covers a variety of genres. theory needs to be combined with technique sometimes. this book does that by looking at the styles of blues, folk, and jazz.
While some theories have an impact on all performance styles, some are exclusive to one genre. this book covers all that and more.
paperback only
If I have to find a negative, it’s that this is a paperback resource. but the 256 pages are packed with helpful tips you’ll want to have on hand anyway. so negative could actually be positive.
These later additions are filled with color photos highlighting acoustic and electric instruments. and an extension now covers the changes in amplification, recording and technological aspects.
a great thing is that it will introduce you to the music of king crimson and guitarist robert fripp. that could be worth the purchase price alone. Easily one of the best guitar music theory books you can buy. a little more expensive than some but has everything you need.
Guitar 6 Fretboards Workbook – Best Budget Music Theory Book for Guitar
This is another book that focuses on what you need to know about the fretboard. focuses on how the fretboard is structured and how chords are created, and applies to both acoustic and electric guitars.
a technical approach
In the teaching of the fretboard and chords, some specialized areas are addressed. It can be important to understand the basics of music theory as they form the basis of most things. modes and chord relationships are high on the priority list.
the musicians’ institute
this book is based on information from the basic programs of the institute of musicians. therefore, you can expect it to be quite technical in its approach. essential concepts and elements are included and cover theory at a variety of levels. it will teach you how to build a chord and scales, and most importantly, it will build familiarity with the fretboard.
You will not be required to read music to participate in these more advanced learning programs. available in kindle and paperback.
7 the circle of fifths for guitarists: the best advanced music theory book for guitar
let’s go up the technical ladder a bit with a book that probably wouldn’t be called basic guitar music theory. If you haven’t heard of the circle of fifths before, this is probably not the book for you to start your theoretical journey.
However, if you have some theoretical knowledge
then this is a book for you if you want to delve a little deeper into scales and keys. some might see it as an advanced music tutor. but it only takes more advanced concepts and provides basic explanations.
simplified complicated theory
although for some, the circle of fifths and the associated musical theory is complex, the author explains everything very clearly. he carefully walks you through the method and reasoning in an easy to understand way.
The book includes links to examples of the particular topic being discussed. an excellent aspect of how the author teaches is to have you listen to the individual notes in a chord. the emphasis is on how they relate to each other.
As long as you have a basic understanding of the theory, this will be an interesting and instructive book. It will be an introduction to the theory of “fifths” that will give you many benefits. it is available in paperback at a profitable price.
interested in learning more about the guitar?
we can help with that. Check out our helpful articles on how long does it take to learn guitar, how much do guitar lessons cost at a guitar center, how much does it cost to change guitar strings, guitar fret sizes, different types of guitars you should know, and the best guitar games to help you learn to play the guitar for more useful information.
also, a new guitar may be the best option. Check out our detailed reviews of the best electric guitar for beginners, the best left-handed guitars for beginners, the best electric guitar bundles for beginners, the best acoustic guitars for beginners, the best electric guitar for kids, and the best acoustic guitars. for children that you can buy in 2022.
what are the best music theory books for guitar?
There will be those who consider it unnecessary to learn theory with a guitar. but to fully understand the instrument, you need theory to open the door.
For the thoughtful and creative musician and composer, there is no substitute for this knowledge. there are many options to start your way. and each book we have seen has its points to offer. It’s not as daunting as it may seem at first.
but, if I had to choose a guitar theory book, I would go with…
vaideology: basic music theory for guitarists
full of helpful information on a variety of things to be learned. but since it is also presented in a spiral format, it is easy to use when practicing. And then, of course, there are the drawings. a great book to keep with you. so well done mr. vai and all those who helped along the way.
until next time, let your music play.
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