The most recommended guitar books

Who picked these books? Meet our 15 experts.

15 authors created a book list connected to guitar, and here are their favorite guitar books.
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Book cover of Honkers and Shouters: The Golden Years of Rhythm and Blues

Keith Wyatt Author Of Blues Rhythm Guitar: Master Class Series [With CD]

From my list on blues and playing the blues guitar.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a professional guitarist and music teacher specializing in American roots music. For more than 35 years I taught, wrote curriculum, and oversaw programs at Los Angeles' Musicians Institute (formerly Guitar Institute of Technology) while creating and directing instructional videos, writing method books, and publishing magazine articles and columns. Since 1996 I have been recording and touring as the guitarist for American music icons the Blasters. In 2014, I developed the online School of Electric Blues Guitar at Artistworks, where I interact every day with students from around the world.

Keith's book list on blues and playing the blues guitar

Keith Wyatt Why did Keith love this book?

Completing a trifecta with Deep Blues and Sound of the City, Honkers and Shouters is a definitive examination of the evolution of rural blues into urban rhythm-and-blues, the “big beat” that made African-American-based popular music into one of America’s greatest, and most lucrative, cultural exports. 

Shaw, a former music executive, focuses on how the music found its way from the artists to the ears and wallets of the consumers. It was a tough, exploitative business that provided a way for entrepreneurs excluded from more traditional careers by race or ethnicity to find their fortune, if often at the expense of the artists themselves. The rough saga of lives in the music business makes us appreciate the magical results even more. Listen while you read.

By Arnold Shaw,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Honkers and Shouters as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

[From front flap] What did rhythm and blues have that gave it its impact and appeal? Who were the people who made it happen - the artists, producers, and audience - black and white alike - who dug its earthy realism and driving, dynamic sound? Here, for the first time, is the spectacular, foot-tapping, hand-clapping story...


Book cover of Hand Made, Hand Played The Art and Craft Of Contemporary Guitars

Richard Mark French Author Of Acoustic Guitar Design

From my list on people interested in guitars and guitar making.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been making guitars for about 30 years now and love it. I’m mostly self-taught and there were some pretty rough instruments early on, but I got better with every one. I’ve lost track of how many I’ve made and my favorite is always the next one. I learned my craft from people who took the time to write about it. I’ve now written dozens of articles and three books on guitars. As a professor, I run a guitar-making lab and teach classes on stringed instrument design and manufacture. I hope to do my part to help new builders the way others have helped me.

Richard's book list on people interested in guitars and guitar making

Richard Mark French Why did Richard love this book?

We’re probably in a golden age of guitar making. The internet has made information on how to make guitars, once rare indeed, free to anyone who wants to learn. New builders need to see what the very top luthiers (makers of stringed instruments) are building. This book is full of beautiful pictures – more pictures than words – that show the highest levels of design and construction. When I want to dream about how my next guitar might look, I go here.

By Robert Shaw,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hand Made, Hand Played The Art and Craft Of Contemporary Guitars as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Feast your eyes on more than 300 of today's most creative, imaginative and gorgeous hand-made guitars - all illustrated in full colour and featuring information about the innovative artisans who created them. Meet guitar-making legends, such as C.F. Martin, Les Paul and Leo Fender, who revolutionised the instrument's design. Discover why the past 25 years have seen an explosion of craftspeople who build guitars by hand, employing an attention to detail factories can't afford and using higher quality materials and more technical skill than in any previous era. Explore the various guitar styles used in a range of musical traditions,…


Book cover of Making an Archtop Guitar

R.M. Mottola Author Of Building the Steel String Acoustic Guitar

From my list on building stringed musical instruments.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been building guitars and related instruments since 1994. My enthusiasm for guitar construction led me to deeply explore all aspects of the art and to share as much information as I can with others via my lutherie information website, writing for American Lutherie, published books, and my research publications. I am fortunate to count myself among those that consider building stringed musical instruments to be one of the best things one can do.

