Best Guitar Songbooks of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 26, 2023

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Guitar songbooks are an essential tool for any musician looking to expand their repertoire. These books contain a wide variety of songs, ranging from classic rock hits to modern pop ballads, all arranged specifically for guitar. With easy-to-follow chord diagrams and tablature, guitar songbooks make it simple for even novice players to learn new songs and improve their skills. They are available in both physical and digital formats, making it easy to take your music with you wherever you go. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, a guitar songbook is an excellent investment for any musician.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Guitar Fretboard: Memorize The Fretboard In Less Than 24 Hours: 35+ Tips And Exercises Included Cover#TOP 1
Guitar Fretboard: Memorize The Fretboard In Less Than 24 Hours: 35+ Tips And Exercises Included
ftb score rating icon9.9
Music Theory for Guitarists, the Complete Method Book: Volumes 1, 2 & 3 of the Music Theory for Guitarists Series in a Single Edition Cover#TOP 2
Music Theory for Guitarists, the Complete Method Book: Volumes 1, 2 & 3 of the Music Theory for Guitarists Series in a Single Edition
ftb score rating icon9.8
Ted Greene -- Chord Chemistry Cover#TOP 3
Ted Greene -- Chord Chemistry
ftb score rating icon9.6

Top 10 Guitar Songbooks

Guitar Fretboard: Memorize The Fretboard In Less Than 24 Hours: 35+ Tips And Exercises Included

Head, Guitar
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
May 13, 2018
Guitar Fretboard: Memorize The Fretboard In Less Than 24 Hours: 35+ Tips And Exercises Included Cover
Guitar Fretboard: Memorize The Fretboard In Less Than 24 Hours: 35+ Tips And Exercises Included
ftb score rating icon9.9
FTB Score

The book "Guitar Fretboard: Memorize The Fretboard In Less Than 24 Hours: 35+ Tips And Exercises Included" offers a comprehensive guide to mastering the fretboard in a short amount of time. The author explains why memorizing the fretboard is essential for improving guitar playing and offers practical exercises to achieve this skill. The book covers various areas, including scales, chords, songwriting, and improvisation. This book is a must-read for any guitarist looking to take their playing to the next level.

Music Theory for Guitarists, the Complete Method Book: Volumes 1, 2 & 3 of the Music Theory for Guitarists Series in a Single Edition

Shipway, James
Sep 29, 2022
Music Theory for Guitarists, the Complete Method Book: Volumes 1, 2 & 3 of the Music Theory for Guitarists Series in a Single Edition Cover
Music Theory for Guitarists, the Complete Method Book: Volumes 1, 2 & 3 of the Music Theory for Guitarists Series in a Single Edition
ftb score rating icon9.8
FTB Score

The Music Theory for Guitarists, the Complete Method Book is a comprehensive guide that takes guitarists from beginner to pro level in music theory. This book is a compilation of volumes 1, 2 & 3 of the Music Theory for Guitarists series, making it an all-in-one easy-to-understand method book. The author, James Shipway, uses straightforward language and practical examples to teach the basics of music theory and advanced topics like extended chords, improvisation, and modulation techniques. The book includes over 100 downloadable audio lessons, demonstrations, and practice drills. Music Theory for Guitarists, the Complete Method Book is an excellent reference for guitar players of all levels who want to improve their music theory skills.

Ted Greene -- Chord Chemistry

Greene, Ted
Alfred Music
Mar 1, 1985
Ted Greene -- Chord Chemistry Cover
Ted Greene -- Chord Chemistry
ftb score rating icon9.6
FTB Score

Ted Greene's Chord Chemistry, published in 1971, is a must-have for guitarists of all levels. This Alfred Music book has been a classic chord reference for two generations of musicians. It is designed to help guitarists move beyond basic barre chords and find new sounds and ideas. The book is a treasure chest of musical inspiration, filled with exciting new ideas and sounds to inspire creativity.

#TOP 4

Metallica - 72 Seasons: Guitar Recorded Versions Transcriptions with Notes and Tab Plus Lyrics

Metallica
Apr 1, 2023
Metallica - 72 Seasons: Guitar Recorded Versions Transcriptions with Notes and Tab Plus Lyrics Cover
Metallica - 72 Seasons: Guitar Recorded Versions Transcriptions with Notes and Tab Plus Lyrics
ftb score rating icon9.5
FTB Score

The Metallica - 72 Seasons: Guitar Recorded Versions Transcriptions with Notes and Tab Plus Lyrics is a must-have for any Metallica fan who loves to play guitar. This guitar songbook provides all the guitar parts transcribed note-for-note with lyrics from Metallica's eleventh studio album. The book includes a Guitar Notation Legend, making it easy to read and play along with the songs. With 12 songs, including "Crown of Barbed Wire" and "You Must Burn!", guitar enthusiasts will have hours of fun playing along to Metallica's iconic music. Overall, this is an excellent resource for guitar players looking to learn and play Metallica's music accurately.

Acoustic Guitar Primer Book for Beginners: With Online Video and Audio Access

Casey, Bert
May 16, 2019
Acoustic Guitar Primer Book for Beginners: With Online Video and Audio Access Cover
Acoustic Guitar Primer Book for Beginners: With Online Video and Audio Access
ftb score rating icon9.4
FTB Score

The Acoustic Guitar Primer Book for Beginners is a comprehensive guide that offers an excellent introduction to guitar playing. The book includes step-by-step instructions with online video and audio access, covering everything from the basics of playing the guitar to more advanced techniques. The course contains 18 songs that are demonstrated at three speeds each along with an acoustic band, including vocals. It also includes a complete chord chart, an hour of video instruction, and all music is written in both standard music notation and tablature with lyrics and melody lines. This beginner method is suitable for adults and teenagers.

