Best Music Books
Category46 books curated26 recommendations totalA curated collection of books related to Music, ranked by recommendation signals.
Where to start: Music Books recommended most often
Recommended books, ranked by how many of the 21 people behind this list recommended each one.
- 1Just Kids9 recommendations · recommended by Emma Watson, Natalie Portman and Emilia Clarke
- 2The Art of Asking5 recommendations · recommended by Tim Ferriss, Matthew Mercer and Bobby Voicu
- 3Beastie Boys Book3 recommendations · recommended by Adam Bain, Roger Bennett and Jimmy Fallon
- 4Views2 recommendations · recommended by Neil Gaiman
- 5Me2 recommendations · recommended by Adam Grant

"Patti Smith has graced us with a poetic masterpiece, a rare and privileged invitation to unlatch a treasure chest never before breached." Johnny DeppIt was the summer Coltrane died, the summer of love and riots, and the summer when a chance encounter in Brooklyn led two young…

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help
Recommended by Tim Ferriss, Matthew Mercer, Bobby Voicu and 1 other
Amanda Palmer writes in a confessional, theatrical voice that mixes stage anecdotes, crowdfunding lessons, and blunt reflections on asking for help. It reads conversationally and often like a series of spoken stories. The value lies in its frank, scene-driven examples of what it feels like to solicit support as an artist and the ethical tensions she wrestles with. Limitations: episodic structure repeats the same lessons, and self-reverent moments may feel indulgent; it’s light on concrete how-to steps or systematic advice for non-artists.
A panoramic experience that tells the story of Beastie Boys, a book as unique as the band itselfby band members ADROCK and Mike D, with contributions from Amy Poehler, Colson Whitehead, Spike Jonze, Wes Anderson, Luc Sante, and more.Formed as a New York City hardcore band in…
The first two volumes chronicling the unique art and design of Roger Dean met with huge critical and popular success. Views (1975) went straight to number one in the Sunday Times bestseller list and went on to sell over a million copies.

In his only official autobiography, music icon Elton John writes about his extraordinary life, which is also the subject of the film Rocketman.Christened Reginald Dwight, he was a shy boy with Buddy Holly glasses who grew up in the London suburb of Pinner and dreamed of becoming…
How Creators Are Struggling to Survive in the Age of Billionaires and Big Tech
Recommended by Brianne Kimmel
A deeply researched warning about how the digital economy threatens artists' lives and work the music, writing, and visual art that sustain our souls and societies from an awardwinning essayist and critic There are two stories you hear about earning a living as an artist in the…

From the moment that he first shook up the world in the mid 1950s, Elvis Presley has been one of the most vivid and enduring myths of American culture.Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley is the first biography to go past that myth and present an Elvis beyond the…

In an age of confusion, fear, and loss, Hanif Abdurraqib's is a voice that matters. Whether he's attending a Bruce Springsteen concert the day after visiting Michael Brown's grave, or discussing public displays of affection at a Carly Rae Jepsen show, he writes with a poignancy…

Not just a look at the art of record cover design Record covers are a sign of our life and times. Like the music on the discs, they address such issues as love, life, death, fashion, and rebellion.

Book Online Video and Audio Instruction
Make your music come alive with this indispensable guitar guideThere's no denying that guitar players have cachet. The guitar is an everpresent part of our collective musical heritage, and the sound can be sensual, aggressive, or a million things in between.
The bestselling guide now updated with video demonstrations and audio tracks online The guitar is one of the most versatile instruments in the world, which is why it's so appealing to musicians.
Show 34 more books with a single recommendation
Jazz & Classical Voicings for Guitar
A collection and explanation of many different types of important progressions for the intermediate and advanced guitarist.
CuttingEdge Techniques
The aim of Creative Guitar 1 is to help any rock guitarist who feels stuck in a rut.

