Music Theory: How to Use 'First Steps in Music Theory' & 'AB Guide Book One'

Hi everyone,

In todays post I will be talking about 'First Steps in Music Theory' and the 'AB Guide Book One'. Both of these books are written by Eric Taylor.

First Steps in Music Theory

This was the first book in music theory that I was introduced to when I first started learning the violin over ten years ago. 'First Steps in Music Theory' is great way to give you a basic understanding of music theory; especially if your starting out learning a musical instrument.

AB Guide Book One

This is similar to 'First Steps in Music Theory' and the only difference is that it goes into detail and it also covers a lot music theory than 'First Steps in Music Theory'.

Method

When your first starting out learning and gaining an understanding of music theory start off by reading 'First Steps in Music Theory', as its written in an a 'bite size' format to make it easier for you to understand. It's also broken down by grade.

  When you are ready to expand on your music theory knowledge; this is when you introduce the 'AB Guide Book One', as this builds on the knowledge that you have already gained from 'First Steps in Music Theory'.

The way this method works is that within 'First Steps in Music Theory' you will see Foot Notes throughout the book, and these foot notes will prompt you to go and read the 'AB Guide Book One' for further reading and to give you a more in depth understanding of music theory.

I can also understand why its split across two books, as the 'AB Guide Book One' can be overwhelming for someone whose just starting out learning music theory. So, to make it make manageable and easier to understand in the earlier stages of developing your understanding of music theory.

Please note that you don't have to buy both books at the same time. You can just buy 'First Steps in Music Theory' first and see how you get along with it, and then whenever your ready you can buy 'AB Guide Book One'.