R.M.'s book list on building stringed musical instruments

R.M. Mottola Why did R.M. love this book?

One of the living legends of builders of archtop guitars, Bob Benedetto describes his personal construction methods in this excellent book.

Although some aspects of guitar building are common among all types of guitars, archtop guitars have an architecture that borrows a lot from the violin family. Building this style of instrument offers unique challenges, and this book describes the entire process in exquisite detail. This is where many modern builders of archtop guitars got their start.

By Robert Benedetto,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Making an Archtop Guitar as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

(Book). The definitive work on the design and construction of an acoustic archtop guitar, this updated second edition features 288 pages of content, including 24 color pages and 4 tear-outs. See what industry greats have said about this book: "I know of no other work offering comprehensive step by step coverage of the making of an acoustic jazz guitar." George Gruhn "This book is for everyone who loves woodworking, loves guitars, appreciates artistry, and believes that organic materials like spruce, maple and ebony can only achieve their highest function through the hands of a craftsman." Howard Paul "I can think…


Book cover of Music Reading for Guitar (The Complete Method)

Tobias Hurwitz Author Of The Total Rock Guitarist: A Fun and Comprehensive Overview of Rock Guitar Playing, Book & CD

From my list on for rock guitar philosophers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been immersed in playing and teaching guitar and in rock culture all my life. Since graduating from The Guitar Institute of Technology in 1987, I’ve been a full-time guitar professional. So, I’m known in my hometown of Baltimore as the go to guy for rock guitar chores of all kinds. I play for companies like Johns Hopkins, Center Stage and The Baltimore Ravens. I taught Guitar at The Gilman School for thirteen years. I’ve played every venue from the biggest stadiums to the smallest clubs. My publications include fifteen guitar books internationally distributed by Alfred Publications and features in most major trade journals. Endorsements: Paul Reed Smith Guitars, Ernie Ball Strings and Fractal Audio.

Tobias' book list on for rock guitar philosophers

Tobias Hurwitz Why did Tobias love this book?

The Beatles didn’t know how to read music, and typically, rock musicians don’t read and write music. So therefore it’s a challenge to us, the people who learned to play around campfires, at the beach, and in the roadhouse, just cause we wanted to. Instead of merely presenting an increasingly difficult set of examples, Oaks teaches us how to think about reading music. He’s a great guy and it’s the best book of its kind I’ve come across.

By David Oakes,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Music Reading for Guitar (The Complete Method) as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

(Musicians Institute Press). Starting at the elementary level and progressing to advanced techniques, this comprehensive method is like a complete two-year guitar course in book form. It includes over 450 songs and examples, and covers: notes, rhythms, keys, positions, dynamics, syncopation, chord charts, duets, scale forms, phrasing, odd time, and much more. Designed from an MI core curriculum program.


Book cover of King Perry

A.J. Rose Author Of Power Exchange

From my list on LGBTQ+ romances because we all deserve to love.

Why am I passionate about this?

As part of the LGBTQ+ rainbow, I know firsthand what it is to be othered, and I grew up desperately wanting to read about and watch characters like me in books and movies. Now that I’ve found a genre of books that celebrates LGBTQ+ lives, I can’t help but want to read and write the stories I’ve always wanted to see and experience in the world of fiction and romance. Everyone deserves love, and I want to share that love with as many people as I can.

A.J.'s book list on LGBTQ+ romances because we all deserve to love

A.J. Rose Why did A.J. love this book?

This book is an unconventional romance, but it is a sweeping one, with language that made me swoon and a love story that gave me reason to hope again. The main character, Vin, was a mystery I needed to solve. King Perry is the first in a book series that has opened my heart in ways I didn’t even know my heart needed opening. It’s a beautiful book (and series) that has the potential to change the way you look at life. Yes, it’s that good. 

