[Lexxweb]

So I was walking through my local Books A Million the other day when I found "The Idiots Guide to Music Theory -- Second Edition". I was wondering if anyone has picked up this book or flipped through it to know if it is a good read?
I'm taking a Music Theory class at school beginning in August, but I just wanted to dive right in ASAP.
Also, if you know of any good Music Theory books for beginners, let me know.

Thanks,

[Fretsource]

Well, as you asked, I'm going to recommend my own e-book called Fretsource Companion. (see Ebay link below).

It's more of a theory reference e-book, than a tutorial. One advantage that it has over other theory books is that I'm part of the deal. You can ask me by email if you want anything explained in more detail.

Ok - I'd better stop before a spam warning is issued against me

[AX7221]

I'm no expert, but here's what i recommend you look for in any book:

Don't get a book that tells you what to memorize, like a math teacher would never tell you to memorize steps. The reason is that you can't build off of something that's memorized. If you learn something and understand why it is then you can build off it. I've talked to someone who said that music is all arbitrary b/c music origionated from nobles who decided what they liked and it was played... The point is before i go off topic is everything in a book on music theory is like that for a reason and its basically essential to know why for the long run. So dont get a book that says this is the way it is and that's that, get a book that teaches you why it is, then you can make connections and so forth. I just got the plane talk book that is excellent for that reason, but its a pricy book so it depends on how much you already know...

It's also important to have reference books in addition.

[Birddog]

Not to steal or hijack a thread but - I had seen a Hal Leonard series of books and dvd's called Fretboard Roadmap- wondering if those are any good.

[Dr T]

I have the book An Idiot's Guide to Music Theory and it is excellent.
Dr T

[eddiez152]

Folks,
They probably are all good learning material. But you got the best right here at GFB&B

[Nutty]

I read it from cover to cover (that's a BIG thing for me) and I learned a lot from it. There are also some excellent lessons here on music theory. I've seem so much progress in my knowledge of theory from both the book and this site.

Nutty

[Dr T]

I received the ebook from Fretsource, and it is outstanding. Nice work Fretsouce. Get it folks!!
Dr T

[Europa]

Originally Posted by eddiez152

Folks,
They probably are all good learning material. But you got the best right here at GFB&B