There are countless Guitar Method courses, tutorials, articles available online, but for some, having a book is still a necessity to learn. This is an up-to-date list of recommended books.
1. Hal Leonard Guitar Method Complete Edition (1994)
The Hal Leonard Guitar Method is designed for anyone just learning to play acoustic or electric guitar. It is based on years of teaching guitar students of all ages, and reflects some of the best teaching ideas from around the world. This super-convenient Complete Edition features the new and improved method books 1, 2 and 3 spiral-bound together, available as a book with three CDs (00697342)!…
2. A Modern Method for Guitar – Volumes 1, 2, 3 Complete (1999)
(Berklee Methods). Now guitarists can have all three volumes of this classic guitar method in one convenient book! Created by popular demand, this new edition of the method used as the basic text for the renowned Berklee College of Music guitar program is a complete compilation of the original Volumes 1, 2, and 3. Innovative solos, duets and exercises progressively teach melody, harmony and rhythm. Perfect for the serious guitar student and instructor alike….
3. Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book 1: Book/CD Pack (1995)
(Guitar Method). The second edition of this world-famous method by Will Schmid and Greg Koch is preferred by teachers because it makes them more effective while making their job easier. Students enjoy its easy-to-follow format that gives them a solid music education while letting them play songs right away. Book 1 provides beginning instruction including tuning, 1st position melody playing, C, G, G7, D7, and Em chords, rhythms through eighth notes, solos and ensembles and strumming. Features a chord chart, and traditional songs like: Amazing Grace * Greensleeves * and When the Saints Go Marching In….
4. Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book 1: Book Only (1970)
(Guitar Method). The Hal Leonard Guitar Method is designed for anyone just learning to play acoustic or electric guitar. It is based on years of teaching guitar students of all ages, and it also reflects some of the best guitar teaching ideas from around the world. Book 1 includes tuning; playing position; musical symbols; notes in first position; C, G, G7, D, D7, A7, and Em chords; rhythms through eighth notes; strumming and picking; over 80 great songs, riffs, and examples….
5. Modern Guitar Method Grade 1 (2015)
The world’s premier method for learning modern plectrum/flatpick style guitar, time-tested and proven successful in building the theoretic and technical foundation needed to play in any style. All seven grades of this method are written in standard notation to encourage better sight reading. In Grade 1, the student guitarist will learn to play solos, duets, scales, and chords in the keys of C, A minor, G and E minor. Even in Grade 1, the student is already exposed to the chord melody concept of guitar performance. In addition an audio recording of the solos and studies and…
6. Everybody’s Guitar Method Book 1 (2003)
Everybody’s Guitar Method, Book 1 is a step-by-step approach for contemporary guitar students of all ages. Single-note playing is well-paced and provides students with an enjoyable excursion to solo playing. Basic notation is reinforced throughout the book, furnishing students with solid building blocks for retention. Chords are introduced with examples that are easy-to-play. This pedagogically sound method includes new music and arrangements that are fun for both students and teachers. The music encompasses a wide variety of musical styles: rock, blues, folk, jazz,…
7. The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method – Volume 1: Guitar Technique (1997)
(Guitar Method). This premier method for the beginning classical guitarist, by one of the world’s pre-eminent virtuosos and the recognized heir to the legacy of Andres Segovia, is now completely revised and updated! Guitarists will learn basic classical technique by playing over 50 beautiful classical pieces, 26 exercises and 14 duets, and through numerous photos and illustrations. The method covers: rudiments of classical technique, note reading and music theory, selection and care of guitars, strategies for effective practicing, and much more!…
8. A Modern Method for Guitar – Volume 1 (1986)
(Berklee Methods). The beginning-level book of this comprehensive method teaches a wide range of guitar and music fundamentals, including: scales, melodic studies, chord and arpeggio studies, how to read music, accompaniment techniques, special exercises for developing technique in both hands, a unique approach to voice leading using moveable chord forms, and more….
