16 Must-Read Books on Music Theory for Every Musician

Discover the best books on music theory that unlock the secrets of sound. Elevate your musical journey with our curated top picks.
16 Must-Read Books on Music Theory for Every Musician

Top Quick Picks For You

Best Entry-Level Choice

Music Theory Book for Beginners

Music Theory Book for Beginners

This book serves as a comprehensive introduction, making it ideal for those just starting their music education journey.

Best for Beginners

No Bull Music Theory

No Bull Music Theory

Specifically tailored for beginners, this workbook takes you through music theory fundamentals in a structured manner.

Best for Quick Reference

Complete Book of Scales

Complete Book of Scales

With its focus on scales, chords, and music fundamentals, this book provides a quick and easy reference for musicians.

Best for Comprehensive Learning

Alfred's Essentials Of Music Theory

Alfred's Essentials Of Music Theory

As a complete self-study course, this book covers music theory extensively, suitable for those seeking a thorough understanding.

Best Books on Music Theory

Delving into the world of music theory can feel like uncovering a treasure chest of intricate secrets that shape the melodies we love. Whether you’re a budding musician or a seasoned composer, the right books can illuminate the intricate relationships between notes, harmonies, and rhythms. Join us as we explore a curated selection of the best books on music theory that promise to enrich your understanding and nurture your creative journey.

Best Entry-Level Choice: Music Theory Book for Beginners

The Best Music Theory Book for Beginners 1: A Guide for Everyone: How to Read, Write, and Understand Music (The Best Music Theory Books for Beginners)
Highlights
Clear and engaging presentation
Well-structured for beginners
Includes interactive resources

We’re excited to share our thoughts on the best entry-level choice in books on music theory !

This book truly shines as a comprehensive introduction, making it perfect for those embarking on their music education journey .

With a clear and engaging presentation, it breaks down complex concepts into digestible parts .

The structure is well-suited for beginners, complemented by interactive resources that spark curiosity .

However, it’s worth noting that it offers limited hands-on practice and may not satisfy advanced learners seeking depth .

Overall, we believe this book is an excellent starting point for anyone eager to understand the foundations of music theory!

Be sure to also check out the best books on piano technique for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Music Theory Book for Beginners on Amazon

Best for Beginners: No Bull Music Theory

No Bull Music Theory for Guitarists: Master the Essential Knowledge all Guitarists Need to Know
Highlights
Concise and clear content
Engaging for younger students
Affordable price point

We’re excited to introduce a fantastic resource for anyone starting their journey into music theory: the workbook from Headstock Books, named our "Best for Beginners." This concise guide offers clear and engaging content that is perfect for younger learners eager to grasp the fundamentals of music .

With 107 pages packed with structured lessons, it's both informative and affordable .

However, while it excels with beginners, advanced players might find the depth a bit lacking .

Just keep in mind that it's only available in paperback and the chapters are relatively brief .

Dive in—your musical adventure awaits!

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Price history for No Bull Music Theory on Amazon

Best for Quick Reference: Complete Book of Scales

The Complete Book of Scales, Chords, Arpeggios & Cadences: Includes All the Major, Minor (Natural, Harmonic, Melodic) & Chromatic Scales -- Plus Additional Instructions on Music Fundamentals
Highlights
Well written and instructional
Good musical reference
Excellent formatting

We’re excited to spotlight a fantastic resource for musicians at any level: Alfred Music’s Quick Reference .

This book stands out as Best for Quick Reference thanks to its clear focus on scales, chords, and the essentials of music theory .

It's well-written and instructional, making it easy to navigate when you need to grasp those musical concepts quickly .

With 88 pages of expertly formatted content, it's a solid companion for any musician .

However, note that beginners might find it a bit challenging, and there are some reports of binding issues .

Overall, we believe it’s a worthy addition to your music library!

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Price history for Complete Book of Scales on Amazon

Best for Comprehensive Learning: Alfred's Essentials Of Music Theory

Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory: A Complete Self-Study Course for All Musicians (Book & 2 CDs)
Highlights
Clear instruction
Invaluable ear training
Great for beginners

When diving into music theory, we've found that this book truly stands out as the best for comprehensive learning .

With its clear instruction, it's perfect for beginners looking to grasp the fundamentals, while the invaluable ear training exercises sharpen your musical skills .

However, if you're more advanced, you might find the content a bit light .

Plus, while it doesn't provide verbal Q&A support, the comprehensive material will get you started on your musical journey .

With 152 pages packed with knowledge, it's an essential addition to any budding musician’s library!