A Visual History of HipHop
ONE OF AMAZON'S BEST ART & PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS 0F 2018AN NPR AND PITCHFORK BEST MUSIC BOOK OF 2018 PICKONE OF TIME'S 25 BEST PHOTOBOOKS OF 2018NEW YORK TIMES, ASSOCIATED PRESS, WALLSTREET JOURNA L, ROLLING STONE, AND CHICAGO SUN HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE PICK The perfect gift for music…
The most highly acclaimed jazz piano method ever published! Over 300 pages with complete chapters on Intervals and triads, The major modes and IIVI, 3note voicings, Sus.
This extraordinary project has been made possible because Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr have agreed to tell their combined story especially for this book.
Practical Tips on Building a Loyal Following and Making a Living as a Musician (Second Edition)

The Ultimate Tool for All Musicians
(Instructional). Master chord theory ... in minutes! The Chord Wheel is a revolutionary device that puts the most essential and practical applications of chord theory into your hands. This tool will help you: Improvise and Solo Talk about chops!
Moses and his school friends are deaf, but like most children, they have a lot to say. They communicate in American Sigh Language, using visual signs and facial expressions. This is called signing.

Stage Dive, Book 3
Stay up all night with the sexy rockers in Stage Dive, the epic New Adult, series from New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott, author of Lick and Play.As the lead singer of Stage Dive, Jimmy is used to getting whatever he wants, whenever he wants it, whether it's booze,…
(Berklee Methods). Now guitarists can have all three volumes of this classic guitar method in one convenient book! Created by popular demand, this new edition of the method used as the basic text for the renowned Berklee College of Music guitar program is a complete compilation…
Resisting an irresistible force wears you down and turns you out. I know. I've been doing it for years. I may not have a musical gift of my own, but I've got a nose for talent and an eye for the extraordinary. And Marlon James Grip to his fans is nothing short of extraordinary.

A Unique Source Book for the Guitar Player Amateur or Professional, Acoustic or Electrice, Rock, Blues, Jazz, or Folk
The most comprehensive resource available for beginning and experienced guitarists alike, whether acoustic or electric. Completely redesigned and with many more fullcolor photos than the original, this new edition surveys recent models and profiles current masters, includes an…
Ted Greene's Chord Chemistry was originally published in 1971 and has become the classic chord reference book for two generations of guitarists.
This revised and expanded edition of the Guitar Player Repair Guide is a stepbystep manual to maintaining and repairing electric and acoustic guitars and basses. Players will learn how to set up a guitar and keep it in top form by mastering basic maintenance.
A Compendium of Formulas for Guitar Scales and Modes
This is the only book you'll ever need on scales and modes! An encyclopedia with over 6,000 diagrams, charts and graphs. Harmony and Theory is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Basic Music Theory for Guitar Players
(Guitar Educational). Named Guardians of Guitar 2019 NAMM top pick! Experience mustknow music knowledge and wisdom through the highly focused lens of legendary guitar virtuoso Steve Vai.
(Stylistic Method). Take your playing to the stratosphere with the most advanced lead book by this proven heavy metal author. Speed Mechanics is the ultimate technique book for developing the kind of speed and precision in today's explosive playing styles.
Over 500 illustrated chords are covered for Rock, Blues, Soul, Country, Jazz and Classical music. This compact dictionary is designed to fit in your bag and is completed with fingering diagrams for each chord and photographs showing how each one is played.
America in the Great Stoned Age, 19452000
Can't Find My Way Home is a history of illicit drug use in America in the second half of the twentieth century and a personal journey through the drug experience.
Liberating the Master Musician Within, Book & Includes Online Downloadable code
Playing music should be as simple and natural as drawing a breath, yet most musicians are hindered by selfconsciousness, apprehension, selfdoubt, and stress.
Complete Edition
The Hal Leonard Guitar Method is designed for anyone just learning to play acoustic or electric guitar. It is based on years of teaching guitar students of all ages, and reflects some of the best teaching ideas from around the world.
(Multicultural Childrens Book, Mixed Race Childrens Book, Bob Marley Book for Kids, Music Books for Kids)
Adapted from one of Bob Marley's most beloved songs, One Love brings the joyful spirit and unforgettable lyrics of his music to life for a new generation.
The Reasoning Behind the Guitar's Unique Tuning Plus Chords Scales and Arpeggios Complete(2 Volumes)
Fretboard Logic Special Edition Book. A bound combination of Books I and II in the Fretboard Logic guitar lesson series. Volume I explains the guitar's unique tuning and a basic set of fretboard patterns.
Book Online Video & Audio Instruction
Serious about jamming, understanding, and creating guitardriven music Easy.With an approachable and engaging style, "Guitar Theory For Dummies" goes beyond guitar basics, presenting the guidance intermediate to advanced players need to improve their improvisational and…
Easytouse, Easytocarry. One Chord on EVERY Page.
Featuring 360 chords, organised as a chord per page, this is a flexible, comprehensive solution for anyone learning or playing the guitar at any level. This nononsense, easy to carry, wiro book will fit into a gig bag, flight case or handbag with the minimum of fuss.

