Discover the best books for learning musical instruments. These comprehensive books, suitable for various musical instruments, are the highest-rated or most useful learning resources. They are designed to equip you with all the knowledge you need to take your playing to the next level.
Alfred's Basic Piano Library Theory Book 2 is not just another theory book. This well structured book is designed to help students build a solid foundation in music theory with its engaging quizzes and fun activities that teach key concepts. It is ideal for home practice and classroom use. Whether you're a teacher seeking reliable resources or a parent supporting a young learner, this 32-page paperback offers a gradual, step-by-step approach that promotes musical growth beyond the keyboard. Suitable for beginners, it's part of a trusted series used by piano teachers for decades.
How To Play Blues Rock Bass Volume 1 by Paul Wolfe is not just a theoretical guide. It's a practical method book to help players confidently create authentic blues rock bass lines using a simple 80/20 'device-based' approach. Based on over a decade of transcription work across genres, Wolfe identifies core musical 'devices' used by legendary bassists like Tommy Shannon, Duck Dunn, and Paul McCartney, which appear in 95% of great bass lines.
Volume 1 includes step-by-step lessons, over 175 MP3 backing tracks, video demonstrations at two tempos, and online access to bonus content. Topics ranged from filling the sonic gap in a trio when the guitarist solos to creating harmonic variations and improvising over a 12-bar blues. Readers praise the content's clarity, value, and depth, calling it comparable to a music college education.
Drum Sound and Drum Tuning by Rob Toulson is not just another drum guide. This book guides drummers, producers, and audio engineers seeking a deeper understanding of drum acoustics and professional drum sound. Blending science and creativity, it explains essential percussion theories, tuning methods, and recording techniques, covering everything from drumhead types and shell resonance to studio microphone placement and DAW mixing. With hands-on exercises using Logic Pro and iDrumTune Pro, plus insights from top drummers and producers, this book empowers readers to develop their refined drum sound. Ideal for studio use, education, or personal practice, it's a practical, well-reviewed resource backed by Toulson's deep expertise in musical acoustics.
Discover the drum sound and drum tuning book
This book is an essential learning tool for beginners and self-taught pianists. Clear diagrams, finger positions, and an easy-to-follow layout simplify the complexities of major and minor scales, chords, and the Circle of Fifths. The second edition is designed for visual learners as it features a larger format. You will find step-by-step instructions for both hands, chord inversions, relative keys, progressions and so much more
Arnold Hale wrote this book, which is an accessible and in-depth guide for anyone curious about learning this versatile, pocket-sized instrument. Whether you're a novice or looking to improve your skills, this book covers everything from choosing the correct type of harmonica to mastering breathing, tongue blocking, and simple melodies.
You'll build confidence one note at a time with clear instructions, practical exercises, and insights into blues, rock, and classical styles. Readers praise its easy-to-follow structure, engaging layout, and helpful tips on care, maintenance, and practice routines. This well-reviewed guide is ideal for beginners of all ages and is a great starting point for your musical journey.
This an outstanding beginner's guide for classroom or self-taught string instrument learners. This teacher's edition includes over 40 customizable lesson plans, student worksheets, and assessments, all conveniently available on CD-ROM. Each lesson is thoughtfully structured around clear objectives, strategies, and evaluations to build foundational rhythm, music theory, and creative expression skills.
The book is praised for its logical pacing, user-friendly diagrams, and progressive exercises that build musical confidence. From pizzicato to bowing, each of the 193 exercises introduces new techniques, encouraging sight reading and solidifying note recognition. It's ideal for teachers and self-learners alike, and due to its rich content and audiovisual support, it's considered a better value than comparable methods. Whether used in class or at home, this resource makes learning string instruments accessible, rewarding, and fun.
Buy the essential elements for strings book here.
This percussion book offers methods for beginner percussionists, featuring a blend of familiar songs and instrument-specific exercises to help students develop total musicianship. This 142-page book, authored by Tim Lautzenheiser, John Higgins, Charles Menghini, Paul Lavender, and others, provides classroom and at-home learning resources. Essential Elements also includes Essential Elements Interactive (EEi), an online tool offering teaching, learning, and assessment features. Highly praised for its clear pedagogy and engaging material, it is ideal for young players looking to start their musical journey. With a focus on progressive difficulty and diverse musical examples, this book is a valuable resource for students and teachers.
Jazz Piano Fundamentals (Books 1 & 2) by Jeremy Siskind is a complete guide for beginner to advanced jazz pianists, providing a transparent, structured approach to learning jazz. This two-book set covers over a year's worth of material, including improvisation, chord symbols, voicings, rhythm exercises, and real-life examples from the jazz canon.
Book 1 focuses on foundational topics like swing rhythm, comping, and bossa nova, while Book 2 explores advanced concepts such as altered scales, minor ii-V-i's, and transcription projects. With clear explanations, practical exercises, and guided listening, it's praised by students and professionals alike for its accessibility and effectiveness. The book is ideal for self-learners, offering a well-organized, engaging curriculum complemented by online resources like video demonstrations and Spotify playlists. Highly recommended for anyone serious about mastering jazz piano.
Guitar On Tap! by Joe Bennett is a compact, easy-to-use reference book packed with essential guitar knowledge for players of all levels. Designed for quick access, it covers chords, scales, alternative tunings, and riffs—all organized clearly for fast lookup. Whether you're a beginner needing a solid foundation or an intermediate player expanding your skills, this book offers practical guides, diagrams, and tips to help you progress. While not a step-by-step tutorial, it’s a trusted resource praised for its simplicity, depth, and long-term value. Ideal for players who want one reliable book to return to again and again.
Buy the Guitar on Tap book Now.
The Complete Kalimba Player by Ryan Bomzer
This is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to learn how to play the kalimba. This guide includes everything from basic techniques to advanced melodies, making it a must-have for anyone who wants to be able to play the kalimba to a high standard
