I'm looking for one big theory book that covers everything in a linear manner, from beginner to early advanced.. Suggestions? The different series books tend to rehash old information. I'd prefer to have everything under one cover, so to speak. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

i think we're all looking for that. I'm using Alfred's Adult All In One Course.
There are 3 books to this series.
Seems to be comprehensive, has theory, introduces then reinforces new concepts and seems to bring them about in a logical and steady manner, gradually becomes more difficult but you can pace yourself however you see fit {obviously, duhh-}
For what it's worth, seems to be working well for me.
Should probably note that I was working the 1st book with a live instructor {who was a stellar teacher, by the way} and he told me that once I had complete mastery over a couple of the pieces at the end of the book, I could consider myself at an early intermediate stage, could start pursuing real sheet music, and could go off book completely should I so choose.

If that's the case, why don't you buy the last book of the series?

Maybe the book you're looking for is The complete musician?
It is a rather tough book to read though...

Actually, I think All about music theory is much nicer.

Here is a pointer to some theory resources.

Thanks, everyone! I think I've settled on Vandendool's Basic and Intermediate Rudiments. It's two books, but that's a vast improvement over buying 10 books, LOL. Have a nice weekend, everyone!

I guess I wonder why.

It may be interesting to learn it all, but I know I only retain what is useful to me, and in the music that I actually play that is a very small subset of the total.

I would ask what theory book covers the stuff I'll need most thoroughly.

While the approach of learning only what one thinks that need is interesting, I can say that I had tried my hand at homeschooling my daughter and if I had taken the approach of teaching her only what she thought she needed, we definitely wouldn't have had any math and science lessons. In fact, the school day in public schools could also be dramatically shortened in that case!

Your choice of bold is not what I intended with my comment.



I added a comma to make it even more emphatic.

Thanks! The comma helps!

Commas save lives.

Let's eat, Grandma!

Let's eat Grandma!!

Well, I am feeling extra hungry right now.

Then you should eat more tuna, eat more tuna.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0u8ZNbohCo

(mandatory piano and theory content included in the link)

For that rare person who doesn't know the joke, here are the lyrics:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQE...&start_radio=1&spfreload=10#t=68