Books for a self-learner (can play alright, but can't read theory well)

[igloo9]

I'm 23. When I was younger, I took piano lessons (around age 8-12, I don't remember). I also don't remember how long I took lessons for, maybe a year or two. It was enough to teach me the basics. Once I stopped lessons, I stopped piano altogether. But now I'm really into piano again and want to start getting good. I consider myself decent at playing, I just can't read music that well.

For example, here are two songs I learned myself and can play almost perfectly. But I learned using Youtube videos that have "Synthesia" playthroughs, where it shows you what notes to hit.

When it comes to reading music, I can only read basic stuff. If you give me a really beginner/level 1 book, I'll be able to play through it flawlessly. Anything above that, or slightly more advanced, I might have to hunt down certain keys because I don't know where they are. (I only know maybe middle CDEFG, and low C/G on the left hand). But then there's also things like, when I learn songs, I don't know what the right way is to play. Finger positioning, and whether or not to stretch your fingers or just cross over with your other arm, etc. I don't know any of that. When I learn songs, I just do whatever is comfortable or just feels right to me.

Anyway, for my question: For someone like me, who (maybe) is decent at playing but can't read music too well, what's a good book for teaching myself this stuff? Theory, proper finger positioning depending on the song, etc. Should I still start with a beginner book and go through it? Or should I just get a purely theory book and teach myself theory, and just practice using my own songs or what?

What books specifically? I was looking at Alfred's all-in-one which seems to be popular. Then there's also Faber's Piano Adventures Lesson/Theory/Performance series. As well as Faber's Adult Piano Adventures.

Then there's also several I found on Amazon with good reviews and seem pretty good.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1492831638/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=PCBOOEVVTCQD&coliid=I55OP6FXRY6NP
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0879307277/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=PCBOOEVVTCQD&coliid=I1LF30PGPHZWJU
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0739036351/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=PCBOOEVVTCQD&coliid=I1KDQU1E1IYIH5
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0615940307/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=PCBOOEVVTCQD&coliid=I3UP5873B4NIFR

Sorry for such a long post. Anyway, what would you recommend? Feel free to name one or more, if you think several would be better.

[chopinlover01]

A very famous book, who's techniques are used by all pianists and all music to some degree- Scales and Arpeggios (available for free on this site as a .pdf)
Other than that, try your hand (if you'll forgive the pun) at some Hanon- *is shot dead by the teachers*
No but seriously, try some Hanon. Don't take it as gospel, but it's decent for beginning to strengthen your hands; the major piano works require, aside from amazing technique, lots of endurance in the hands.

[igloo9]

A very famous book, who's techniques are used by all pianists and all music to some degree- Scales and Arpeggios (available for free on this site as a .pdf)
Other than that, try your hand (if you'll forgive the pun) at some Hanon- *is shot dead by the teachers*
No but seriously, try some Hanon. Don't take it as gospel, but it's decent for beginning to strengthen your hands; the major piano works require, aside from amazing technique, lots of endurance in the hands.

I looked at some of the sample pages of Hanon on Amazon and it seems pretty neat, so I'll try that out. However, what about things like theory/reading music? Should I get something like Faber/Alfred that teaches both theory and has lessons, or should I just get a pure theory book and learn that, then apply it to whatever songs I want to learn myself?

[1piano4joe]

Hi igloo9,

I recommend a method book. I prefer the Bastien series over the Faber. If your in the states there is a probably a Sam Ash store near you that carries them both.

I like the Bastien because it consists of 5 books at each level. Theory, Technique, Piano, Repertoire and Sight reading. The primer level has only 4. They are real cheap. $5.50 U.S. So, you can get the whole primer set for just $22.00 which may be below your level but will fill in some gaps and are a good review. This is a very well thought out, organized series.

The series has primer, then 4 levels and then even an intermediate series. This will ensure a gradual and comprehensive progression. They have a glossary of terms. All the scales, chords, cadences and arpeggios you will ever need. You can transition out of them quite early, but I would recommend that you don't until you finish level 3.

I hope this helps, Joe.

P.S. And Welcome to Pianostreet!