(Musicians Institute Press). Navigate the guitar neck better than ever before with this easytouse book! Designed from Musicians Institute core curriculum programs, it covers essential concepts for players of every level, acoustic or electric.
A Novel
In her starkly beautiful and wholly unexpected tale, Jackie Kay delves into the most intimate workings of the human heart and mind and offers a triumphant tale of loving deception and lasting devotion.The death of legendary jazz trumpeter Joss Moody exposes an extraordinary…
The Roots of Jazz in Seattle
In jazz, as in so many arts, journeymen (and journeywomen) gravitate toward Manhattan, the proving ground and graveyard of the music world. But most of them get their start in local scenes, which tend to remain undocumented along with the players who populate them.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask (Guitar Method)
Guitarists of all levels will find a wealth of practical music knowledge in this special book and CD package. Veteran guitarist and author Tom Kolb dispels the mysteries of music theory using plain and simple terms and diagrams.

The Brian Epstein Story Expanded Edition
The Fifth Beatle is the untold true story of Brian Epstein, the visionary manager who discovered and guided The Beatlesfrom their gigs in a tiny cellar in Liverpool to unprecedented international stardom.

A 52Week, Onelickperday Workout Program for Developing, Improving and Maintaining Guitar Technique Bk/online audio
From the former editor of Guitar One magazine, here is a daily dose of vitamins to keep your chops fine tuned for a full 52 weeks. The guitar exercises cover several musical styles including rock, blues, jazz, metal, country, and funk.
Recommended Music Books by Adam Bain
Adam Bain recommends 1 book on this list. See all book recommendations by Adam Bain
Recommended Music Books by Adam Grant
Adam Grant recommends 1 book on this list. See all book recommendations by Adam Grant
Recommended Music Books by Amy Cuddy
Amy Cuddy recommends 1 book on this list. See all book recommendations by Amy Cuddy
Music Books: common questions
- What are the most recommended music books?
- Just Kids, The Art of Asking and Beastie Boys Book are the most recommended music books on BookMentions, ranked by how many people recommended them.
- Who recommends music books?
- Adam Bain, Adam Grant, Amy Cuddy and Bob Dylan are among the people who recommend books on this list. Each name links to their full set of book recommendations.
- Which of these music books should I read first?
- Just Kids is the most recommended here with 9 recommendations, which makes it the safest place to start.
Built from recommendation data, category signals, and source-backed book records. Use this list as a starting point; open any book to see proof, context, and Amazon options where available.
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35 booksBooks about New York City, including titles recommended by Frank Chimero, Natalie Portman and Emma Watson. Most recommended here: The Power Broker, Just Kids and The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay.
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About this list
This list aggregates books that appear in public recommendation sources, reader-interest signals, and category data. Books are ranked by their position from the source list; recommendation counts and ratings are shown where available. Open any book to see source-backed recommendation proof, editorial context, and Amazon options — the per-book detail page is where the trust signals live.
Recommended books by person: who recommends music books
Books recommended by the people below. Open a profile to see everything they recommend, with the source behind each pick.
- Adam BainBooks recommended by Adam: 1
- Adam GrantBooks recommended by Adam: 1

- Amy CuddyBooks recommended by Amy: 1

- Bob DylanBooks recommended by Bob: 1
- Bobby VoicuBooks recommended by Bobby: 1
- Brianne KimmelBooks recommended by Brianne: 1

- Emilia ClarkeBooks recommended by Emilia: 1
- Emma WatsonBooks recommended by Emma: 1

- Eric AlperBooks recommended by Eric: 1
- Frank ChimeroBooks recommended by Frank: 1
- Jamie KilsteinBooks recommended by Jamie: 1

- Janet MockBooks recommended by Janet: 1
