Comparison · Music theory books
Open Music Theory vs The Complete Musician: which is better in 2026?
Open Music Theory ranks higher in our list of music theory books (#1 against #2, score 91.0 against 89.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
Choose Open Music Theory if you want
Free online study from fundamentals to chromatic harmony.
The strongest option here and the only one free to read in full. It covers fundamentals through chromatic harmony in one openly licensed online text, though print textbooks suit classroom use better.
Choose The Complete Musician if you want
Undergraduate courses combining harmony and performance.
An integrated undergraduate course that combines harmony, analysis, ear training and performance. It is broader than Tonal Harmony, so it offers less depth in harmony alone, which keeps it second.
The main differences
- Open Music Theory can be used for free; The Complete Musician requires payment.
Side by side
| Open Music Theory | The Complete Musician | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 91.0 | 89.0 |
| Rank in list | #1 of 9 | #2 of 9 |
| Price | FreeFree to read online; openly licensed text | PaidSold as a print book; price varies by seller |
| Free to use | Yes | No |
| Formats | Read online | |
| Author | Mark Gotham, Kyle Gullings, Chelsey Hamm, Bryn Hughes, Brian Jarvis, Megan Lavengood and John Peterson | Steven G. Laitz |
| Level | Beginner to intermediate | Intermediate |
| Main focus | Fundamentals through chromatic harmony | Harmony, analysis, ear training and performance |
| Free to read online | Yes | No |
| Best for | Free online study from fundamentals to chromatic harmony | Undergraduate courses combining harmony and performance |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Open Music Theory vs The Complete Musician
- Is Open Music Theory better than The Complete Musician?
- Open Music Theory ranks higher in our list of music theory books (#1 against #2, score 91.0 against 89.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Open Music Theory is best for: free online study from fundamentals to chromatic harmony. The Complete Musician is best for: undergraduate courses combining harmony and performance.
- Which is cheaper, Open Music Theory or The Complete Musician?
- Open Music Theory: Free to read online; openly licensed text. The Complete Musician: Sold as a print book; price varies by seller.