Best Salsa Music Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 24, 2023

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Salsa music enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge of the genre will find plenty of material to explore in the world of salsa music books. These books cover a wide range of topics, from the history of salsa music and its cultural roots to the technical aspects of playing and composing salsa music. Some books focus on specific artists or regions, while others offer a more comprehensive overview of the genre. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a casual listener, there's plenty to discover in the world of salsa music books.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Easy Guitar Lessons for Kids + Video: Beginner Guitar for Children and Teens with 30 Songs. First Book Step by Step (+ Free Audio) Cover #TOP 1
Easy Guitar Lessons for Kids + Video: Beginner Guitar for Children and Teens with 30 Songs. First Book Step by Step (+ Free Audio)
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Primo Piano. Easy Piano Music for Adults. 55 Timeless Piano Songs for Adult Beginners with Downloadable Audio Cover #TOP 2
Primo Piano. Easy Piano Music for Adults. 55 Timeless Piano Songs for Adult Beginners with Downloadable Audio
ftb score rating icon 9.8
How To Play Acoustic Guitar: The Ultimate Beginner Acoustic Guitar Book Cover #TOP 3
How To Play Acoustic Guitar: The Ultimate Beginner Acoustic Guitar Book
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Salsa Music Books

Easy Guitar Lessons for Kids + Video: Beginner Guitar for Children and Teens with 30 Songs. First Book Step by Step (+ Free Audio)

Levin, Paul
May 9, 2022
Easy Guitar Lessons for Kids + Video: Beginner Guitar for Children and Teens with 30 Songs. First Book Step by Step (+ Free Audio) Cover
Easy Guitar Lessons for Kids + Video: Beginner Guitar for Children and Teens with 30 Songs. First Book Step by Step (+ Free Audio)

The "Easy Guitar Lessons for Kids" book is a beginner's guide to learning guitar for children and teenagers. The book is designed to be accessible and fun for step-by-step learning, with exercises and popular songs for kids to practice. It includes video accompaniment to all lessons and 30 popular songs for children and teenagers. The book also covers how to read music, guitar chords, and the correct setting of the left and right hands. Overall, this book is a great resource for parents and teachers looking to introduce children to the world of music and guitar playing.

Primo Piano. Easy Piano Music for Adults. 55 Timeless Piano Songs for Adult Beginners with Downloadable Audio

Altmann, Aria
May 13, 2021
Primo Piano. Easy Piano Music for Adults. 55 Timeless Piano Songs for Adult Beginners with Downloadable Audio Cover
Primo Piano. Easy Piano Music for Adults. 55 Timeless Piano Songs for Adult Beginners with Downloadable Audio

Primo Piano is a great option for adult beginners who want to learn how to play the piano with ease. The book offers 55 timeless piano songs in simplified versions, making it easy for learners to play complex chords and rhythms without any trouble. The songs are short, yet sophisticated, and the diverse selection ranges from classics to international folk songs. The increasing level of difficulty keeps learners motivated and the free downloadable audio files are a great addition. This book is a must-have for adult beginners who want to play the piano with soul and expression.

How To Play Acoustic Guitar: The Ultimate Beginner Acoustic Guitar Book

Mather, Pauric
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
May 8, 2017
How To Play Acoustic Guitar: The Ultimate Beginner Acoustic Guitar Book Cover
How To Play Acoustic Guitar: The Ultimate Beginner Acoustic Guitar Book

The "How To Play Acoustic Guitar" book is the ultimate guide for beginners who want to learn how to play the guitar. With 130 pages of superbly explained guitar lessons, 100 beautifully illustrated guitar chords, and rhythm patterns, this book is better than a guitar teacher. It also includes over 100 easy-to-play guitar songs and step-by-step lesson videos, live, and email support. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to play acoustic guitar quickly and efficiently without any prior knowledge of music.

