You could get any random music theory book, but if you’re looking for expert advice on choosing the best one for your needs then you’ve arrived at the right place.
It doesn’t matter what your music theory book needs are or what your budget is, because I’ve done an in-depth analysis to include the best-rated options suitable for diversified usage needs and different budget ranges.
To make this list, I’ve spent 52 hours researching music theory book from the best brands such as: Alfred, Alfred Music, Berklee Press.
Note: Make sure that option you’re choosing has all the features you need. Afterall, is there any point in purchasing something that’s not usable?
18 Best music theory book in 2023: After 52 Hours of Research
To make this list an unbiased resource for choosing the best music theory book, I contacted 38 experts and discussed various aspects to consider. After a huge discussion, I went across customer reviews, researched the reputed brands, and a lot of other things. Because my aim is to recommend products that are highly value for your money.
1. Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory: A Complete Self-Study Course for All Musicians (Book & 2 CDs) -Books
By Alfred
- 75 exercises, 18 units
- In this all-in-one theory course, you will learn the essentials of music through 75 concise lessons, practice your music reading and writing skills in the exercises, improve your listening skills with the enclosed ear training CDs, and test your knowledge with a review that completes each of the 18 units
- Authors: Andrew Surmani, Karen Farnum Surmani, Morton Manus
- Book and 2-CD set
- This practical, easy-to-use self-study course is perfect for pianists, guitarists, instrumentalists, vocalists, songwriters, arrangers, and composers, and it includes ear training CDs to help develop your musical ear
2. Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory, Bk 1 -Books
By Alfred Music
- Each reproducible page includes scoring boxes to help the instructor grade the page
- ” The wide variety of Activities includes Music Crossword, Puzzles, Note Naming, Matching Games, Musical Math, Word Scrambles, and others for a total of 30 Activities in all
- Additional InformationTeacher Answer KeyThere are five reproducible Activities in each of the six Units, which correlate specifically to the six Units in Book 1 of “Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory
- There is also one Test per Unit that covers all the theory concepts introduced in that Unit
3. Berklee Music Theory Book 1 -Books
By Berklee Press
- Instrumentation: All Instruments
- Book/Online Audio
- Pages: 120
4. Music Theory for Guitarists: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask (Guitar Method) -Books
By Hal Leonard
- Author: “Tom Kolb”
- Size: 12″ x 9″
- 104 pages
- Tablature: Yes
- ISBN: 063406651X
5. L173 – Master Theory Book 1 -Books
By Kjos Music Company
- KJOS Model#L173
6. Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory, Bk 2 -Books
By Alfred Music
- Available in three separate volumes or as a complete set, Essentials of Music Theory also includes Ear Training CDs (performed by acoustic instruments), a Teacher’s Answer Key Book, reproducible Teacher’s Activity Kits, Bingo Games, Flash Cards and Computer Software
- ” The wide variety of Activities includes Music Crossword, Puzzles, Note Naming, Matching Games, Musical Math, Word Scrambles, and others for a total of 30 Activities in all
- Additional Information Teacher Answer Key There are five reproducible Activities in each of the six Units, which correlate specifically to the six Units in Book 1 of “Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory
- There is also one Test per Unit that covers all the theory concepts introduced in that Unit
- The most complete music theory course ever! This all-in-one series includes concise lessons with short exercises, ear training activities and reviews
7. Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory, Complete (Lessons * Ear Training * Workbook)————– (CD’s Not Included) -Books
By Alfred Music
- Learn The Essentials With Lessons And Exercises.
- Designed For Students Of Any Age.
- Offers A Review Section At Each Ending To Test Your Knowledge.
- Provides A Better Understanding Of The Language Of Music.
8. Music Theory for Computer Musicians -Books
By Cengage Learning PTR
- Music Theory For Computer Musicians
- Put simply, you need to know what you are doing with regard to the music that you are writing
- Beneath all the enormously different styles of modern electronic music lie certain fundamentals of the musical language that are exactly the same no matter what kind of music you write
- It is very important to acquire an understanding of these fundamentals if you are to develop as a musician and music producer
- Many DJs, gigging musicians, and electronic music producers understand how to play their instruments or make music on the computer, but they lack the basic knowledge of music theory needed to take their music-making to the next level and compose truly professional tracks
9. Berklee Music Theory Book 2 -Books
By Hal Leonard
- Publisher : Berklee Press
- 80 Pages
- Author: Paul Schmeling
- Softcover
10. The Chord Wheel: The Ultimate Tool for All Musicians -Books
By Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation
- Master chord theory
- The Chord Wheel
- in minutes! The Chord Wheel is a revolutionary device that puts the most essential and practical applications of chord theory into your hands
11. Practical Theory: Complete, Spiral-Bound Book -Books
By Alfred Music
- All areas of music theory are covered in a concise and practical manner and each level contains 28 lessons
- A combination text and workbook in three volumes
- A combination text and workbook in three volumes
- Practical Theory Complete Complete (Spiral-Bound)
- All areas of music theory are covered in a concise and practical manner and each level contains 28 lessons
12. Primer Level – Theory Book: Piano Adventures -Books
By Faber Piano Adventures
- Piano Adventures Theory Book, Primer Level, Second Edition is divided into ten units, correlating with the Lesson Book
- 2nd Edition 48 pages Size: 12″ x 9″ Composer: Randall Faber ISBN: 1616770767
- Each unit reinforces basic theory concepts through writing, sightreading, and ear-training activities
- Piano Adventures Theory Book, Primer Level, Second Edition is divided into ten units, correlating with the Lesson Book