By Edmond Manning,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked King Perry as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In a trendy San Francisco art gallery, out-of-towner Vin Vanbly witnesses an act of compassion that compels him to make investment banker Perry Mangin a mysterious offer: in exchange for a weekend of complete submission, Vin will restore Perry’s “kingship” and transform him into the man he was always meant to be.

Despite intense reservations, Perry agrees, setting in motion a chain of events that will test the limits of his body, seduce his senses, and fray his every nerve, (perhaps occasionally breaking the law) while Vin guides him toward his destiny as 'the one true king.'

Even as Perry…


Book cover of Dangerous Curves: The Art of the Guitar

R.M. Mottola Author Of Building the Steel String Acoustic Guitar

From my list on building stringed musical instruments.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been building guitars and related instruments since 1994. My enthusiasm for guitar construction led me to deeply explore all aspects of the art and to share as much information as I can with others via my lutherie information website, writing for American Lutherie, published books, and my research publications. I am fortunate to count myself among those that consider building stringed musical instruments to be one of the best things one can do.

R.M.'s book list on building stringed musical instruments

R.M. Mottola Why did R.M. love this book?

There is nothing that enhances the process of building guitars more than having a solid foundation in the history of the instrument.

Although there are a number of excellent guitar histories available, few offer as clear and accessible information as this book does. The book is the catalog of a traveling museum show about guitars that was curated by the author at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

It is lavishly illustrated, and contains just the right amount of text on the subject to keep the reader engaged. No builder of stringed musical instruments should be without this book.

By Darcy Kuronen,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dangerous Curves as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"The guitar and the dog, in order not to be separated from man, have submitted themselves with resignation to the worst alterations of size and appearance." Andres Segovia


Book cover of The Praxis System Guitar Compendium: Technique / Improvisation / Musicianship / Theory Volume 1

Keith Wyatt Author Of Blues Rhythm Guitar: Master Class Series [With CD]

From my list on blues and playing the blues guitar.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a professional guitarist and music teacher specializing in American roots music. For more than 35 years I taught, wrote curriculum, and oversaw programs at Los Angeles' Musicians Institute (formerly Guitar Institute of Technology) while creating and directing instructional videos, writing method books, and publishing magazine articles and columns. Since 1996 I have been recording and touring as the guitarist for American music icons the Blasters. In 2014, I developed the online School of Electric Blues Guitar at Artistworks, where I interact every day with students from around the world.

Keith's book list on blues and playing the blues guitar

Keith Wyatt Why did Keith love this book?

Howard was a top Los Angeles session guitarist (one of the fabled Wrecking Crew), jazz stylist, and brilliant visionary who combined his skills to create the Guitar Institute of Technology, an innovative, intensive program that trained thousands of professionals and transformed guitar education.

The Guitar Compendium is the result of Howard’s decades of research into learning theory and information flow applied to the guitar. It’s not a standard guitar method (and not designed for raw beginners), but rather a collection of practical, thought-provoking solutions to the universal challenges of learning and playing the instrument, from developing technique to breaking through creative roadblocks. If you’re an aspiring, curious, and perhaps frustrated guitarist, The Praxis System is a unique source of wisdom and inspiration from one of the greatest.

By Howard Roberts, Garry Hagberg,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Praxis System Guitar Compendium as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This is the first instructional book of its kind, taking a strikingly new and refreshing approach to learning guitar, carefully designed to guarantee efficient practice with rewarding results. Whether your playing falls under one of the more traditional styles, or whether you're a composer and arranger or exploring new musical regions and establishing your own musical direction or personal fusion of musical ideas and influences, The Praxis System has what you need. The name of the system (Praxis" comes from the Greek word meaning "practice" and "to do") accurately reflects its general orientation. Play it first, getting sound and satisfaction…


Book cover of Contemporary Acoustic Guitar Design and Build

Richard Mark French Author Of Acoustic Guitar Design

From my list on people interested in guitars and guitar making.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been making guitars for about 30 years now and love it. I’m mostly self-taught and there were some pretty rough instruments early on, but I got better with every one. I’ve lost track of how many I’ve made and my favorite is always the next one. I learned my craft from people who took the time to write about it. I’ve now written dozens of articles and three books on guitars. As a professor, I run a guitar-making lab and teach classes on stringed instrument design and manufacture. I hope to do my part to help new builders the way others have helped me.

