music theory

[mud_LiNKiN86]

hey to all out there, how many of you actually go for music lessons? to learn music theory, how to read and write the music score, that kind of stuff. im just wondering because i know a lot of guitarist who knows how to play the guitar very well, but when given a music sheet,(not tab) the person ends up scratching his/her head. i'm not saying that i can read the score very well, but is it really important to know all those stuff?

 

[soft]

Haa..ahh

Went driving around Germany last year. End up with a speeding ticket. ME? Speeding??? How could it be?

The story is, if only I could read what the sign says!

But that doesn't mean I can't drive.

:roll:

 

[hifi_killer]

err posted wrongly?

If u know how to read a guitar tab, i think thats gd enuff. I think u only need theory when it comes to writing songs.

 

[mud_LiNKiN86]

but we can still write a song using a tab right? then what's the use of theory?

 

[hifi_killer]

when u write a song u need to know wad chord progression to use, which scales to use for the solo. Thats where theory comes in..

 

[subversion]

The theoretical aspect of music is to answer all the WHYs, no amount of theoretical knowledge can tell you WHAT to play. If you can decipher by ear, that’s half the battle won.

I was at the Billy Sheehan clinic recently & the man can’t sight read, he figured things out by ear, I’m with Mr. Sheehan. If you can, then GOOD for you, but it doesn’t mean you’re outstanding. Being an impressive player is 90% heartwork. (No I didn’t steal this line from a CARCASS album…)

 

[veganbleu]

Thought that was from a PM Goh speech!

 

[subversion]

do i smell a civil servant in here? :wink:
or a Natinal Day Rally enthusiast maybe...?

 

[marshall_law]

Theory can get you further. With theory, the force will be with you

 

[mud_LiNKiN86]

then how many of you actually know theory? for me, i'll admit that i don't know much because i'm just starting to learn and i'm wondering if it will be worth it.

 

[brundisium]

It'll be good to come up with a schedule for guitar playing, learning songs of the bands you like and theory reading. There are lotsa site on the net that provide such info.

In the beginning of playing, you might find that theory doesnt seem to gel in with the playing, but in the long run it helps you in your playing. To put it in a easier way, its like learning a language, knowing how to talk is not enough, you got to know what word to used at different time and what sentence to fit in, in various situation.

To me, i find that its not a matter of worth it or not, its that i have the interest in playing guitar, i will find out more or all that i can find. Just like wanting to know a women more, if you are interested in her :lol:
yet off course, you might come to a stage where you find that the more you learn, the less you know anyway, just enjoy playing the guitar while we can

 

[soft]

The sign says "Poco a poco Ritardando" :wink:

err posted wrongly?

If u know how to read a guitar tab, i think thats gd enuff. I think u only need theory when it comes to writing songs.

 

[Colarndo]

Er I'm taking my grade 4 currently. Not bad for a guy who grew up hating music.(frm the pri-sec days where they forced u to play recorder.) I hated that!

 

[marshall_law]

I guess i'll add a food for thought. I've read on other music forums and they argue that with a cert in music, that makes you a good artist. Yes, they are good in theory but not in playing. Music cannot be measure in how high you have been educated in music. Theory is important, theory can let you get further but not better. Theory is as important as practical... just like biology... hehe

 

[Colarndo]

A least you have a foundation to write music, not that I compose but Some notes cannot be played in certain keys. Like u need to play certain sharps in a key signature. And time signature to compose the basic beats.

 

[Cheez]

There are those like Hans Zimmer who does not learn music but write great scores (Prince of Egypt etc). I'm not sure if these geniuses are the norm or the exception.

For me, I love theory. I didn't see how useful it could get when I was sitting for the exams (that was at least 20 years ago). But now when writing scores, 4-part harmony (for example) comes into great use. Sometimes I hear music which "sounds OK" but has no musical sense with lots of "errors" - theoretically so to speak. OK to just listen, but I think a little applied theory can give a piece of music just that edge. Some small things like not doubling a 3rd in a chord is enough to create a subtle but noticeable improvement, not just theoretically but aestetically.

Oh by the way, Hans Zimmer has a group of orchestrators that help to orchestrate his music. These people don't get recognised and you don't see their names in the credits.

 

[guitar_phreak]

I think of music theory as a multiplier.

You have passion and skill with a good ear....put it through a grinder and process it with theory, you'll get something great! Really....

But ultimately, music is all about the heart (and ears too!)....even after apply the best theory, and stuff, play it and hear it. Surprising how sometimes breaking theory conventions by adding odd notes and playing non-sensical scales can make the character of the music come out....

Can try tuning your guitar into all the weird tunings too like (lowE-midE-highE-A-D-G) if u wanna be creative....music and the guitar are only limited by ur imagination!!