Bestsellers
![Guitar for Kids: A Beginner's Guide with Step-By-Step Instruction for Acoustic and Electric Guitar [With CD (Audio)]](https://i.thriftbooks.com/api/imagehandler/s/1C683BF83C7F524F8BF39303FE5C872844F847F2.jpeg)
Guitars & Fretted Instruments
![Step One: Play Blues Guitar [With CD (Audio)]](https://i.thriftbooks.com/api/imagehandler/s/9803DD6D781EBF40DD8698595139DB9B644A0D96.jpeg)
Arts, Music & Photography
![Play Guitar Today! Songbook [With CD]](https://i.thriftbooks.com/api/imagehandler/s/9C19A94B6D96995E8BD4F06633A1C86D58748415.jpeg)
Guitar
![The Complete Idiot's Guide to Classical Guitar Favorites: 30 Great Classical Guitar Favorites [With 2 CDs]](https://i.thriftbooks.com/api/imagehandler/s/EBD7275E9BC912EF03347C815DC57E50809C9C65.jpeg)
Guitars
![The Complete Idiot's Guide to Rock Guitar Hits: 25 Great Rock Guitar Hits [With 2 CDs]](https://i.thriftbooks.com/api/imagehandler/s/D012473B4F27ECD722AE565C52091315955B2331.jpeg)
Music
Musical Genres
Discover the Best Guitar Books and Fretted Instrument Guides
Welcome to ThriftBooks’ collection of guitar books and resources for fretted instruments. Whether you’re picking up a guitar for the first time, searching for the best guitar instruction books, or seeking inspiration for your next jam session, you’ll find a wide range of titles to help you play, practice, and grow as a musician. Explore guides for all ages, easy-to-follow method books, songbooks featuring your favorite artists, and even luthier repair manuals for fretted instruments to help care for your instrument. Let’s find the right book to match your musical journey.
Guitar Books for Beginners of All Ages
If you’re just starting out or want a solid foundation, there’s no shortage of accessible, structured instruction in this collection. For younger learners, Guitar for Kids: A Beginner's Guide with Step-By-Step Instruction for Acoustic and Electric Guitar [With CD (Audio)] is a go-to choice. This book makes learning fun and easy, combining clear lessons with engaging songs and a helpful audio CD for guided practice. It’s ideal for parents or teachers looking to introduce children to the basics of guitar in a way that keeps them motivated.
For adults or older students, the Mel Bay Modern Guitar Method Grade 1, Expanded Edition (Book/CD/DVD Set) provides a comprehensive learning path. With step-by-step instruction, practical exercises, and accompanying audio and video content, this resource helps you build skills at your own pace—whether you play acoustic or electric guitar.
- Guitar for Kids: Simple, age-appropriate lessons for young beginners, with an included CD for interactive learning.
- Mel Bay Modern Guitar Method: A classic choice for foundational technique and theory, featuring multimedia support for diverse learning styles.
Explore Songbooks: Play the Music You Love
Once you’ve built a foundation, practicing songs by your favorite artists is one of the best ways to stay motivated and make real progress. Our collection includes songbooks that span genres, skill levels, and musical tastes, so you can strum along with classics or today’s chart-toppers.
- Taylor Swift - Speak Now: Perfect for fans eager to learn and play hits from this iconic album, with arrangements suited for guitarists at various levels.
- Taylor Swift - Guitar Chord Songbook: Features a wide selection of Taylor Swift’s songs, complete with chords and lyrics—great for sing-alongs or solo practice.
- The Beatles for Acoustic Guitar Edition (Guitar Recorded Versions): Dive into timeless classics with accurate transcriptions and arrangements designed for acoustic players.
- The Best of Johnny Cash: Easy Guitar With Notes & Tab: Learn to play the legendary sound of Johnny Cash with simplified arrangements that make his biggest hits accessible to new and intermediate players.
- Jack Johnson - Strum and Sing (Strum & Sing): Ideal for fans of Jack Johnson’s laid-back style, featuring easy-to-follow chord charts and lyrics for relaxed jam sessions.
These books make it easy to pick up your instrument and play songs you love, whether you prefer folk, pop, country, or rock. Each songbook offers clear arrangements with chords, tabs, and helpful notes for smooth learning.
Ukulele Instruction and Songbooks: Simple, Fun, and Accessible
Ukulele continues to grow in popularity for its portable size and approachable learning curve. Our collection of ukulele books offers both educational guides and diverse songbooks for players of all backgrounds.
- The Daily Ukulele: 365 Songs for Better Living: Enjoy a year’s worth of songs with this beloved collection. It’s packed with well-known tunes and clear arrangements, making it a staple for solo players, group sessions, or classroom settings.
- How to Play the Hawaiian Ukulele: 10 Easy Lessons: If you’re new to the ukulele or curious about its Hawaiian roots, this guide covers essential techniques in ten approachable lessons.
- Ukulele - The Most Requested Songs Songbook: Strum & Sing Series (Strum and Sing): Features a curated set of popular songs for easy strumming and singing, perfect for gatherings or solo enjoyment.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your repertoire, these ukulele songbooks and guides make learning enjoyable and accessible. Each offers a unique approach—daily practice, targeted technique, or a collection of crowd-pleasers—so you can find the right fit for your interests and skill level.
For the Curious and Creative: Luthier Repair Manuals & Instrument Care
Maintaining your guitar or ukulele is an essential part of the musical journey. While this collection includes a variety of guides for learning to play, you’ll also find luthier repair manuals for fretted instruments. These resources are invaluable for anyone interested in the craftsmanship and upkeep of guitars, ukuleles, and related instruments.
- Learn the basics of string changes, setup, and common repairs to keep your instrument sounding its best.
- Discover tips on cleaning, storing, and minor adjustments to extend the life of your guitar or ukulele.
- Explore advanced topics for those curious about DIY repairs or the art of luthiery.
Whether you’re a hobbyist or looking to deepen your understanding of instrument care, these manuals provide practical knowledge and confidence in handling your fretted instruments.
How to Choose the Right Guitar or Fretted Instrument Book
With so many choices, it’s helpful to consider your goals and experience level when selecting a book from this collection. Here are a few tips to guide your decision:
- For absolute beginners: Opt for structured guides like Guitar for Kids or How to Play the Hawaiian Ukulele for clear, step-by-step lessons.
- For building skills: Choose comprehensive instruction like the Mel Bay Modern Guitar Method or explore songbooks to reinforce techniques in a fun way.
- For repertoire expansion: Songbooks such as The Daily Ukulele or The Beatles for Acoustic Guitar are perfect for learning new songs and styles.
- For artist inspiration: Dive into books featuring Taylor Swift, Johnny Cash, or Jack Johnson to connect with the music you love.
- For instrument maintenance: Seek out luthier manuals to empower yourself with essential care and repair skills.
Why Buy Used Guitar Books at ThriftBooks?
Choosing to buy used guitar books at ThriftBooks offers several advantages:
- Affordability: Access high-quality instruction and songbooks at a fraction of the original price.
- Sustainability: Give pre-loved books a second life and reduce environmental impact.
- Selection: Find editions and out-of-print gems not always available elsewhere.
Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just beginning your journey with guitars and fretted instruments, our curated selection of used books ensures you’ll find resources that meet your needs and budget.
Start Your Musical Journey Today
From foundational lessons and favorite songbooks to practical repair guides, ThriftBooks is your trusted hub for the best guitar instruction books and fretted instrument resources. Explore our full collection and discover titles to match your skill level, genre interests, and creative goals. Every book is an opportunity to learn, play, and enjoy music—start browsing now and let your musical story unfold!
