Music theory is an essential aspect of learning music, whether you are a beginner or an advanced musician. Fortunately, many of the best music theory books are available on Amazon and they cater to all levels of expertise.

In this article, we will highlight some of the top music theory books available and help you choose which ones to add to your collection!

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The Best Music Theory Books for Beginners (Top 10)

1. A Guide for Everyone: How to Read, Write, and Understand Music: Best Music Theory Books

This book is a comprehensive guide to music theory that covers everything from the basics to advanced topics. It includes exercises and quizzes to help you test your knowledge.

Debuting as the #1 New Release in multiple categories, the first of a new series of music books for beginners, this is undoubtedly one of the best music theory books for beginners.

This book shows you how to read, write, and understand music. Perfect for beginners, guitar players, piano players, music students, music producers, and composers!

It comes with 80+ video examples so you can stop wondering what written music sounds like and hear it. This creates a deeper understanding and connection to the music.

It also comes with 50+ music theory digital interactive flashcards so you can use music theory now to help you understand and make music!

Be sure to check out Part 2 and Part 3 of this series!

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2. How to Read Music in 30 Days: Music Theory for Beginners: Best Music Theory Books

This best-selling book offers a unique 30-day program that makes learning how to read music simple and fun.

You’ll learn to read sheet music and know exactly what every symbol, sign, and term means. You’ll know the fundamental theory behind the how, why, and what of the music that’s in front of you!

With over 150 music examples, over 100 written exercises, 10 listening experiences, expert tips, lesson summaries, a final test, and online access to the audio examples, you will steadily progress towards learning:

• The absolute essentials of music theory,
• How rhythm REALLY works,
• The complete system behind musical notes,
• The crucial details of music notation,
• How specific musical symbols give life to all written music.

Also, check out book 2 in this course – Music Theory in 30 Days: The Beginner’s Guide to How Music Works 

3. Piano Scales, Chords and arpeggios Lessons with Elements of Basic Music Theory: Best Music Theory Books

This book is a fun and engaging way to learn music theory for beginners. It includes lessons on piano scales, chords, and arpeggios, as well as basic music theory concepts.

Piano Professor Damon Ferrante guides you through 140 step-by-step lessons (for beginner to advanced levels) and 30 video lessons.

This easy-to-follow method, used by thousands of piano students and teachers, is designed to be interactive, engaging, and fun.

The lessons will greatly improve your piano technique, creativity, and understanding of music. Whether you are teaching yourself piano or learning with a music instructor, this book and video course will take your piano playing to a whole new level!

4. Music Theory: From Beginner to Expert: Best Music Theory Books

This book by Nicolas Carter is an excellent resource for intermediate to advanced musicians who want to learn music theory in the context of computer music production.

This is an updated and massively expanded edition with new content, exercises, and images.

This book also features links to audio examples (hosted on an external website). These examples allow you to hear the relevant music theory concepts and understand them better!

Don’t forget to check out Part 2 of this course!

5. The Practical Guide to Modern Music Theory for Guitarists

Music theory is not just for pianists! This book, aimed at guitarists, is an ideal solution for guitarists looking to increase their knowledge of music theory.

Modern Music Theory for Guitarists combines cutting-edge, up-to-date musical information with over 200 exercises and examples to help you internalize and master the most important concepts in modern guitar playing.

6. Help Your Kids with Music, Ages 10-16 (Grades 1-5):

Covering everything from semitones and note values to harmony and music appreciation, Help Your Kids with Music takes you on a clear and easy step-by-step path through all things music. 

This straightforward guide uses clear, accessible pictures and diagrams to approach even the most complex musical theory with confidence.

The use of bright colors breaks up the black-and-white confusion of musical notes and helps you to easily understand key topics.

You’ll also find a glossary of key musical terms and symbols for quick reference, and supporting audio to help you understand the music you are seeing. This is a great option for children who are just starting out on their musical journeys.

7. Harmony and Theory Essential Concepts Series: Best Music Theory Books

This book is a step-by-step guide to the Musician’s Institutes’ well-known Harmony and Theory class.

It includes complete lessons and analysis of intervals, rhythms, scales, chords, key signatures; transposition, chord inversions, key centers; harmonizing the major and minor scales; and more!

This is a great music theory book for Adults who want a more complete understanding of music theory and a better understanding of their instruments and their music.

8. Berklee Music Theory Book 1 – 2nd Edition Book/Online Audio: Best Music Theory Books

The Berklee Methods Music Theory Book 1 features rigorous, hands-on, “ears-on” practice exercises that help you explore the inner workings of music, presenting notes, scales, and rhythms as they are heard in pop, jazz, and blues.

You will learn and build upon the basic concepts of music theory with written exercises, listening examples, and ear-training exercises.

The online audio examples will help reinforce lessons as you begin to build a solid musical foundation. This book is another great option for adults and serious music students.

Reflecting on the way they teach at Berklee, this book has a full exploration of the inner workings of music, presenting notes, scales, and sounds as they are heard in jazz, blues, and popular music.

9. Piano Book for Adult Beginners: Teach Yourself How to Play Famous Piano Songs, Read Music, Theory & Technique: Best Music Theory Books

Piano Professor, Damon Ferrante guides you through how to play the piano with step-by-step lessons for beginners and 20 streaming video lessons.

This easy-to-follow method, used by thousands of piano students and teachers, is designed to be interactive, engaging, and fun.

10. The Jazz Theory Book by Mark Levine: Best Music Theory Books

This book is a comprehensive guide to jazz theory that covers topics such as chord/scale relationships, improvisation, and reharmonization.

The Jazz Theory Book presents all the information any student of jazz needs in an easy-to-understand, yet thorough, manner. For beginners to advanced players, and written by one of the acknowledged masters of jazz, it is used by universities around the world.

It is suitable for any musician who wants to deepen their understanding of jazz theory.

FAQ

1. What Are the Most Popular Music Theory Books on Amazon?

Music Theory: From Beginner to Expert – The Ultimate Step-By-Step Guide to Understanding and Learning Music Theory Effortlessly by Nicolas Carter. This book is listed as the best seller in the Music Theory category on Amazon at the time of writing!

2. Why Should I Learn Music Theory?

Music theory provides a foundational understanding of how music works. It helps you read and write music, comprehend musical concepts, and enhance your overall musicality.

Whether you’re a budding musician, composer, or just a music enthusiast, learning music theory can significantly enrich your musical experience.

3. Can I Learn Music Theory Without a Teacher Using These Books?

Absolutely! While having a teacher can be beneficial, the selected books are crafted to be user-friendly, allowing individuals to learn independently. Clear explanations, exercises, and practical examples make these books suitable for self-guided learning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many great music theory books available on Amazon that cater to all levels of expertise. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced musician, there is a book out there that can help you deepen your understanding of music theory.

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