Looking for James Taylor guitar books that suit your skill level and playing style? This guide highlights five top options, from complete solos with authentic tabs to piano/vocal/guitar songbooks. Each pick is chosen for clear arrangements, authentic chord progressions, and practical playability. The buyer is best served by: beginners seeking simple chord charts, intermediate players wanting accurate solos, and performers needing easy-to-sing PVG formats. Below is a quick comparison to help you decide.
| Product | Best For | Format Focus |
|---|---|---|
| James Taylor: Greatest Hits- Complete Solos, Authentic Guitar-Tab Edition | Intermediate players needing authentic James Taylor guitar solos | Guitar tabs / complete solos |
| James Taylor Anthology | PVG Songbook | Singers and players practicing with lyrics | Piano/Vocal/Guitar |
| James Taylor — Greatest Hits (Alfred) | General guitar players seeking classic hits | Guitar notation |
| The Best of James Taylor: Piano/Vocal/Chords | Singers and players who want chord-based play | Piano/Vocal/Chords |
| The Best of James Taylor for Guitar: Includes Super TAB Notation | Guitarists who want TAB-dominated play | Guitar TAB and notation |
James Taylor Anthology | PVG Songbook
The James Taylor Anthology PVG Songbook is best for singers who want reliable lyrics with chord symbols and arranged piano accompaniment. It includes 34 classic folk-rock songs, making it suitable for practice and live performance. The PVG format helps a performer coordinate singing, keyboard or guitar, and chords efficiently. This edition is especially strong for singers who want to accompany themselves with guitar or piano while following accurate lyrics.
Best for: aspiring singer-songwriters and performers who need clear lyrics, chords, and piano support. Better for in-depth practice and stage-ready arrangement.
Caution: Some readers may prefer guitar-focused tabs over full piano arrangements if their primary goal is guitar performance alone.
James Taylor — Greatest Hits
This edition compiles James Taylor’s most beloved songs in a straightforward format, making it a practical pick for players who want a compact collection of familiar tunes. It’s best for players who are building a consistent repertoire and want reliable, commonly performed arrangements. The book’s structure supports quick reference during practice and performance alike.
Best for: players seeking a concise collection of top songs with accessible notation. Better for: players who want a reliable, familiar setlist. Caution: may lack deeper studio-style detail found in more comprehensive collections.
The Best of James Taylor: Piano/Vocal/Chords
This PV/C book targets singers and musicians who want a ready-to-perform collection with lyrics and chord symbols. It’s a strong choice for performers who prioritize vocal lines and straightforward chord progressions over detailed guitar solos. The layout typically supports quick lookup during rehearsals and gigs.
Best for: vocalists who play guitar and seek integrated lead sheets. Choose this if you want to cover many James Taylor classics with simple accompaniment. Limitation: less emphasis on full guitar solos or intricate guitar tablature.
The Best of James Taylor for Guitar: Includes Super TAB Notation
Designed for guitarists, this book emphasizes guitar-centric notation with “Super TAB” notation. It’s best for players who rely on tabs to navigate chord shapes, riffs, and phrasing. The selection tends toward popular James Taylor tunes with accessible guitar arrangements.
Best for: guitarists who want TAB-dominated instructions and clear fretboard guidance. Better for: players who prefer a direct, guitar-focused approach. Caution: might overwhelm beginners who need simpler chord-only formats.
James Taylor Complete, Volume One
Complete Volume One provides a comprehensive collection with piano/vocal/chords arrangements. It’s a robust option for players who want broader song coverage and flexible accompanying parts. The edition is suitable for intermediate players who want to study James Taylor’s catalog in depth.
Best for: players seeking an extensive set of James Taylor songs and varied arrangements. Avoid if you only want a quick, lightweight practice book with a few favorites.
Buying Guide
What format fits your playing goals?
If you primarily play guitar, choose a book with strong TAB notation or guitar-focused arrangements. If you sing or accompany yourself, PVG or Piano/Vocal/Chords formats may be more helpful.
How important are lyrics and chords?
PVG formats include lyrics and chords, enabling easy performance and practice. For guitar-only practice, solo guitar editions offer deeper tablature and rhythm details.
Do you want a broad catalog or a curated set?
Complete collections cover many songs; curated best-of volumes focus on well-known hits for quick learning and performance readiness.
Consider your skill level
Beginner players benefit from chord-based books. Intermediate players may prefer accurate solos and TAB notation that mirror James Taylor’s studio performances.
Practical considerations
- Edition quality and print clarity for easy reading during practice.
- Arrangement style consistency across songs for smoother transition between tunes.
- Availability of lyrics, chords, and performance notes when needed.
FAQ
- Which James Taylor book is best for beginners? — The Best of James Taylor: Piano/Vocal/Chords often suits beginners seeking simple chords and lyrics.
- What format should I choose if I mainly play guitar? — Look for guitar-focused editions with TAB notation or complete guitar solos.
- Are PVG songbooks good for practice? — Yes, PVG songbooks help coordinate singing, keyboard accompaniment, and chords, useful for performers.
- Do these books include lyrics? — Most PVG and songbook editions include lyrics along with chords or melodies.
- Is there a single volume with the most James Taylor songs? — James Taylor Complete, Volume One offers extensive catalog coverage with multiple arrangements.
- Do these books come in good condition if used? — Some listings indicate “Used Book in Good Condition,” which can be a cost-effective option.