- Each unit reinforces basic theory concepts through writing, sightreading, and ear-training activities
13. Level 1 – Theory Book: Piano Adventures -Books
By Faber Piano Adventures
- Publisher: Faber Piano Adventures
- Standard Notation
- 40 Pages
- Arranged for Piano
- The Theory Book is Designed to be Used in Conjunction with the Other Books in Level 1
14. Improvise for Real: The Complete Method for All Instruments -Books
By David Reed Music
- Used Book in Good Condition
15. Theory Made Easy for Kids, Level 1 (Made Easy: Level 1) -Books
By Alfred Music
- This first introduction to music theory is perfect for children ages 4-7
- Music Theory Made Easy for Kids is filled with colorful illustrations and fun musical sticker sheets in each book
16. Hal Leonard Pocket Music Theory: A Comprehensive and Convenient Source for All Musicians -Books
By Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation
- ISBN: 063404771X
- 176 pages
- Size: 5-1/2″ x 4″
- Author: Carl Schroeder
17. Theory Time: Workbook Series – Theory Fundamentals Grade One -Books
By Brand: Theory Time Partners
- Used Book in Good Condition
18. Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory, Bk 3 -Books
By Alfred Music
- There is also one Test per Unit that covers all the theory concepts introduced in that Unit
- ” The wide variety of Activities includes Music Crossword, Puzzles, Note Naming, Matching Games, Musical Math, Word Scrambles, and others for a total of 30 Activities in all
- The most complete music theory course ever! This all-in-one series includes concise lessons with short exercises, ear training activities and reviews
- Available in three separate volumes or as a complete set, Essentials of Music Theory also includes Ear Training CDs (performed by acoustic instruments), a Teacher’s Answer Key Book, reproducible Teacher’s Activity Kits, Bingo Games, Flash Cards and Computer Software
- Additional Information Teacher Answer Key There are five reproducible Activities in each of the six Units, which correlate specifically to the six Units in Book 1 of “Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory
Best Brands
Buying a product from a reputable manufacturer that provides high brand value is one of the most essential things. Based on my research, here are the top brands that make the best music theory book.
- Alfred
- Alfred Music
- Berklee Press
- Hal Leonard
- Kjos Music Company
- Cengage Learning PTR
- Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation
- Faber Piano Adventures
- David Reed Music
- Brand: Theory Time Partners
The Buyer’s Guide
Although the aim of this list is to help you choose the best option for your needs. This guide shall help you make an informed purchase decision. Here are the few things to consider when choosing a music theory book.
1. Features
There’s no point in purchasing a music theory book that doesn’t solve your usage needs. Sometimes, even the best option wouldn’t have all the options you’d need. That’s why list down all your feature requirements and make sure that the option you’ve chosen comes with all of them.
2. Budget
Budget plays an important role, if it wasn’t for the budget, wouldn’t everyone purchase the most expensive option? However, before you decide the budget, I’d recommend you to make a list of features you’d need. In case a feature you need the most isn’t available in your budget range, then there’s no point in buying it, is there?
My advice is to make sure that the product has all the features you need then decide the budget. If a product you’ve chosen isn’t having all the features you need, then you should consider increasing your budget.
3. Value For Money
There are times when you shall come across various music theory book that shall have all the features you need. However, the price difference shall exist. In a situation like this, it is recommended to value each feature and make sure that you’re not overpaying for a feature you wouldn’t use.
4. Brand, Customer Support, & Warranty
Purchasing a product from a reputed brand is very important. Not only does it guarantee high-quality build, but you also get much better customer support.
You should also make sure that it has a decent warranty, it is really helpful in case a product breaks down due to manufacturing defects. Also, repairs during warranty are generally free of cost (depends on service terms).
5. Individual Product Reviews
You don’t have to watch individual reviews of each music theory book in this list. However, pick 2-3 options that have all the technical aspects according to your usage needs. Once you’re ready with it, go to YouTube/Amazon and look at video/customer reviews to make sure that the existing buyers are satisfied with the product.
The FAQs
Which is the best music theory book?
According to my research, the Alfred’s Essentials of Music Theory: A Complete Self-Study Course for All Musicians (Book & 2 CDs) is the best option.
Is Alfred a reliable brand?
It’s one of the best brands, not only does it make the top-rated music theory book, but it also is known for its exceptional service.
Which is the cheapest yet powerful music theory book?
According to me, the The Chord Wheel: The Ultimate Tool for All Musicians is one of the cheapest options available and yet has all the features.
Are there deals going on?
A few of the options in our article are currently available for a discounted price. However, check out the product listing to find more information.
What brands should I consider when purchasing?
Based on my research, these are the top 5 brands: Alfred, Alfred Music, Berklee Press, Hal Leonard, and Kjos Music Company.
Should I buy it online or go to an offline store?
Shopping online comes with a few advantages such as discounted pricing, quick delivery at home. However, if you’re in a hurry or can find the product for a cheaper price in the offline market, consider visiting the offline store.
The Verdict
Choosing the right product isn’t easy and for many of them it could be a time consuming task. However, with this guide, my aim is to help you guys find the perfect music theory book for your needs.
I’ve done a huge research to ensure that options I’ve listed are among the best. Like mentioned above, I also interviewed many experts to make sure that the enlisted models are high quality.
I hope that you’re able to find the right music theory book for your usage. If you are still struggling to find one, feel free to comment below or contact me.