Richard's book list on people interested in guitars and guitar making

Richard Mark French Why did Richard love this book?

This is very nice a two-volume set, written by Trevor Gore, an accomplished guitar maker with an extensive technical background, and Gerard Gilet, a builder of fine acoustic guitars. This is required reading for people who are interested both in how to make guitars and how they work.

Book cover of The Complete Blues & Ragtime Guitar Player

Jamie Akers Author Of Christmas Carols for Guitar

From my list on to help you be great at guitar.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been playing the guitar since I was ten years old. From then until now it has been my life’s focus, my friend and delight, my consolation, companion, and frustration. While I am reconciled to never being the world’s most famous guitarist, I still have a career, make a living, and, hopefully, contribute positively to the Universe. I have recorded albums of previously unheard music, performed throughout the world, and edited and published books for guitar. In spite of decades of study and practice, I find my enthusiasm undimmed and enjoy nothing more than sharing my expertise and guiding those less experienced to discover the delights of playing music.

Jamie's book list on to help you be great at guitar

Jamie Akers Why did Jamie love this book?

When I started playing guitar, all I wanted to do was play the blues. Why a working-class Scottish boy would be so entranced by music so culturally and geographically remote is curious even to me but this book gave me a way in, a key to unlock the skills required to emulate the sounds of the blues greats I loved to hear. As an autodidact, clear explanations, technical advice, and background information were essential to my development and I still use this book with students to this day. 

By Russ Shipton,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Complete Blues & Ragtime Guitar Player as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

(Music Sales America). Covers the whole spectrum of this exciting area of guitar playing. Careful grading enables beginners to progress through this course playing well-known songs, as well as learning the technical aspects. Songs: A Basic Blues * 'a' Simple Blues * 'a' Twelve Bar * Alice's Restaurant * Bounce Blues * Candyman * Candyman Blues * Cocaine Blues * Come Back Baby * Deep River Blues * The Entertainer * Extension Blues * First Time Blues * Gee Rag * Good Morning Blues * Half-way Rag * Harmony Blues * Hesitation Blues * Horizon Rag * How Long How…


Book cover of Sweet Thing

Jill Santopolo Author Of Everything After

From my list on love and music.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m Jill Santopolo, a novelist, editor, and mom who was born in New York and currently lives in Washington, DC. I’ve written Everything After, More Than Words, and The Light We Lost, which was the Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick in February 2018. My books have been named to The New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Apple, and Indiebound bestseller lists, and have been translated into more than 35 languages. I love Instagram and rarely ever use Twitter (but you can find me there, too)--and music makes my heart sing. When I was growing up I learned to play the piano, flute, and piccolo, and I loved singing and dancing.

Jill's book list on love and music

Jill Santopolo Why did Jill love this book?

Renee Carlino’s book about being in love—and loving music—when you’re in your early 20s is the kind of story that feels like time travel. She captures life and love and grief and confusion so perfectly. And for anyone who has ever found guitar players sexy, well, I bet Will will win your heart.

By Renée Carlino,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sweet Thing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Mia Kelly thinks she has it all figured out. She's an Ivy League graduate, a classically trained pianist, and the beloved daughter of a sensible mother and offbeat father. Yet Mia has been stalling since graduation, torn between putting her business degree to use and exploring music, her true love.

When her father unexpectedly dies, she decides to pick up the threads of his life while she figures out her own. Uprooting herself from Ann Arbor to New York City, Mia takes over her father's cafe, a treasured neighbourhood institution that plays host to undiscovered musicians and artists. She's denied…