Top 5 Books On Music Theory For Beginners

Whether you’re a complete beginner, an aspiring musician, or simply a music nerd, knowing the basics of music theory can help you enhance your music performing capabilities.

I have shortlisted Top 5 Books On Music Theory For Complete Beginners to help you learn the fundamentals of music theory. 

Reading these books will help you unlock the mysteries of what goes behind your favorite music or the classics of all time. It will give you a deeper perspective on the works of other musicians and will bring an extra dimension to your own. 

Also, checkout my article on music theory for beginner guitar players.

Top 5 Books On Music Theory For Beginners

Here’s a list of Top 5 Books On Music Theory For Complete Beginners:

  1. Theory of Music Workbook Grade 1 – by Naomi Yandell
  2. Music Theory: From Beginner to Expert – by Nicolas Carter 
  3. Vaideology: Basic Music Theory for Guitar Players – by Steve Vai
  4. Music Theory For Dummies – by Michael Pilhofer & Holly Day
  5. Music Theory for Computer Musicians – by Michael Hewitt

Theory of Music Workbook Grade 1 

Theory of Music Workbook Grade 1 – by Naomi Yandell is a complete beginner music theory textbook of Trinity College of Music. Naomi Yandell is a Cambridge-based music consultant, author, cello and music theory teacher. 

Why Do I Recommend This Book?

This is an excellent workbook for learning the fundamentals of music theory. Reading this will give you an understanding of the very basic concepts of music theory like stave, pitch, notes, chords, key signatures, treble, bass clefs and more. 

The book provides a step-by-step explanation and exercises to help you learn the fundamentals with practical knowledge. 

Reading this book will help you understand the theory behind the music you play and will teach you to read and write stave notations.

Who Is This Book For?

Whether you are preparing for Grade 1 exams or just interested in learning music theory. This is the book for you. 

 

Music Theory: From Beginner to Expert 

Music Theory: From Beginner to Expert – by Nicolas Carter, is an ultimate step-by-step guide to understanding and learning music theory effortlessly.

Nicolas Carter is an experienced guitar player and the best-selling author of many books covering music theory and guitar.

Why Do I Recommend This Book?

In this book, the author unlocks the mysteries of basic music theory concepts like notes, intervals, modes, music scale, circle of fifths, chord progression and more. He provides an overview of various elements of music theory such as pitch, tone, timbre etc. He shares his knowledge to help you understand the origin of chords and scales. 

Reading this book will help you master your theory, rhythm and understand how to play in any time signature. It will give you all the necessary information you need to become an expert in music theory.

Who Is This Book For?

Great for beginners and anyone else who's interested in how the various aspects of music work. Get this and join the dots about music theory knowledge.

 

Vaideology: Basic Music Theory for Guitar Players 

Vaideology: Basic Music Theory for Guitar Players – by Steve Vai, provides in-depth information on the music theory fundamentals that every aspiring guitar player should know.

Learn the must-know music knowledge and wisdom through the legendary guitar virtuoso Steve Vai. 

Why Do I Recommend This Book?

In this book, Steve Vai shares his insight on reading and writing music, academic vs experiential learning, key signatures, basics of rhythm, modes, chord scales, and much more. This book features practical exercises, tips, diagrams and concepts to help you as a beginner. 

Steve Vai, in his super-cool style and ways, will teach you music theory. It is easy to understand and well-structured. This book also features artwork on every page by Steve Vai. 

Who Is This Book For?

For beginners who want to know the basics of music notation and music theory. This book is illustrative and easy read for all levels. If music theory intrigues you, start with this book.

Music Theory For Dummies 

Music Theory For Dummies – by Michael Pilhofer & Holly Day is an excellent guide that provides the understanding of the basic concepts of music theory that underlie the production of great music. 

Why Do I Recommend This Book?

In this book, the authors share their knowledge of music theory concepts like scales, intervals, pitches, clefs, time signature, basic notation, dynamics, tempo, chords, progressions, melodies and more.

This book is perfectly structured and up-to-date, filled with guidance to help a complete beginner. Reading this book will improve your playing skills as well as improvisation skills. 

Who Is This Book For?

If you are a complete beginner in music theory, looking for a book that can help you learn on your own, then this is the book for you.

 

Music Theory for Computer Musicians 

Music Theory for Computer Musicians – by Michael Hewitt, explains the fundamentals of music theory for complete beginners.

This book is written from the perspective of an absolute beginner computer musician. Learn the basics of music theory from the brilliant composer, educator and author Michael Hewitt.

Why Do I Recommend This Book?

Many professional producers, computer musicians, or hobbyists know how to use their instruments but have no clue about music theory. Learning music theory can help you build a strong foundation for your musical career. Knowledge of basic music theory can help you work more efficiently. It will open up more creative possibilities for you. 

This book can help take your music career to the next level by educating you on the basics of music theory. It covers fundamentals of music theory like notes, chords, rhythm, tempo, types of scales, the cycle of fifth etc.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is for amateur musicians or aspiring computer musicians who have no or little knowledge of music theory. It’s a good reference book as an introduction to music theory. It comes with a CD that shows the practical examples from the book.

 

 

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1 comment


  • Susan J Vanduson

    Hi, You can go through with this Music Theory- From Beginner to Expert is a great introduction to music theory that covers pretty much everything that anyone who plays or wants to play music, and wishes to become a better musician, should know.


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Udeeksh Sood on

Udeeksh is an Audio Engineer. He loves to produce music, research music gear, play guitar, go on treks and road trips.