Top Comprehensive Music Encyclopedias and Guides

The best Music Encyclopedias includes Audible: How Music Works [Audiobook], Fleetwood Mac: The Story Behind Every Song, Essentials of Music Theory: Complete Workbook & Ear Training and many others as mentioned below.

1

Audible: How Music Works [Audiobook]

  • Insightful exploration of music's cultural and social impact.
  • Includes a new chapter on digital curation.
  • Written by renowned artist David Byrne.
  • Combines autobiography, philosophy, and business insights.
  • Reveals how music shapes human experiences.
  • Explores collaboration with Talking Heads and Brian Eno.
  • Highlights music's role in personal liberation and joy.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.72
2

Fleetwood Mac: The Story Behind Every Song

  • Dive into Fleetwood Mac's recording history.
  • Explore stories behind every iconic track.
  • Richly illustrated with captivating photographs.
  • Thorough analysis of each album's evolution.
  • Learn about band dynamics and transformations.
  • Includes unique behind-the-scenes insights.
  • A must-have for classic rock enthusiasts.
  • Price Range: $54.00
3

Essentials of Music Theory: Complete Workbook & Ear Training

  • Comprehensive music theory workbook for all ages.
  • Includes lessons, exercises, and ear training.
  • Spiral-bound format for easy use and access.
  • Covers basics to advanced music theory concepts.
  • Improves music reading, writing, and listening skills.
  • Includes review sections for knowledge assessment.
  • Compatible with supplementary ear-training CDs.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $16.36
  • Material: 5 positive
4

Writing Better Lyrics by Pat Pattison

  • Essential guide for aspiring and experienced songwriters.
  • Learn to create impactful, emotional lyrics.
  • Avoid clichés with imaginative metaphors and similes.
  • Use repetition effectively to enhance your songs.
  • Match lyrics creatively with music compositions.
  • Collaborate successfully with co-writers for better outcomes.
  • Includes 50 engaging songwriting exercises for practice.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.15
5

Children's Arts Visual Encyclopedia, Hardcover Edition

  • Comprehensive art history for kids aged 9-12.
  • Features iconic artworks and famous artists' profiles.
  • Stunning photography and colorful double-page spreads.
  • Engaging text covering key art curriculum topics.
  • Encourages creativity and appreciation for the arts.
  • Explores various artistic styles and movements in detail.
  • Ideal for parents, educators, and curious children.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $16.99
6

Pink Floyd: All Songs Explained (eBook)

  • Comprehensive history of Pink Floyd's recordings.
  • Covers nearly 200 released songs since 1965.
  • Chronologically organized by album releases.
  • Includes behind-the-scenes stories and tensions.
  • Features over 500 captivating photos.
  • Detailed insights on instruments used and sessions.
  • Perfect for dedicated Pink Floyd fans.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $3.99
  • Color: 20 positive
7

Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory, Book 1

  • Comprehensive music theory course for all ages.
  • Concise lessons covering essential music concepts.
  • Exercises for music reading and writing skills.
  • Available ear-training CDs enhance listening abilities.
  • Includes review sections for knowledge testing.
  • Computer software for randomized drills and scoring.
  • Complete line includes books, games, and activities.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $6.88
8

Essential Canon of Classical Music Guide

  • Comprehensive guide to 240 classical composers.
  • Covers music from medieval to modern eras.
  • Supports listeners in navigating classical music.
  • Features lesser-known works alongside famous pieces.
  • Encourages development of master listeners.
  • Opinionated insights from music expert David Dubal.
  • Fosters cultural literacy in classical music appreciation.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $2.99
9

"Easy Guide to Professional Guitar Tuning for Beginners"

  • Comprehensive guide for beginners and professionals.
  • Includes over 260 detailed instructional photos.
  • Step-by-step methods for various guitar types.
  • Learn adjustments for playability and tone.
  • Exclusive specifications from renowned guitar brands.
  • Cut-out templates for precise measurements included.
  • Develop essential skills for guitar maintenance.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.95
10