#TOP 4

The Guitar Chord Book: Acoustic Guitar Chords For Beginners & Improvers

Mather, Pauric
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
May 11, 2017
The Guitar Chord Book: Acoustic Guitar Chords For Beginners & Improvers Cover
The Guitar Chord Book: Acoustic Guitar Chords For Beginners & Improvers

The Guitar Chord Book: Acoustic Guitar Chords For Beginners & Improvers is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn guitar chords quickly and efficiently. With clear illustrations and personalized playing tips, this book is ideal for beginners and more experienced players alike. The simple 3-step practice guide ensures correct finger positioning every time, which is crucial for success. The book covers basic chords, open chords, barre chords, poly chords, and color chords, making it a comprehensive guide for any guitarist. The addition of video lessons and email support sets this book apart from others in its category. Overall, this is a must-have for anyone serious about learning guitar chords.

#TOP 5

Selena Composition Notebook: Selena Quintanilla Composition Notebook for Students and Teachers, Cool Selena Singer Pattern, Ruled Book 7.5 x 9.25 in, 120 Pages, Back to School Notebooks

M, Karla
Sep 23, 2022
Selena Composition Notebook: Selena Quintanilla Composition Notebook for Students and Teachers, Cool Selena Singer Pattern, Ruled Book 7.5 x 9.25 in, 120 Pages, Back to School Notebooks Cover
Selena Composition Notebook: Selena Quintanilla Composition Notebook for Students and Teachers, Cool Selena Singer Pattern, Ruled Book 7.5 x 9.25 in, 120 Pages, Back to School Notebooks

This Selena Composition Notebook is a perfect gift for students and teachers who love Selena Quintanilla's music. The notebook features a colorful Selena-inspired design on the cover and is 7.5" x 9.25" in size, making it easy to carry around. It contains 120 wide-lined white pages and can be used as a notebook, journal, or composition book for school and work. The notebook is well-suited for taking notes, writing, organizing, lists, journaling, and brainstorming. Designed in the USA, this book is a must-have for Selena fans and salsa music enthusiasts.

#TOP 6

Afro-Cuban Rhythms for Drumset

Frank Malabe
Bob Weiner
Alfred Music
Jul 1, 1994
Afro-Cuban Rhythms for Drumset Cover
Afro-Cuban Rhythms for Drumset

Afro-Cuban Rhythms for Drumset is an excellent book for anyone interested in learning about the history, traditional instruments, and basic styles of Afro-Cuban music. Written by Frank Malabe and Bob Weiner, the book is an introduction to Afro-Cuban rhythms and explores the complexities of various styles in a simple and understandable way. The companion audio CD is also invaluable for those interested in adapting these rhythms to the drum set. Published by Alfred, this book is a must-have for percussion instrument enthusiasts.

#TOP 7

Essential Flamenco Guitar: Volume 1

Juan Martin
Jul 30, 2020
Essential Flamenco Guitar: Volume 1 Cover
Essential Flamenco Guitar: Volume 1

Essential Flamenco Guitar: Volume 1 is an excellent introduction to flamenco guitar for beginners and advanced players alike. Juan Martin, an acclaimed flamenco guitarist and teacher, offers a comprehensive guide to the essential elements and techniques of flamenco guitar playing. The book progresses from basic techniques to an exploration of the individual rhythmic forms, including the palos of Solea and Alegrias. The music is transcribed in standard notation and tablature, and the online video provides over 3.5 hours of demonstrations. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to capture the authentic sounds and emotional power of flamenco guitar.

#TOP 8

Ultimate Beginner Have Fun Playing Hand Drums for Bongo, Conga and Djembe Drums: A Fun, Musical, Hands-On Book and CD for Beginning Hand Drummers of ... & Online Audio (The Ultimate Beginner Series)

James, Ben
Alfred Music
Apr 1, 1999
Ultimate Beginner Have Fun Playing Hand Drums for Bongo, Conga and Djembe Drums: A Fun, Musical, Hands-On Book and CD for Beginning Hand Drummers of ... & Online Audio (The Ultimate Beginner Series) Cover
Ultimate Beginner Have Fun Playing Hand Drums for Bongo, Conga and Djembe Drums: A Fun, Musical, Hands-On Book and CD for Beginning Hand Drummers of ... & Online Audio (The Ultimate Beginner Series)

