If you want to learn guitar, the first decision comes quickly: which book fits your goal? The right method depends less on price than on how you want to play and who guides you.
The key fork runs between two worlds. The classical guitar method works through notation and finger technique on a nylon-string guitar. The chord-based or pop method leans early on chords, strumming patterns and tablature, so you can accompany your first songs quickly. This guide sorts the well-known methods and songbooks by what you want to achieve.
Notation, technique, nylon strings
Ideal for: Ideal if you want to read from notation, build a classical repertoire or work with a teacher.
See all Noten - Gitarre - Schule →Chords, strumming, tabs
Ideal for: Ideal if you want to accompany songs quickly, play around the campfire and start without reading notes.
See all Noten - Gitarre - Liederbücher →01Classical guitar method or chord-based method?
A classical guitar method builds up systematically: note reading, posture, fingering and a growing repertoire. It is the foundation for classical guitar and fits lessons well. A proven example is Meine Gitarrenfibel 1 (+Online Audio) für Gitarre - Teuchert, Heinz, which many teachers use to get started.
The chord-based or pop method flips the focus: you first learn a few chords and strumming patterns and use them to accompany real songs straight away. Reading notation is secondary here; you often play from chord symbols and tablature. If pop, folk and campfire songs are your aim, you reach that first success faster.
02Which method suits children, which suits adults?
For children, colourful design, small steps and early familiar melodies matter most. Method books with characters and many songs keep motivation high and ease pupils into notation and chords.
Adults often start goal-driven: they want to accompany a few songs soon. Methods that put chords and rhythm first while keeping the notation load light work well here. A popular example with accompanying media is Gitarrenbuch Band 1 (+DVD +CD) - Bursch, Peter, which many adults work through on their own.
| Goal | Suitable method | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Classical / concert guitar | Classical guitar method | Notation, technique |
| Accompany songs / pop | Chord & pop method | Chords, strumming, tabs |
| Child, playful | Children's guitar method | small steps, familiar songs |
| Adult, self-taught | Method with audio | fast song-based start |
03Learning with or without a teacher?
With a teacher, a classical guitar method is ideal because it structures the syllabus and is worked through step by step together. Posture and technique can be corrected directly.
Without a teacher, books with accompanying audio, QR codes or videos have the edge: they show tempo, sound and strumming patterns and replace part of the feedback. Look for a book that includes audible examples so you can compare your own playing.
04Songbooks for quick playing fun
Alongside the method, a songbook belongs in the mix. It supplies the repertoire that turns practice into pleasure. For lyrics with chord symbols, cult songbooks such as Das Ding Band 1 Kultliederbuch mit Texten und Akkordsymbolen (A5) are a campfire classic.
If you work with tablature and want to play specific songs, a songbook like First 50 Songs You Should play on Acoustic Guitar (songbook tab/chords/lyrics) is a rewarding practice ground. For children, collections such as 100 Kinderlieder für Gitarre fit well. The full selection sits in the Gitarren - Noten category.
Your book choice follows your goal: a classical method for clean playing from notation, a chord-based method for a fast song-based start, a children's or adult version depending on the player, plus a songbook for the fun of it. If you don't have an instrument yet, choose one to match the method from our selection of guitars.
Frequently asked questions
Which guitar book suits absolute beginners?
Do I need to read notation to learn guitar?
Classical or acoustic guitar for learning?
Can you learn guitar on your own with a book?
Which songbook suits the campfire?
Find the right method
Browse guitar methods and songbooks and put together your beginner set.
View guitar sheet musicExplore guitarsPassende Produkte
My Guitar Primer Book 1 - Teuchert, Heinz (with Online Audio)
Play Guitar Volume 1 (+Online Audio) for guitar (German) - Langer, Michael
Guitar Book Volume 1 (+DVD +CD) - Bursch, Peter
Das Ding Volume 1 Cult songbook with lyrics and chord symbols (A5)
First 50 Songs You Should play on Acoustic Guitar (songbook tab/chords/lyrics)