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Price history for Alfred's Essentials Of Music Theory on Amazon

Music Theory

Music Theory For Dummies
Highlights
Clear explanations
Logical progression
Great for beginners

If you're venturing into music theory, we highly recommend the Music Theory For Dummies book .

With clear explanations and a logical progression, it’s a fantastic starting point for beginners eager to understand the building blocks of music .

Spanning 336 pages, it sometimes leans towards lengthy reads—ideal for those who want depth but might be a bit heavy for casual perusal .

While it lacks advanced content, its approachable style makes complex concepts digestible .

At a solid 4.6 stars from initial reviews, this book is a great companion for anyone aspiring to master the art of music .

Happy learning!

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Price history for Music Theory on Amazon

Music Theory 101

Music Theory 101: From keys and scales to rhythm and melody, an essential primer on the basics of music theory (Adams 101 Series)
Highlights
Beginner-friendly content
Logical information structure
Portable and easy to carry

We’re delighted to share our thoughts on this enlightening book on music theory !

With beginner-friendly content and a logical information structure, it truly shines as an excellent introduction to the world of music .

Additionally, its portable size makes it easy to carry around—perfect for music students on the go .

However, we should note that it has limited coverage of the bass clef and might not satisfy the more advanced reader's quest for depth .

Overall, we'd recommend this book for those starting their musical journey, but be prepared to supplement with additional resources as you dive deeper!

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Price history for Music Theory 101 on Amazon

Learn Music Theory Workbook Books on Music Theory

Learn Music Theory: Workbook for Beginners. Step by Step - Fundamental Music
Highlights
Independently published
Concise at 194 pages
High-ranking in music theory

We're excited to introduce you to a noteworthy contender in the realm of music theory books: an independently published gem that packs an impressive amount of knowledge into just 194 pages .

While being a new arrival might limit its visibility, its high rankings in categories like Music Theory and Music Exercises suggest it's already making waves .

Though it currently comes only in paperback, this concise guide promises to break down complex concepts into digestible bites .

Ideal for those ready to level up their musical understanding, it's definitely one to consider as you dive into the depths of music theory!

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Price history for Learn Music Theory Workbook on Amazon

Music Theory for Guitarists

Music Theory for Guitarists, the Complete Method Book: Volumes 1, 2 & 3 of the Music Theory for Guitarists Series in a Single Edition
Highlights
Structured learning approach
Clear and concise explanation
Guitar-centric focus

We absolutely love “The Complete Guitar Manual” published by Headstock Books !

With its structured learning approach, this book serves as a fantastic entry point for guitar enthusiasts eager to grasp music theory without getting bogged down .

The clear and concise explanations effortlessly guide you through concepts, making it enjoyable rather than overwhelming .

However, it’s worth noting that its guitar-centric focus means advanced players might find it less beneficial .

If you're new to music theory and looking to elevate your guitar skills, this book could be your perfect companion .

With a stellar 4.8-star rating from over 600 reviews, it’s definitely worth checking out!

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Price history for Music Theory for Guitarists on Amazon

This Is Your Brain on Music

This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession
Highlights
Engaging and insightful
Combines music and neuroscience
Suitable for all skill levels

We were captivated by the engaging insights offered in this book on music theory .

Combining music with neuroscience, it provides a fresh perspective suitable for all skill levels .

While some basic concepts might feel familiar to seasoned musicians, the scientific approach can feel a bit dense for beginners .

However, the depth of content makes it a valuable resource for those willing to dive in .

With its clever blend of theory and thought-provoking notions, this book is perfect for anyone looking to explore the intricate relationship between music and the brain .

Trust us—your understanding of sound will never be the same!

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Price history for This Is Your Brain on Music on Amazon

Music Theory Books on Music Theory

Music Theory: From Beginner to Expert - The Ultimate Step-By-Step Guide to Understanding and Learning Music Theory Effortlessly (Essential Learning Tools for Musicians)
Highlights
Comprehensive and concise
Well organized with examples
Useful for all skill levels

Best Books on Music Theory: Our Take on This Must-Read!

When diving into music theory, we found this book to be both comprehensive and concise, making it a great resource for everyone from beginners to seasoned musicians .

The organization and plentiful examples really help to clarify complex concepts .

However, we did notice a few occasional spelling errors and a lack of diagrams as the book progresses .

Plus, be prepared for some advanced vocabulary that might trip up newcomers .

Overall, with a solid 4.5-star rating, it’s definitely worth considering for anyone eager to enhance their musical understanding .

Let the music theory journey begin!

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Price history for Music Theory on Amazon

How to Read Music in 30 Days

How to Read Music in 30 Days: Music Theory for Beginners - with exercises & online audio (Practical Musical Theory)
Highlights
Well-structured and paced
Includes web audio examples
User-friendly for beginners

We absolutely loved exploring this gem on music theory !

