Best Guitar Method Book for Intermediate Players (2026): 5 Picks

An intermediate player who can play chords and scales needs a method book past the basics that does not jump to advanced material. This list of the best guitar method book for intermediate players compares a complete Berklee method with blues, jazz and theory books, by style, length and audio extras.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	A Modern Method for Guitar by Leavitt	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Acoustic Guitar Book 3 by Johnson	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Music Theory Guitar Method by Kolb	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Blues Guitar Method by Koch	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Mickey Baker's Jazz Guitar by Baker	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

A Modern Method for Guitar by Leavitt

William Leavitt·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A complete Berklee method combining Volumes 1, 2 and 3.

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Pros

• Combines Volumes 1, 2 and 3 in one book
• Lessons, solos and duets on melody, harmony and rhythm
• 424 pages, the longest book here

Cons

• Covers beginners too, so part sits below the target level
• No online audio access is stated in the listing
• 424 pages is long for a one-style player

2

Acoustic Guitar Book 3 by Johnson

Chad Johnson·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An acoustic method Book 3 for players beyond the basics, with online audio.

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Pros

• Covers strumming patterns, fingerpicking, capo use and open tunings
• Styles: folk, country, bluegrass, acoustic blues, acoustic rock
• Online audio access included

Cons

• Acoustic only, so an electric player should look elsewhere
• Book 3 assumes earlier books
• 80 pages, shorter than the Leavitt complete edition

3

Music Theory Guitar Method by Kolb

Tom Kolb·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A step-by-step theory guide with plain terms, diagrams and 94 audio tracks.

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Pros

• 94 tracks of examples, scales, modes, chords and ear training
• Theory in plain and simple terms with diagrams
• Online audio access is included

Cons

• A theory book rather than a playing method
• Aimed at all levels, not intermediate players alone
• 104 pages, shorter than the Leavitt complete edition

4

Blues Guitar Method by Koch

Greg Koch·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A blues method with TAB and online audio play-along.

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Pros

• Teaches chords, scales, licks, vibrato, bending, riffs and turnarounds
• Covers 12-bar blues, classic riffs and boogie patterns
• TAB and online audio play-along included

Cons

• Blues only; other styles need another book
• 48 pages, fewer than every other pick here
• Beginner lessons sit beside intermediate lessons

5

Mickey Baker's Jazz Guitar by Baker

Mickey Baker·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A revised jazz method covering jazz chords, rhythm and soloing.

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Pros

• Teaches chords the modern way, plus vamps and fill-ins
• Covers bop-blues and bounce blues progressions
• Revised edition of a self-instruction classic

Cons

• Jazz only; other styles need another book
• Published January 1, 1992, the oldest book here
• No online audio access is stated in the listing

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More picks to compare

• Hal Leonard Method Book 3 by SchmidFor an intermediate player building on the basics with scales and barre chords.Check on Amazon
• Everybody's Guitar Book 1 by GroeberFor a student starting single-note playing with easy chords.Check on Amazon
• Modern Method Volume 3 by LeavittFor an advanced player continuing the Berklee method past Volume 2.Check on Amazon
• Modern Guitar Method Grade 1 by Mel BayFor a beginner learning solos, duets, scales and chords in standard notation.Check on Amazon
• Modern Method Volume 2 by LeavittFor an intermediate player studying melody, scales, arpeggios and chords.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 24 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed skill level. All five picks state a beginners-and-intermediate skill level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best guitar method book for intermediate players

Pick a style first

Style narrows the list fast. The blues book teaches 12-bar blues, riffs and bending; the jazz book teaches chords the modern way and bop-blues progressions. For general technique, start with the Berklee method or the acoustic Book 3. For self-teaching players, see guitar books for self teaching.

Check the level band

Every pick is aimed at beginners and intermediate players, but the fit differs. The acoustic Book 3 suits students ready to expand beyond the basics; the theory book suits guitarists of all levels.

Check the audio extras

Three picks state online audio: the acoustic Book 3, the theory book with 94 tracks, and the blues book with play-along audio. The Berklee complete edition and the jazz book state none. For a jazz-only shelf, see jazz guitar books.

Before you buy

• Check whether the listing states online audio: three picks state it, two state none.
• For a series book, confirm its number: the acoustic pick is Book 3.
• Compare the stated skill level with the player.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which book here covers the whole Berklee method?

The complete edition by Leavitt combines Volumes 1, 2 and 3.

Which books here include online audio?

The acoustic Book 3, the theory book and the blues book state online audio. The Berklee edition and the jazz book state none.

What is the longest book here?

The Berklee complete edition at 424 pages.

Still deciding? Our top pickA Modern Method for Guitar by Leavitt

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Related lists

See every homeschool curriculum list and all workbooks and homeschool lists.

More lists: guitar books for self teaching, jazz guitar books, guitar workbooks for beginners.