The Ten Best Guitar Books Every Guitar Player Has to Read
What you need to fill your shelf!
If you’ve practiced all you can practice and gigged all you can gigged, then maybe it’s time to relax for a moment. For that case, we’ve selected the best guitar books to educate, entertain, and inspire you.
Originally published at Gearnews.de by Jan Rotring, translation by Julian Schmauch.
Our recommendations
Category 1: Essential Biographies
I am an avid fan of autobiographies of all kinds, whether from people in politics, business, music, film – I just love exciting personalities. And, of course, I have a big selection of biographies from musicians on my shelf, it’s a massive collection of best guitar books.
These two biographies have particularly inspired me. And even though both are more songwriters than exciting guitarists, I highly recommend you read them. Even if it’s just to learn how to survive in the music industry despite an excessive rock star lifestyle.
“Storyteller” by Dave Grohl
Foo Fighters singer, Nirvana drummer, Queens Of The Stone Age co-founder, and now author: Dave Grohl truly is a jack of all trades. He also writes quite entertainingly. The anecdotes in Storyteller are just that: anecdotes from his childhood, teenager, and during his time in some of the most influential rock bands.
From surprising intermezzos at highway rest stops to fateful encounters in show business: Dave knows how to take readers with him on his journey. Rock’s Mr. Niceguy has many fantastic stories to tell that, above all, are extremely engaging. It’s a somewhat different biography and, thus, a perfect introduction to this category of the best guitar book recommendations!
“Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen
Well, what else can be said about Bruce? Whether as the “boss” of the E Street Band, as a songwriter, or in his solo career, Bruce Springsteen has probably achieved pretty much everything in music. What makes his biography one of my favorites is the complete honesty with which he talks about his demons.
Depression and the constant pressure to perform make the life of Bruce a tough obstacle course. In this book, he is almost frighteningly honest about all of it. And above all, Springsteen has an incredibly good hand for language.
Category 2: Music Theory and Sheet Music – Books for Guitarists That You Probably Won’t Read Cover to Cover.
We all have them on our shelves: enormous tomes on guitar theory that we bought in a fit of motivation but never got around to reading.
That’s completely normal, because, after all, most theory books are mostly intended as references rather as full readthroughs. And of course, as guitarists, we like to pretend that we’ve read them all cover to cover…
The two books presented here have helped me greatly in the past. I used one as a practical guide, and the other as a reference work that I keep returning to.
“Metallica: Master of Puppets” by Cherry Lane
My challenge for 2009 was to learn Metallica’s Master of Puppets inside out in all its brutal genius. Well, maybe not by heart, but at least so I could play along to the entire album.
The printed tabs and notation in the Cherry Lane book helped a lot, especially in the trickier parts. That’s why it’s one of the best guitar books. As essential as guitar tabs sites like Ultimate Guitar and the like are, it’s cool to be offline from time to time and have something tangible. Even if it’s just to cool down your picking hand after an endless down-stroke parade.
Well noted and written in great detail in all areas, it is probably my most frequently read sheet music. And let’s be honest: everyone should (be able to) play the album!
“Chord Chemistry” by Ted Greene
This is the reference book for anyone who wants to know how much math you can pack into chords. It would be nonsense to claim you have actually “read through” Chord Chemistry. But it is the perfect place to research, learn, and expand your knowledge of chords.
For punk and metal guitarists like me, this recommendation, part of my list of the best guitar books, is the perfect resource for the occasional “expensive-sounding” chord and its theoretical background. It’s also great for showing off at jazz parties.
Category 3: Novels That Feature the Guitar
Novels about guitars? There are hardly any. But there are quite a few novels in which music and guitars, in particular, play an important role.
Even though my personal interests tend to be more in the realm of fantasy and science fiction, I would like to recommend a few novels and best guitar books.
One is more like an ode to music and an invitation to everyone to give their lives a soundtrack, while the other might appeal more to gearheads.
