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BEST Jazz Theory Books That Will Hook You

There are countless Jazz Theory 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.

The Berklee Book of Jazz Harmony (2013)

 BEST Jazz Theory Books That Will Hook You(Berklee Guide). Learn jazz harmony, as taught at Berklee College of Music. This text provides a strong foundation in harmonic principles, supporting further study in jazz composition, arranging, and improvisation. It covers basic chord types and their tensions, with practical demonstrations of how they are used in characteristic jazz contexts and an accompanying recording that lets you hear how they can be applied.
Author(s): Joe Mulholland, Tom Hojnacki

Jazzology: The Encyclopedia of Jazz Theory for All Musicians (2005)

 BEST Jazz Theory Books That Will Hook You(Jazz Instruction). A one-of-a-kind book encompassing a wide scope of jazz topics, for beginners and pros of any instrument. A three-pronged approach was envisioned with the creation of this comprehensive resource: as an encyclopedia for ready reference, as a thorough methodology for the student, and as a workbook for the classroom, complete with ample exercises and conceptual discussion. Includes the basics of intervals, jazz harmony, scales and modes, ii-V-I cadences.
Author(s): Robert Rawlins, Nor Eddine Bahha

The Jazz Language: A Composition and Improvisation (1982)

 BEST Jazz Theory Books That Will Hook YouThis text presents all of the materials commonly used by the jazz musician in a logical order dictated both by complexity and need. The book is not intended to be either an arranging or improvisation text, but a pedagogical reference providing the information musicians need to pursue any activity they wish.
Author(s): Dan Haerle

Jazz Theory Resources: Volume 1 (2001)

 BEST Jazz Theory Books That Will Hook You(Jazz Book). Jazz Theory Resources is a jazz theory text in two volumes. Volume I (00030458, $39.95) includes: review of basic theory, rhythm in jazz performance, basic tonal materials, triadic generalization, diatonic harmonic progressions and harmonic analysis, substitutions and turnarounds, common melodic outlines, and an overview of voicings.
Author(s): Bert Ligon

Jazz Composition: Theory and Practice (2003)

 BEST Jazz Theory Books That Will Hook You(Berklee Press). When you think of jazz composers, who comes to mind? Jelly Roll Morton, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Bob Brookmeyer. This book is about what they (and many others) do. Jazz composition has evolved into a disciplined art that often evidences great emotional depth and breadth of sophistication.
Author(s): Ted Pease

Alfred’s Essentials of Jazz Theory, Complete 1-3: Book & 3 CDs (2005)

 BEST Jazz Theory Books That Will Hook YouAlfred’s Essentials of Jazz Theory is designed for jazz enthusiasts and musicians who want to learn jazz concepts and terminology. To get the most out of this course, it is recommended that you have a good understanding of basic theory, such as the lessons in Books 1-3 of Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory.
Author(s): Shelly Berg

Creative jazz improvisation (1989)

 BEST Jazz Theory Books That Will Hook YouFor courses in Jazz Improvisation. This well-organized text integrates all of the techniques that jazz musicians practice into a comprehensive whole. It covers practice patterns and scales in all keys and tempos, transcribing solos of master improvisers, learning the jazz repertoire, and playing with other musicians.
Author(s): Scott D Reeves

Jazz Theory and Practice (1996)

 BEST Jazz Theory Books That Will Hook YouJazz Theory and Practice is the most modern introduction to jazz theory ever published. Rich with examples from the repertoire, it gives performers, arrangers and composers an in-depth and practical knowledge of the theoretical foundations of jazz.
Author(s): Jeffrey Hellmer, Richard Lawn

Alfred’s Essentials of Jazz Theory Complete Self Study Course: A Complete Self Study Course for All Musicians (2006)

 BEST Jazz Theory Books That Will Hook YouAlfred’s Essentials of Jazz Theory is designed for jazz enthusiasts and musicians who want to learn jazz concepts and terminology. To get the most out of this course, it is recommended that you have a good understanding of basic theory, such as the lessons in Books 1-3 of Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory.
Author(s): Shelly Berg

Patterns for Jazz — A Theory Text for Jazz Composition and Improvisation: Bass Clef Instruments (1986)

 BEST Jazz Theory Books That Will Hook YouPatterns for Jazz stands as a monument among jazz educational materials. Condensed charts and pertinent explanations are conveniently inserted throughout the book to give greater clarity to the application of more than 400 patterns built on chords and scales—from simple (major) to complex (lydian augmented scales).
Author(s): Jerry Coker, James Casale, et al.

Jazz Theory Handbook (2015)

 BEST Jazz Theory Books That Will Hook YouJazz Theory Handbook is a complete guide to all the essential topics of jazz theory, suitable for all treble instruments. Its approach is clear and concise, realistic and practical. This book will help you to understand how contemporary jazz players think, and to apply theory concepts in your own playing. Subjects are introduced progressively, with each new one based on those introduced before.
Author(s): Peter Spitzer

Jazz: The First 100 Years (2011)

 BEST Jazz Theory Books That Will Hook YouExplore the development of jazz music from its nineteenth-century roots in blues and ragtime, through swing and bebop, to fusion and contemporary jazz styles. JAZZ: THE FIRST 100 YEARS gives you a true feel for the vibrant, ever-changing sound of jazz.
Author(s): Henry Martin, Keith Waters

Alfred’s Essentials of Jazz Theory, Teacher’s Answer Key: Book & 3 CDs (2006)

 BEST Jazz Theory Books That Will Hook YouAlfred’s Essentials of Jazz Theory is designed for jazz enthusiasts and musicians who want to learn jazz concepts and terminology. To get the most out of this course, it is recommended that you have a good understanding of basic theory, such as the lessons in Books 1-3 of Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory.
Author(s): Shelly Berg

Best Jazz Theory Books That Will Hook You

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 Library Genesis and download some jazz theory 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.

Database Design And Relational Theory: Normal Forms And All That Jazz

Author(s): C. J. Date
ID: 2448506, Publisher: Apress, Year: 2019, Size: 6 Mb, Format: pdf

Database Design and Relational Theory: Normal Forms and All That Jazz

Author(s): C. J. Date
ID: 2525190, Publisher: Apress, Year: 2019, Size: 3 Mb, Format: epub

Jazz Theory Workbook: From Basic to Advanced Study

Author(s): Dariusz Terefenko
ID: 2945467, Publisher: Routledge, Year: 2019, Size: 15 Mb, Format: pdf

Please note that this booklist is not final. Some books are truly hot items according to Chicago Tribune, others are drafted by unknown writers. On top of that, you can always find additional tutorials and courses on Coursera, Udemy or edX, for example. Are there any other relevant links you could recommend? Leave a comment if you have any feedback on the list.

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