#TOP 6

100 Most Popular Songs for Fingerpicking Guitar: Solo Guitar Arrangements in Standard Notation and Tab

Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation
Hal Leonard
Jul 1, 2019
100 Most Popular Songs for Fingerpicking Guitar: Solo Guitar Arrangements in Standard Notation and Tab Cover
100 Most Popular Songs for Fingerpicking Guitar: Solo Guitar Arrangements in Standard Notation and Tab
ftb score rating icon9.4
FTB Score

This book is a must-have for any fingerpicking guitar enthusiast! With 100 solo guitar arrangements of popular songs like "Blackbird," "Wonderwall," and "Shape of You," players will have plenty of material to keep them busy. The book includes standard notation and tab, making it accessible for guitarists of all skill levels. Published by Hal Leonard LLC, the world's largest source of music performance and instructional materials, this collection represents some of the greatest songwriters and artists of all time. Overall, this book is a fantastic resource for guitarists looking to expand their repertoire and improve their fingerpicking skills.

Selections from Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time: Guitar Classics Volume 2: Classic Rock to Modern Rock (Easy Guitar TAB) (Rolling Stones Classic Guitar)

Alfred Music
Alfred Music
Aug 1, 2008
Selections from Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time: Guitar Classics Volume 2: Classic Rock to Modern Rock (Easy Guitar TAB) (Rolling Stones Classic Guitar) Cover
Selections from Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time: Guitar Classics Volume 2: Classic Rock to Modern Rock (Easy Guitar TAB) (Rolling Stones Classic Guitar)
ftb score rating icon9.4
FTB Score

This book, Selections from Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time: Guitar Classics Volume 2: Classic Rock to Modern Rock (Easy Guitar TAB) (Rolling Stones Classic Guitar), is a comprehensive collection of 67 classic rock songs that have been selected from Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The book includes all the important guitar parts and is easy to play along with. The songs span the classic rock era to the modern rock era, making it a great resource for guitarists of all skill levels. Overall, this book is a must-have for any rock music lover who wants to learn how to play some of the most iconic guitar riffs and solos in rock history.

#TOP 8

First 50 Songs You Should Play On Acoustic Guitar

Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation
Hal Leonard
Dec 1, 2014
First 50 Songs You Should Play On Acoustic Guitar Cover
First 50 Songs You Should Play On Acoustic Guitar
ftb score rating icon9.2
FTB Score

The "First 50 Songs You Should Play on Acoustic Guitar" is an excellent guide for beginners who want to learn how to play the acoustic guitar. The book includes a combination of tab, chords, and lyrics for the most popular songs that beginning guitarists want to learn. It features classic songs such as "Stairway to Heaven" and "Yesterday," as well as contemporary hits like "Ho Hey" and "Let Her Go." The book is published by Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation, a well-known brand in the world of music. Overall, this is a great resource for anyone looking to start playing the acoustic guitar.

Campfire Songs - Strum Together

Phillips, Mark
Hal Leonard
Jun 1, 2019
Campfire Songs - Strum Together Cover
Campfire Songs - Strum Together
ftb score rating icon9.0
FTB Score

Campfire Songs - Strum Together is a fantastic book for anyone who loves music and wants to enjoy it with friends. The Strum Together series is designed to enable players of five different instruments to "strum together" on 70 great songs. The book includes melody, lyrics, and chord diagrams for standard ukulele, baritone ukulele, guitar, mandolin, and banjo. It's a perfect collection for campfire fun and includes popular tunes such as "Blowin' in the Wind," "Hey Jude," and "Sweet Caroline." The book is published by Hal Leonard LLC, which has become the world's largest source of music performance and instructional materials. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for musicians of all levels and a must-have for anyone who loves playing music with friends.

#TOP 10

Guitar All-in-One For Dummies: Book + Online Video and Audio Instruction

Phillips, Mark
Hal Leonard Corporation
Chappell, Jon
Serna, Desi
For Dummies
Nov 3, 2020
Guitar All-in-One For Dummies: Book + Online Video and Audio Instruction Cover
Guitar All-in-One For Dummies: Book + Online Video and Audio Instruction
ftb score rating icon9.0
FTB Score

Guitar All-in-One For Dummies is a comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to learn how to play the guitar. It covers everything from guitar maintenance to music theory, and even specific genres like blues and rock. The book also comes with online video and audio instructional resources, making it a one-stop-shop for all your guitar needs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this book has something for everyone. Overall, Guitar All-in-One For Dummies is an excellent resource for anyone looking to get the most out of their guitar playing experience.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the 12 notes in guitar?

On the twelfth fret, for example, your notes would be E B G D A E, from the bottom up. This is because there are only 12 notes total in Western music -- A, A#, B, C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#.

2. What is the best free guitar tab site?

The 5 Best Sites for Free Guitar and Bass Tabs. Ultimate Guitar.911Tabs.Jellynote.Songsterr.YouTube.

Editor's Notes

During our guitar songbook research, we found 1,200+ guitar songbook products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 36,748 customer reviews through our big data system to write the guitar songbooks list. We found that most customers choose guitar songbooks with an average price of $18.29.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.