Alfred's Essentials Music Theory Workbook

  • Complete self-study course for all musicians.
  • Includes ear training CDs for skill development.
  • 75 concise lessons to master music essentials.
  • Exercises to practice reading and writing music.
  • Review sections to test your knowledge.
  • Answers provided for all exercises and reviews.
  • Ideal for pianists, guitarists, vocalists, and composers.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $30.36
11

Bob Dylan All Songs Behind eBook

  • Comprehensive guide to Bob Dylan's entire discography.
  • Details behind over 500 of his songs.
  • Chronologically organized by each album's release.
  • Insights into his creative recording process.
  • Contributions from musicians and producers highlighted.
  • Meticulously researched for dedicated fans.
  • A must-have for folk music enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.99
12

Major Dudes: Steely Dan Guide [eBook]

  • Comprehensive guide to Steely Dan's legacy.
  • Features interviews with Donald Fagen and Walter Becker.
  • Includes critical essays and intelligent reviews.
  • Compiled by renowned music critic Barney Hoskyns.
  • Rare insights from Sylvie Simmons and Robert Palmer.
  • Essential reading for rock music enthusiasts.
  • Tribute to Walter Becker with obituary included.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $2.99
13

Ultimate Guitar Chord Progression Reference Guide

  • Comprehensive guide for guitar chord progressions.
  • Hundreds of chords across various musical styles.
  • Progressions available in all twelve keys.
  • Perfect for beginning and intermediate guitarists.
  • Includes styles like rock, blues, and jazz.
  • Enhance your playing with diverse chord variations.
  • Essential reference for any aspiring guitarist.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $13.99
14

FJH Student Assignment Book [2023 Edition]

  • Organizational tool for student assignments.
  • Includes practice tips for effective learning.
  • Tracks important musical events throughout the year.
  • Features weekly practice logs for student use.
  • Staves included for teacher's reference.
  • Encourages consistent practice and organization.
  • Durable design for daily student use.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $3.95
15

Listener's Guide to Free Improvisation (eBook)

  • Comprehensive guide to free improvisation techniques.
  • Encourages deeper listening and musical attentiveness.
  • Accessible for both beginners and advanced musicians.
  • Offers practical exercises to enhance improvisational skills.
  • Filled with humor and insightful commentary.
  • Transforms complex concepts into enjoyable learning experiences.
  • Includes resources for further exploration of improvisation.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.99
16

Love Saves Day American 1970s T-shirt

  • Celebrate 1970s American dance music culture.
  • Inspired by David Mancuso's iconic Valentine's party.
  • Features over three hundred original interviews.
  • Includes detailed examinations of influential DJs.
  • Catalogs favorite records from disco legends.
  • Showcases more than seventy rare photographs.
  • A must-have for music history enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $28.78
17

Beginner's Music Theory Guide by [Brand Name]

  • Unlock the secrets of music theory.
  • Learn to read and write music easily.
  • Develop skills for playing and singing.
  • Create your own songs and compositions.
  • Gain a deeper understanding of music.
  • Includes 80+ free video examples and flashcards.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $30.00
18

Dave Barry's Guide to Bad Songs

  • Hilarious insights from Dave Barry's readers.
  • A compilation of the worst songs ever written.
  • Engaging survey responses with comedic value.
  • Perfect for music lovers and humor fans alike.
  • Readers will enjoy Barry's quirky writing style.
  • Unforgettable lyrics that stick in your head.
  • A fun gift for friends and family.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.02
19

Dolly Parton: The Story Behind Every Song

  • Comprehensive guide to Dolly Parton's music career.
  • Over 400 stunning photographs included.
  • Chronological organization of albums and songs.
  • Little-known stories behind each track revealed.
  • Insights into her songwriting and recording process.
  • Covers her Hollywood film appearances and impact.
  • A must-have for Dolly Parton fans.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $34.10
20

Music: The Complete Visual History (DK Encyclopedia)

