What is a good book for a musician?
Jason asked:
Specifically a guitarist or pianist.
And I’m not talking about a chord book, scale book, etc. I’m talking about a story or a biography. For example I have read Anthony Kiedis’s “scar Tissue” and Slash’s “Slash”. I am looking for books about either classical music, anything about the rock genre(this includes punk, metal, etc.), famous composers, and music itself.
Classical Guitar Music
Specifically a guitarist or pianist.
And I’m not talking about a chord book, scale book, etc. I’m talking about a story or a biography. For example I have read Anthony Kiedis’s “scar Tissue” and Slash’s “Slash”. I am looking for books about either classical music, anything about the rock genre(this includes punk, metal, etc.), famous composers, and music itself.
Classical Guitar Music
Classical Guitar Music
One of the best books I read about Rock-n-Roll was Neil Young’s Biography “Shakey” by Jimmy Mcdonough.
Not only does it dive into the entire career of one of the most eclectic and pervasive Rock icons ever – but it also goes into great detail pertaining the the origins of Rock and its infancy.
Classical Guitarist
Marilyn Manson’s autobiography was VERY interesting.
I read about people like Dave Grohl, Kurt Cobain and Ozzy Osbourne too. Usually people who are extremely talented and cause controversy! They’re the most interesting to read about in my opinion as they’ve had colourful lives.
Classical Guitarist
Here are a few favorites of mine:
Please Kill Me ~ Legs McNeil & Gillian McCain
An oral history of the early days of punk. Really well done.
The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll
Lots of fun, full of info about bands you’ve forgotten, never heard of or already love.
What To Listen For In Music ~ Aaron Copland
Great little book about what is really going on and what you may be missing in classical music. Very readable.
The Illustrated Directory of Guitars ~ Ray Bonds, editor
Great pics and info on tons of cool guitars, new and old.
The Encyclopedia of Music ~ Max Wade-Mathews & Wendy Thompson
Pretty comprehensive overview of classical music development, both composition and instruments.
Long Strange Trip ~ Dennis McNally
Only if you like the Grateful Dead!
I hope you find something here to enjoy. Nice question, thanks for asking.