9. Jerry Snyder’s Guitar School, Method Book 1: A Comprehensive Method for Class and Individual Instruction (1998)
Well-respected educator and best-selling author Jerry Snyder has put together the most versatile guitar method available. This comprehensive method for classroom or individual study comes in two sections: the first section teaches chords and accompaniment, while the second teaches note reading. This flexible method allows you to start with either section or use both sections simultaneously. Includes 58 songs and progressions for accompaniment, 26 songs for learning how to read music, 25 accompaniment patterns, fingerstyle and pickstyle techniques, and all…
10. Guitar for Kids: Hal Leonard Guitar Method (Hal Leonard Guitar Method (Songbooks)) (2009)
(Guitar Method). Guitar for Kids is a fun, easy course that teaches children to play guitar faster than ever before. Popular songs such as “Yellow Submarine,” “Hokey Pokey,” “I’m a Believer,” “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” “This Land Is Your Land” and “Hound Dog” keep students motivated, and the clean, simple page layouts ensure their attention remains focused on one concept at a time. The method is equally suitable for students using electric or acoustic guitars. It can be used in combination with a guitar teacher or parents, even if they’ve never had any musical…
11. Belwin’s 21st Century Guitar Method, Bk 1: The Most Complete Guitar Course Available, Book & Online Audio (Belwin’s 21st Century Guitar Course) (2016)
Belwin’s 21st Century Guitar Method is a complete course that puts lessons in the context of popular styles and classic tunes. It introduces new topics at a progressive speed and uses both music notation and tablature (TAB). Correlating supplemental books integrate more advanced concepts and techniques, while keeping the learning process fun. Audio recordings include full instruction—a great resource for students and teachers alike—with demonstration and play-along tracks that will help students optimize their practice time. Detailed video lessons and fun play-along software are also available. Book 1 Features * Online access to…
Best Guitar Method Books You Must Read
We highly recommend you to buy all paper or e-books in a legal way, for example, on Amazon. But sometimes it might be a need to dig deeper beyond the shiny book cover. Before making a purchase, you can visit resources like Genesis and download some guitar method books mentioned below at your own risk. Once again, we do not host any illegal or copyrighted files, but simply give our visitors a choice and hope they will make a wise decision.
Rockabilly Guitar - Stylistic Supplement To The Hal Leonard Guitar Method Bk/Cd
Author(s): Fred Sokolow
Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation, Year: 2011, Size: 68 Mb, Download: pdf
ID: 1101417
Music Theory for Guitarists: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask
Author(s): Tom Kolb
Publisher: Hal Leonard, Year: 2008, Size: 62 Mb, Download: pdf
ID: 1576306
The Barry Harris Harmonic Method for Guitar
Author(s): Alan Kingstone
Publisher: Jazzworkshop Productions, Year: 2006, Size: 34 Mb, Download: pdf
ID: 871520
FUNK & R&B GUITAR METH BK/CD (Progressive Guitar Method)
Author(s): GELLING, Peter
Publisher: LTP Products, Year: 2004, Size: 13 Mb, Download: pdf
ID: 310443
A Modern Method for Guitar - Volume 2
Author(s): William Leavitt
Publisher: , Year: 2003, Size: 6 Mb, Download: pdf
ID: 423134
The Guitar Grid Method
Author(s): Bill Lints
Publisher: , Year: 2002, Size: 990 Kb, Download: pdf
ID: 247035
Berklee Practice Method: Guitar
Author(s): Larry Baione
Publisher: Berklee Press Publications, Year: 2001, Size: 7 Mb, Download: pdf
ID: 272321
A Modern Method For Guitar
Author(s): Leavitt W
Publisher: Berklee Press, Year: 2000, Size: 9 Mb, Download: pdf
ID: 284735
Please note that this booklist is not absolute. Some books are really chart-busters according to USA Today, others are written by unknown authors. On top of that, you can always find additional tutorials and courses on Coursera, Udemy or edX, for example. Are there any other relevant books you could recommend? Leave a comment if you have any feedback on the list.