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Most of the picks below come from Frank Gambale, whose technique books and instructional videos centre on sweep picking and chord-scale improvisation, followed by three broader jazz-guitar improvisation titles. Start with a technique book if picking mechanics are what hold your lines back, and with a harmony-first title if you can already play fast but your solos do not follow the chords.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Frank Gambale Technique Book I | $25–$35 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | The Frank Gambale Technique Book II | $25–$35 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Frank Gambale: Improvisation Made Easy | $25–$35 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | Frank Gambale: Acoustic Improvisation | $25–$35 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | Frank Gambale: Modes — No More Mystery | $15–$25 | Amazon · eBay |
| 6 | Frank Gambale: Concert with Class | $25–$35 | Amazon · eBay |
| 7 | Jazz Improvisation for Guitar: A Harmonic Approach | $20–$30 | Amazon · eBay |
| 8 | The Big Book of Jazz Guitar Improvisation | $20–$30 | Amazon · eBay |
| 9 | Guitar Soloing: The Contemporary Guide to Improvisation | $20–$30 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
The Frank Gambale Technique Book I
Soloing method with notation, tablature, and online audio.
The Frank Gambale Technique Book II
Follow-on chordal-harmony and soloing method with online audio.
Frank Gambale: Improvisation Made Easy
Twelve-scale and mode course with guitar notation and audio.
Frank Gambale: Acoustic Improvisation
Instructional guitar DVD focused on improvising over II–V progressions.
Frank Gambale: Modes — No More Mystery
Guitar DVD devoted to modal improvisation concepts.
Frank Gambale: Concert with Class
Performance and instruction DVD for advanced guitarists.
Jazz Improvisation for Guitar: A Harmonic Approach
Berklee Guide softcover with online audio.
The Big Book of Jazz Guitar Improvisation
Alfred guitar book and CD of improvisation exercises.
Guitar Soloing: The Contemporary Guide to Improvisation
Daniel Gilbert and Beth Marlis guitar method.
Buying tips
- Work through one book properly before starting the next.
- Record your solos over a backing track and compare them with the book’s examples.
- Learn the arpeggios of the chords you are soloing over, not only the scales.
- Practise the picking exercises slowly with a metronome; clean beats fast at first.
- Transcribe a few bars from a player you admire each week.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.