The "Ultimate Beginner Have Fun Playing Hand Drums" book and audio package is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn how to play bongos, congas, and djembe drums in a fun and musical way. The book covers essential topics such as hearing the beat, listening to drum sounds, playing with groups, and creating new rhythms. Its simple African and Caribbean rhythms make it easier for beginners to learn and take their hand drumming skills to the next level. The audio recording includes lessons and inspiring play-along drumming music, making it perfect for both classroom and home use. The book is user-friendly and fully illustrated. Overall, it is a great method for anyone who wants to learn how to play hand drums.

#TOP 9

Selena Composition Notebook: Selena Quintanilla Composition Notebook for Students and Teachers, Cool Selena Singer Pattern, Ruled Book 7.5 x 9.25 in, 120 Pages, Back to School Notebooks

M, Karla
Aug 9, 2021
Selena Composition Notebook: Selena Quintanilla Composition Notebook for Students and Teachers, Cool Selena Singer Pattern, Ruled Book 7.5 x 9.25 in, 120 Pages, Back to School Notebooks Cover
Selena Composition Notebook: Selena Quintanilla Composition Notebook for Students and Teachers, Cool Selena Singer Pattern, Ruled Book 7.5 x 9.25 in, 120 Pages, Back to School Notebooks

This Selena Composition Notebook is a must-have for any Selena Quintanilla fan. The notebook features a colorful design on the cover and has ample room inside for writing notes and ideas. It can be used as a notebook, journal, or composition book for school and work. The notebook is perfectly suited for taking notes, writing, organizing, lists, journaling, and brainstorming. This Selena notebook is also a great gift for adults and kids for any gift-giving occasion. Overall, this notebook is a great way to show off your love for Selena and keep your notes organized.

#TOP 10

Sounds of Spain , Bk 1: 7 Colorful Early Intermediate to Intermediate Piano Solos in Spanish Styles

Rollin, Catherine
Alfred Music
Jul 1, 1999
Sounds of Spain , Bk 1: 7 Colorful Early Intermediate to Intermediate Piano Solos in Spanish Styles Cover
Sounds of Spain , Bk 1: 7 Colorful Early Intermediate to Intermediate Piano Solos in Spanish Styles

The Sounds of Spain, Bk 1 is a collection of seven early intermediate to intermediate piano solos, inspired by the passionate culture of Spain. The pieces are designed to be technically easy to master but are filled with exciting rhythms and melodies. The book is perfect for pianists looking to explore Spanish musical styles, and the rolled chords, triplet-infused melodies, staccato, and legato phrasing will leave a lasting impression on both performers and listeners. Published by Alfred, this book is a great addition to any pianist's library.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is salsa an African music?

Salsa is a musical style rooted in son Cubano, an Afro-Cuban music genre created by Cuban musicians of Bantu descent. The salsa genre took form in the United States, and it may feature elements from all sorts of Latin American styles.

2. What kind of music is played for salsa?

Salsa represents a mix of Latin musical genres, but its primary component is Cuban dance music. The roots of salsa originated in Eastern Cuba (Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo) from the Cuban Son (about 1920) and Afro-Cuban dance (like Afro-Cuban rumba).

3. What is the basic rhythm of salsa?

The clave rhythm is an important foundation of salsa; all salsa music and dance is governed by the clave rhythm. The most common clave rhythm in salsa is the so called son clave, which is eight beats long and can be played either in 2-3 or 3-2 style.

4. What makes a song a salsa?

Salsa is most easily defined by its rhythm, based on the Latin beat called the clave. This beat is maintained by various percussion instruments, including wooden sticks, also called claves, which trade rhythms with the vocalist. Salsa is lively, upbeat, and danceable, adding a little sauce to the spice of life.

Editor's Notes

During our salsa music book research, we found 1,200+ salsa music book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,357 customer reviews through our big data system to write the salsa music books list. We found that most customers choose salsa music books with an average price of $18.01.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.