Finding The Best Guitar Theory Book – An Essential Guide

Best Guitar Theory Book 6: Guitar Mastery Simplified

For an absolute beginner, learning music theory as you go can be a really freeing way to begin to play the guitar.

Guitar Mastery Simplified isn’t necessarily teaching you everything you want to know about theory while using the guitar, but it teaches you how to play the guitar using theory.

Some of us are “why” learners, meaning we want to know how everything works from the very start.

This book is for us.

This is the best guitar theory book for beginning guitar as well as theory at the basics, even if you are not a beginner at the guitar.

Fundamental theory concepts are covered, as well as guitar-specific theory and technique principles like the CAGED system and how to count and strum.

Many theory books gloss over rhythm, but rhythm is arguably the prime component of music, and this book takes the time to help you understand why and how to make rhythm happen on the guitar.

Best Guitar Theory Book 7: Berklee Book of Jazz Harmony

You knew that sooner or later we’d get around to mentioning something from Berklee.

The Berklee College of Music has books and certificate and degree programs available for you to take your music as far as you want to go.

Some of their theory books apply mainly to people who need to write music in standard notation, but the best guitar theory book they have put out is The Berklee Book of Jazz Harmony.

This book is here for you whenever you are ready to start tearing apart chords.

• It’s labeled as a jazz book, but it is really essential if you want to understand on a deeper level how harmony works.
• This book is not for the beginner musician, and it is not limited to only guitarists.
• This book is best for people who already have a bit of working knowledge of intervals and chords.

If you want to understand how chords move, this is the best guitar theory book for you.

Best Guitar Theory Book 8: The Jazz Theory Book

While we’re on the topic of jazz theory, the Jazz Theory Book by Mark Levine picks up where the Berklee book leaves off.

• This is the best guitar theory book for anyone at an intermediate to advanced level of playing who is serious about learning as much as possible about jazz.
• It’s up to you to put the concepts on to the guitar, because this is a book designed for all instruments.

If you do, you will be rewarded with a deeper understanding of how music – not just jazz – works.

Best Guitar Theory Book 9: Garage Band Theory

If you’re not into the world of jazz harmony, there’s still plenty of music theory instruction to be found just for the guitar.

Duke Sharp’s Garage Band Theory is a fresh and unpretentious compendium of everything you need to know about theory, written in a friendly and conversational way.

Ear training, practice exercises, how to do that thing you always wanted to do – it is all covered here by someone who is clearly passionate about wanting you to succeed on the guitar.

Best Guitar Theory Book 10: Vaideology

Did you know that legendary guitarist Steve Vai has written a music theory book just for us guitarists?

Vaideology is more than just a celebrity guitar player writing a book.

This is a pretty thorough manual covering a lot of basic music theory concepts that don’t necessarily get a lot of attention in other books, like dynamics and phrasing.

It is not a complete guitar instruction system, but it will help you to develop the vocabulary you need to become a musician. It’s is also an interesting read!

The Best Guitar Theory Book Is the One You Use!

Whether you’re looking for a music theory book to use on the guitar or a guitar book that teaches you music theory, you’ll get a lot of benefit from any of the titles above.

Take your time, go through your book multiple times, and supplement with a live teacher or online lesson!

Recommended Resources

If you enjoyed this guide to finding the best guitar theory book you’ll love our other free content below!

• Music Theory For Beginners 
• How To Get Better At Guitar
• CAGED Guitar System 
• Reading Guitar Music
• Notes On A Guitar