13 best guitar songbooks

Guitar songbooks are collections of sheet music or tablature (tabs) for songs arranged specifically for the guitar. They are popular among guitarists and musicians of all levels and cover a wide range of genres and artists. Here's what you should know about guitar songbooks:

1. Song Repertoire: Guitar songbooks typically contain a selection of songs from a specific artist, album, or musical genre. They can range from compilations of greatest hits to books dedicated to a particular artist's work.

2. Notation Styles: Songbooks use various notation styles, including standard notation, guitar tablature (tabs), and chord charts. Tabs are especially popular among guitarists as they provide a visual representation of where to place fingers on the fretboard.

3. Difficulty Levels: Songbooks cater to different skill levels, from beginner to advanced players. Some books are designed to help beginners learn simple songs, while others challenge more experienced guitarists with complex arrangements.

4. Artist Collections: Many songbooks focus on the works of specific artists or bands, allowing fans to learn and play their favorite songs.For example, you can find songbooks dedicated to The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, or contemporary artists like Taylor Swift.

5. Genre-Specific: Songbooks also cater to specific musical genres, such as rock, blues, classical, jazz, country, and more. This makes it easy for guitarists to explore different styles.

6. Movie and TV Themes: Some songbooks feature popular themes and songs from movies, TV shows, or musicals, making them a fun choice for those interested in soundtrack music.

7. Comprehensive Collections: Comprehensive songbooks may include lyrics, guitar chords, and detailed musical notation, allowing guitarists to play both the melody and accompanying chords.

8. Educational Material: Many songbooks include tips on technique, chord diagrams, and explanations of musical concepts, making them a valuable learning resource for aspiring guitarists.

9. Transcriptions: Some songbooks offer transcriptions that aim to replicate the guitar parts played on the original recordings as closely as possible, providing a deeper insight into the artist's playing style.

10. Arrangements: Arrangements in songbooks can vary, from solo guitar versions to arrangements for multiple guitars or accompaniments for singing.

11. Popular Titles: Songbooks for popular and iconic albums, such as Pink Floyd's "The Wall" or Led Zeppelin's "IV," are sought after by fans looking to recreate the full album experience on their guitars.

12. Online Resources: Some songbooks offer online resources, such as audio recordings or play-along tracks, to assist with learning and practicing the songs.

13. Copyright and Licensing: It's important to respect copyright and licensing when using songbooks. Make sure you have the necessary permissions to use the material for personal or public performances.

Guitar songbooks are a valuable resource for guitarists who want to expand their repertoire, learn new songs, or dive into the music of their favorite artists. They provide a structured way to explore and enjoy a wide variety of music on the guitar.