Best Guitar Workbook for Beginners (2026): 5 Picks Compared

A new player with a guitar and no plan needs the best guitar workbook for beginners, a book that starts from the very beginning. This list compares beginner guitar books, from a kids lesson course with video to a chord reference, so a new player can pick the right starting point.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Guitar Lessons for Kids by Wamsted	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Guitar for Beginners by Guitar Head	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Teach Yourself Guitar by Brewster	9.4/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Guitar Chords by Jackson	9.4/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Guitar Fretboard by Guitar Head	9.3/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Guitar Lessons for Kids by Wamsted

Jay Wamsted·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 course for children ages 5 to 10 that pairs easier beginner chord shapes with online video and audio access.

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Pros

• Starts with easier beginner chord shapes for smaller hands.
• Includes online video instruction and audio tracks.
• Teaches 12 familiar songs, including Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

Cons

• The listed reading age of 8 to 12 years is marked as from customers only.
• Built for children ages 5 to 10, so teens and adults may prefer another method.
• Full chord shapes appear only in the later section of the book.

2

Guitar for Beginners by Guitar Head

Guitar Head·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 beginner method that moves from holding the guitar and tuning to a first song in 7 days.

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Pros

• Covers holding the guitar, tuning, posture, and reading tablature from the start.
• Aims to get new players to a first song in 7 days.
• 136 pages of step-by-step beginner lessons.

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated.
• No online video or audio access is stated.
• The description names no specific songs or chord counts.

3

Teach Yourself Guitar by Brewster

David M. Brewster·9.4/10 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 48-page self-study method for teens and adults that teaches chords and songs with tablature and beat notation.

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Pros

• Teaches with tablature and beat notation for rhythm.
• Covers acoustic and electric guitar across rock, folk, country, and classical.
• Clear diagrams and photos support visual learners.

Cons

• Published April 1, 2004, so it is an older edition.
• No online video or audio access is stated.
• No answer key is stated.

4

Guitar Chords by Jackson

Jake Jackson·9.4/10 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 384-page chord reference with one chord on every page, built for quick lookup rather than step-by-step lessons.

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Pros

• 360 chords with one chord on every page for quick lookup.
• Revised edition in a wiro binding that fits a gig bag.
• 384 pages of chord content for learners at any level.

Cons

• A chord reference, not a step-by-step beginner method.
• No reading age or grade level is stated.
• Published March 14, 2006, so it is an older edition.

5

Guitar Fretboard by Guitar Head

Guitar Head·9.3/10 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 78-page second-edition workbook of 35+ tips and exercises for memorizing the fretboard.

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Pros

• 35+ tips and exercises focused on one skill: the fretboard.
• Second edition, 78 pages, published May 13, 2018.
• Uses memory phrases and games instead of rote memorization.

Cons

• The description says fretboard knowledge is not expected from a beginner.
• No reading age or grade level is stated.
• Covers the fretboard only, not songs or full chord lessons.

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More picks to compare

• Guitar Exercises by Guitar HeadFor beginners who want 10-minute daily practice with 100+ exercises.Check on Amazon
• Guitar Fretboard Workbook by TagliarinoFor beginners and students who want fretboard theory exercises.Check on Amazon
• Hal Leonard Guitar Method 1 by SchmidFor adult beginners and students who want notation and strumming basics.Check on Amazon
• Pop Songs for Kids by VariousFor young beginners who want 22 easy pop songs with tabs.Check on Amazon
• Guitar for Adult Beginners by HuntlyFor adults starting fresh who want songs and chords in 30 days.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 23 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level when the listing states it. 1 of the 5 picks lists a reading age. 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 workbook for beginners

Match the book to the reader’s age

The Wamsted book targets children ages 5 to 10 with easier chord shapes for smaller hands, and its listing gives a reading age of 8 to 12 years marked as from customers. The Brewster method names teens and adults as its readers instead. If you are buying for a young learner, also see our typing workbook for kids picks for another skill to build alongside guitar.

Decide between a method and a reference

The Guitar Head beginners book and the Brewster book teach in sequence, from holding the guitar to chords and songs. The Jackson book is a chord reference with 360 chords and no lessons, so it suits a player who already has a method. The Fretboard book drills one skill, memorizing the neck, which the description says is not expected from a beginner.

Check what comes with the book

Only the Wamsted book lists online video and audio access, which helps a new player hear each song. None of the five picks lists an answer key. For another beginner-friendly practice format, see our calligraphy workbook for beginners list.

Before you buy

• Check the edition and publication date: the Brewster book lists April 1, 2004 and the Jackson book lists March 14, 2006, so confirm you are buying the edition you want.
• Check the reading age or grade level against the reader: only the Wamsted book lists one, a reading age of 8 to 12 years marked as from customers.
• Check whether an answer key or online extras are included: none of the five picks lists an answer key, and only the Wamsted book lists online video and audio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which book should a complete beginner start with?

The Guitar Head beginners book walks from holding the guitar to a first song in 7 days across 136 pages, while the Brewster book teaches chords with tablature in 48 pages. Pick the longer step-by-step path for more practice, or the shorter one for a quicker start.

Is there a guitar workbook for kids?

Yes. The Wamsted Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids Book is designed for ages 5 to 10, starts with easier chord shapes for smaller hands, and includes online video and audio access. Its listing gives a reading age of 8 to 12 years, marked as from customers.

Do any of these books include an answer key?

None of the five picks lists an answer key. The Wamsted book is the only pick that lists online video and audio access with the book.

Still deciding? Our top pickGuitar Lessons for Kids by Wamsted

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