Best Books To Learn Music Theory

[HughRichardson]

Hey guys,

I just published a new YouTube video reviewing my four top picks for the best music theory book.

 

I've used these books throughout my teaching career to teachbeginners, middle and high school students as well as musicians on degree programmes and a few professionals.

 

Everyone studies music theory for different reasons so I've decided to look at four books which I feel will serveall different levels.

 

1. The AB Guide To Music Theory Parts 1 and 2

 

These two books are perfect if you're new to theory and you need to learn the basics. The explanations are clear and the material is really well presented. If you've read these books then you won't draw a blank the next time someone asks you "hey, what key is this song in?". It's crucial reading for any student.

 

2. Mark Levine's Jazz Theory Book

 

This second option is more advanced and I would say better suited to students in degree programs or serious high school students. Jazz theory helps to explain so many areas of contemporary music like pop, soul, R&B to name a few. So understanding how to improvise over changes, how certain scales relate to certain chords and how to reharmonize (all of which you learn in this book) is something you really have to know.

 

3. Harmony by Walter Piston

 

If classical music is much more your thing then Harmony by Walter Piston is the book for you. Whilst this does cover some very fundamental things like intervals, key signatures and triads, Harmony also progresses into veryadvanced territory by the end. For this reasonit's one of the most complete books I've ever read. It also comes with a sister workbook which has exercises for each chapter.

 

4. David Berkman's Jazz Harmony Book

 

This is one of my favourite books. It's got endorsements from some of the biggest names in jazz but it presents the process of understanding and applying harmony perhaps more clearly than any other book I've ever read. My favourite section is the appendix at the back which teaches non-piano players how to voice all the chords and theory you learn as a jazz piano player would. Basic keyboard skills are taught at any serious music school to every student without exception so if you're a student or even a professional then this is a book you must own!

 

To learn more about these books check out my review and if you want to read reviews from people who have bought each book make sure you check out the show notes in the description!

 

Let me know what you think of these options!

[alfred]

Mark Levine's books are great, good choice!