The book is well-structured and paced, making it a delightful read for enthusiasts and beginners alike .

It includes web audio examples that enhance the learning experience, allowing us to connect theory with practice effortlessly .

While the cover might not win any design awards, don’t let that deter you—inside lies a treasure trove of information .

Just a heads-up: it does require a bit of time commitment to fully grasp all the concepts, and it may not cater to advanced learners .

Overall, it’s a fantastic starting point for your musical journey!

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Price history for How to Read Music in 30 Days on Amazon

Essential Guide to Music Theory

The Essential Guide to Music Theory: Everything You Need to Learn the Basics and Beyond
Highlights
Accessible writing style
Logical and informative structure
Includes helpful exercises

We’re excited to introduce The Essential Music Theory Workbook—a treasure trove for aspiring musicians !

With its accessible writing style and logical structure, this book makes complex concepts a breeze to grasp .

Perfect for beginners, it simplifies music theory with helpful exercises that reinforce learning .

However, we’d note that its short length might leave some craving deeper insights, and it may not satisfy seasoned pros looking for advanced topics .

With a stellar 4.8-star rating from 59 reviews, it’s clear that this book strikes a chord with many .

If you’re ready to elevate your music understanding, this is a solid choice!

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Price history for Essential Guide to Music Theory on Amazon

Guitar Fretboard Books on Music Theory

Guitar Fretboard: Memorize The Fretboard In Less Than 24 Hours: 35+ Tips And Exercises Included
Highlights
Easy to understand concepts
Quick fretboard memorization
Useful for beginners

We’re excited to talk about this gem in the music theory realm !

This book is a fantastic resource for beginners, presenting concepts in a clear and straightforward manner .

Its focus on quick fretboard memorization makes it ideal for those just starting their musical journey .

However, it's important to note that this book primarily targets guitar enthusiasts, and with just 78 pages, you might find it necessary to supplement your learning with additional materials .

Nevertheless, with a stellar ranking in its categories and a solid 4.5-star rating, we believe it’s a worthy addition to any budding musician's library!

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Price history for Guitar Fretboard on Amazon

Music Theory for Bass Players

Music Theory for the Bass Player: A Comprehensive and Hands-on Guide to Playing with More Confidence and Freedom
Highlights
Comprehensive music theory coverage
Clear and engaging teaching style
Effective with video course

"Let's dive into the world of music theory with "Music Theory & Guitar Rhythm: The Ultimate Guide to Music Theory for Guitarists." Published by Ariane Cap, this illustrated edition packs a whopping 184 pages of in-depth knowledge .

The teaching style is notably clear and engaging, making complex concepts more enjoyable to grasp, especially when paired with its video course .

However, be warned: the content can be a bit dense, so it's not ideal for those looking for a quick fix .

If you're ready to invest time, this book stands tall among its peers at an impressive 4.7-star rating !

Happy learning!

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Price history for Music Theory for Bass Players on Amazon

Music Theory for Guitarists

MUSIC THEORY FOR GUITARISTS BOOK/ONLINE AUDIO (HAL LEONARD GUITAR METHOD) - GUITAR CHORD BOOK WITH 9
Highlights
Comprehensive coverage
Great for intermediate players
Clear explanations

When it comes to diving deeper into music theory, The Complete Guitar Theory Book from Hal Leonard is a fantastic resource for those looking to bridge the gap between basic knowledge and mastery .

With clear explanations and comprehensive coverage, it excels for intermediate players, guiding you through concepts with the finesse of a musical maestro .

However, if you’re an absolute beginner, this book might leave you strumming in confusion, as it assumes some prior knowledge .

Keep in mind that its focus is primarily on the guitar, making it a tailored choice for aspiring guitarists looking to enhance their musicality .

Dive in and strum your way to enlightenment!

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Price history for Music Theory for Guitarists on Amazon

Creative Act Books on Music Theory

The Creative Act: A Way of Being
Highlights
Encouraging and thought-provoking
Beautiful cover design
Great for casual reading

We absolutely love this book on music theory !

It's not your typical textbook, making it a refreshing choice for anyone looking to explore concepts in a more relaxed manner .

With its beautiful cover design, it’s perfect for casual reading—the kind of book you want to keep on your coffee table .

While some may find the content a bit simplistic, it’s encouraging and thought-provoking, making it a great resource for beginner musicians or anyone curious about the art of music .

Just remember, expectations may vary, so dive in with an open mind!

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Price history for Creative Act on Amazon

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