Top Picks for Self-Taught Guitar Players: A Comprehensive Guide to Music Theory
Welcome to the world of self-taught guitar playing! Learning to play guitar on your own can be a rewarding yet challenging journey. While there's no substitute for dedication and practice, music theory can significantly enhance your understanding and mastery of the instrument. This guide will explore the best resources for learning music theory specifically tailored for guitarists, helping you build a solid foundation, even if you're entirely new to music.
Essential Books for Beginner Guitarists
For beginners, a good chord/song book is often the best starting point. These books focus on teaching you the basic chord shapes and rhythms without delving into theory overly. Once you have some comfort with playing, you may consider introducing music theory to your practice routine. However, it's recommended to hold off on theoretical concepts until the basic guitar skills are well-established.
At the beginning stage, your focus should be on practicing. Spend your time getting chord shapes under your fingers and practicing smooth rhythmic changes. Leave the theory for later when you feel more confident about playing. This will prevent you from getting overwhelmed and confused by concepts that might not make sense yet.
Advanced Learning Resources: Books and Apps
As you progress, you may find yourself ready to explore music theory. Here are some recommended books and resources that will help you build a comprehensive knowledge of guitar music theory:
Scales Over Chords
This book is excellent for understanding the relationship between scales and chords. It offers detailed explanations and exercises that will help you develop a deeper understanding of the music you're playing.
The Carcassi Method
Developed by Italian guitarist Ferdinando Carcassi, this method is a classic resource for learning classical guitar. It includes a variety of exercises and repertoire that will help you build strength and technique in your playing.
Pumping Nylon
Written by Nancy and Frank Tatum, Pumping Nylon is a popular book that provides a comprehensive introduction to guitar music theory. It's suitable for players of all levels and includes useful information on chords, scales, and other essential concepts.
Diatonic Major and Minor Scales by Andres Segovia
Andres Segovia's detailed approach to guitar scales is a more advanced resource that focuses on the diatonic scales. This book is perfect if you want to delve deeper into the theoretical aspects of scales and their applications in guitar playing.
The Chord Wheel
The Chord Wheel is a visual aid that offers a quick reference for chord progressions and voicings. It's an invaluable tool for any guitarist looking to enhance their understanding of chords and how they fit together.
Music Theory for Guitarists
This book provides a broad overview of music theory specifically tailored for guitarists. It covers chord names, chord progressions, and scale degrees, helping you to understand the underlying structures of the music you're playing.
The Guitar Super System on Udemy
For a more structured and online approach, the Guitar Super System on Udemy is highly recommended. This course offers a practical and comprehensive introduction to music theory for guitarists. While it might be more expensive, it can be worth it, especially when it's on sale.
Among the options, my personal favorite is the Chord Wheel. The circle of fifths is a powerful tool that I'm still learning new things from even after using it for years. If you're looking for a deceptively short but packed book, this is it. Just remember to pace yourself and take your time with these resources. Each book and resource has a wealth of information, so it's important to digest it bit by bit.
Conclusion
Learning to play guitar is a journey that requires dedication, practice, and patience. While music theory can be a daunting aspect, the right resources can make a significant difference in your progress. Whether you prefer traditional books or online courses, there are plenty of options to help you build a comprehensive understanding of guitar music theory.
Remember, the goal is to play and enjoy music, not to become a theoretical expert right away. Take your time, practice consistently, and most importantly, have fun! If you're ready to dive into the world of music theory, start with the resources mentioned above, and you'll find your journey as a self-taught guitarist to be both fulfilling and enriching.