Your favorite theory book for beginners

[SincereCorgi]

Does anyone have recommendations for good theory book or software for adult beginners?

I have a music degree and teach a fair number of adults, and find myself spending tons of lesson time on vocabulary and basic concepts instead of mandolin. I usually suggest "Music Theory for Practical People", but I thought I'd see what other people like. Thanks!

[Jon Hall]

I made my own handouts for students.

[Pittsburgh Bill]

When I first started playing I read a book that I no longer have, but I think it was called TEACH YOURSELF TO READ MUSIC. From what you have said, this would not meet your needs as it did mine. I found that learning to read music was much less than rocket science and more user friendly than tabliture. Moving forward, I found , and still do find music theory to be complicated and may as well be rocket science to me.
I then bought ALFREDS, TEACH YOURSELF TO PLAY MANDOLIN. I would recommend this book to any beginning mandolin player. For me, it helped apply my new knowledge of reading music to muscle memory on the mandolin. This took me to where I am now as I try to satisfy my continuing need to progress as a player with daily play and expermentation.
Since this all began at the age of 63 I will never be a performer with exception to having fun in jams with friends or an open mic where I have a tolerant crowd.
For me this has been a fun adventure that I hope lasts until I take my last breaths.

[Rdeane]

I just bought this book and am glad someone has good things to say about it. I looked through it (my mandolin arrives in a couple ov weeks), and the book seems clear and straightforward in its approach. I have high hopes that at nearly 70 I will grasp the information and internalize it, so I can apply the music theory part to my guitar playing as well.

[Pete Martin]

You can download my Easy Music Theory for Fiddle and Mandolin free at either of my web sites.

[GuyIncognito]

Getting into jazz mandolin

[MissingString]

Does anyone have recommendations for good theory book or software for adult beginners?

I have a music degree and teach a fair number of adults, and find myself spending tons of lesson time on vocabulary and basic concepts instead of mandolin. I usually suggest "Music Theory for Practical People", but I thought I'd see what other people like. Thanks!

+1 from a student/reader point of view. I find this book a great reference to have even once out of the beginner stage.

[Dale Ludewig]

I think Edly's book is great.

[Demetrius]

I second Edlys music theory for practical people...

[JeffD]

[mugbucket]

This one is growing on me:

https://garagebandtheory.com/

[DavidKOS]

I can't suggest a beginner theory book.

I can suggest the best theory book ever written:

https://noty.propovednik.com/Public/...n-Hindemit.pdf

THE CRAFT OF
MUSICAL COMPOSITION
by
PAUL HINDEMITH

[JonZ]

Wikipedia is pretty cost effective. Maybe just supply the key concepts that you want them to understand.