  • A comprehensive history of music from prehistory to present.
  • Explores roots of all genres and styles.
  • Features illustrated histories of instruments worldwide.
  • Profiles iconic musicians like Billie Holiday and Mozart.
  • Includes listening suggestions for various music styles.
  • Updated with latest facts and streaming music insights.
  • A must-have for music enthusiasts and students alike.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $36.52
21

David Bowie: Every Song's Story Explained

  • Comprehensive guide to David Bowie's 50-year career.
  • Analyzes every album and track in detail.
  • Features commentary from industry insiders and collaborators.
  • Includes rare photographs celebrating Bowie's artistry.
  • Chronicles his evolution from 1960s London to fame.
  • In-depth insights into songwriting and recording processes.
  • A must-have for classic rock enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $26.29
22

Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory, Book 2

  • Comprehensive music theory course for all ages.
  • Concise lessons covering essential music concepts.
  • Exercises for music reading and writing practice.
  • Available ear-training CDs enhance listening skills.
  • Includes review sections for knowledge testing.
  • Book 2 covers advanced music theory topics.
  • Interactive software for engaging learning experience.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.99
23

Essential Music Dictionary for Students & Pros

  • Comprehensive music definitions and concepts
  • Concise biographies of notable composers
  • Pronunciations of essential foreign music terms
  • Instrument and voice range information included
  • Pocket-sized for easy reference and portability
  • Over 330 pages of practical music knowledge
  • Ideal for students and music professionals alike
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $10.99
24

Guitar Scales Encyclopedia: 30+ Scales & 125 Licks

  • Explore over 30 unique guitar scales.
  • 125 practical licks to enhance your playing.
  • Clear diagrams for easy learning and navigation.
  • Free audio tracks for every lick included.
  • Dive into music theory with practical applications.
  • Transform from player to skilled musician easily.
  • Unleash your creativity and create magical music.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $16.87
25

Vintage Guitar Magazine Price Guide 2025 Paperback

  • Your #1 valuation resource for guitars.
  • Input from 35 expert dealers worldwide.
  • Accurate values on thousands of guitar models.
  • Includes a directory of dealers and services.
  • Available in print and digital editions.
  • Track instrument values with the 42 Guitar Index.
  • Detailed brand histories and model information.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $36.39
26

Guitars and Heroes: Legendary Musicians Guide

  • Encyclopedia of 100+ legendary guitars and musicians.
  • Organized by eras from rockabilly to modern times.
  • Portraits of iconic guitarists and their favorite guitars.
  • Special photo spreads featuring music legends.
  • Explores musicians' connections to their preferred instruments.
  • Essential for guitarists, collectors, and music enthusiasts.
  • Comprehensive guide for understanding guitar history.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $23.96
27

Picture Chord Encyclopedia: 2600+ Guitar Chords Guide

  • Comprehensive guide with 2,640 guitar chords.
  • Organized across all 12 musical keys.
  • Five easy voicings for 44 chord qualities.
  • Clear diagrams and photos for easy learning.
  • Includes open, barre, and partial chord techniques.
  • Ideal for beginners and advanced guitarists.
  • Perfect gift for guitarists at any level.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.99
  • Material: 7 positive
28

Turn It Up!: History of Rock Music

  • Comprehensive music history from classical to modern.
  • Engaging overview of famous musicians and genres.
  • Fun explanations of diverse musical styles.
  • Includes song recommendations for listening enjoyment.
  • Rich visuals and images enhance learning experience.
  • Glossary of musical terms for easy reference.
  • Interactive timeline tracks music's evolution through ages.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.63
29

Beatles A to Z: Alphabetical Mystery Tour

  • Unique alphabetical journey through Beatles' legacy.
  • Insights from insider Peter Asher, close associate.
  • Explores songs, themes, and cultural events.
  • Features whimsical reflections on iconic music.
  • Perfect for Beatles fans and music lovers.
  • Includes personal anecdotes from Asher’s experiences.
  • Engaging and entertaining guide to their music.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $2.99