“High Fidelity” by Nick Hornby
It’s not purely a guitar story, but few other books have ever described the inner workings of a music nerd and collector so aptly. If you’ve only seen the (admittedly very successful) movie adaptation with John Cusack, use a rainy October day to read the entire story.
It’s a quick and easy read. And to be honest, every now and then, you might recognize yourself. Even if your record collection isn’t quite as extensive as it should be…
“Vintage” by Grégoire Hervier
A cranky Scottish music collector hires a young Frenchman to find proof of the existence of an original (not the 1982 remake) Gibson Moderne. The original guitar, which was introduced in 1958 along with the Flying V and the Explorer, is considered a myth—and yet it is said to exist.
We accompany the young protagonist through all kinds of well-known and lesser-known places in the music world and follow him on an extraordinary guitar safari. It’s a witty, ingenious, and sometimes whimsical story with a whole series of side blows and anecdotes that probably only guitarists get.
Category 4: Iconic Guitars in Coffee-Table Books
Who doesn’t love some good old coffee table books on guitars? High-quality images, ideally of particularly impressive and rare guitars? If you’re one of them, then the following two best guitar books are something for you.
“Beauty of the Burst” by Yasuhiko Iwanade
The classic and THE reference book when it comes to vintage Les Pauls. Yasuhiko Iwanade has spent years photographing the finest details of arguably the most sought-after electric guitars of all time.
“Beauty of the Burst” is considered by many to be the bible of Les Pauls and it is often used for comparisons and for authenticating supposedly old vintage instruments.
The book’s design may seem old, but it fits the theme. It will make you weak at the knees – if you’re a Les Paul fan, that is.
“Dream Factory – Fender Custom” by Tom Wheeler
Interviews, stories, and, of course, high-resolution images of the history of the Fender Custom Shop. The instruments built in Fender’s dream factory are all works of art – even if maybe a leather-bound Telecaster is not for everyone.
As with “Beauty of the Burst”, Hal Leonard publishing house has taken great care in its Fender reference book to capture the magic of some truly unique guitars. Them and editor Tom Wheeler have succeeded.
Perfect for the coffee table or as a gift for your best guitar-playing friend?
Category 5: Rock ‘n’ Roll Philosophy
Reading these books could perhaps inspire you to develop your own philosophy of life – and guitars are, of course, part of it. So, naturally these books are also some of the best guitar books.
These books explore the deeper connection between art, spirit, and emotion from the perspectives of two remarkable personalities in the music world. So get out the red wine and sit comfortably in your reading chair!
“Just Kids” by Patti Smith
Patti Smith is an icon of rock ‘n roll for a reason. But her writing about art, music, and friendship in this rather short book is a wonderful illustration of how music, love, and life sometimes merge.
The story of Patti and her childhood sweetheart is not only highly emotional, but also invites you to rethink and change perspective on many parts of life. It’s best to be read in stages and discussed in depth. And not just for fans of Patti Smith’s music.
“The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin
Rick Rubin is the producer behind about 100,000 of the most important albums in music history. His thoughts on creativity and what makes up the human mind when creating art are genuine, short meditations.
It’s not one of those books for guitarists that you read in one go. Rather, it’s something you pick up every now and then and read one or two short sections (not “chapters”). Think about it, reflect on it, be amazed. It is not necessarily light reading, but it is perfect for anyone who wants to practice a little philosophizing.
The ultimate bookcase for guitarists
With the dark season upon us, it’s now up to you – my ultimate bookcase for the fall. My dilemma: I already know the books and am at a loss. What are your top recommendations? Let us know in the comments!
More info and videos about books for guitarists
For your viewing pleasure, I’ve also selected a few videos of other guitarists recommending their best guitar books.
*This post contains affiliate links and/or widgets. When you buy a product via our affiliate partner, we receive a small commission that helps support what we do. Don’t worry, you pay the same price. Thanks for your support!
This might also interest you
