Why Should You Learn Music Theory?
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Date: 2022-03-28
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Comments and reviews: 6
SDRockman
-Why should you learn music theory?-
If you want to be able to play music then you will have to learn theory, because what else on earth are you going to play?
I don't understand how people think that they can play music without knowing any theory.
Imagine someone said -I want to write a book, but WHY should I learn grammar?-
What would you say to that person?
I would just point out in a non-patronising straight forward way that they need to know grammar if they want to write a book, it's just the truth and nothing more.
So when someone wants to make their own music, play music with other people and play other peoples music, they will HAVE to know music theory as there is no way around it other than hunting for the notes that they have heard, which will take much-much-MUCH longer than needed.
I think this mindset comes from hearing famous musicians saying -I don't know any theory- therefore people say to themselves -Well if Steve Vai(Or whoever you want to insert here) says that he doesn't know music theory, then I don't need to learn any of that to come up with my own stuff-.
It actually annoys me that these musicians say this because it's clear that they are not telling the truth, otherwise they wouldn't be playing extended chords, playing modes, arpeggios and whatever else.
--Guitar player plays technical guitar solo--
Person 1: -Wow, how much music theory do you need to be able to play like that?-
--Guitar player--: Oh. I don't know any music theory at all I just play songs from other famous bands that inspire me like Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin.-
Person 1 thought process: Straight from the horses mouth. I now know that I don't need to waste my time with any of that theory stuff I will just listen to my favourite bands and it will rub off on me. I can just learn all the theory stuff by TAB.
Did that seem really ridiculous to you?
It sure does to me and that's why I have invested in his music theory course so I can come up with my own stuff, figure out other stuff that I have heard more easily without needing to -hunt- for what is being played and have a firm understanding of music theory in all.
You will find music theory fun once you get into it, I guarantee it.
reply
-Why should you learn music theory?-
If you want to be able to play music then you will have to learn theory, because what else on earth are you going to play?
I don't understand how people think that they can play music without knowing any theory.
Imagine someone said -I want to write a book, but WHY should I learn grammar?-
What would you say to that person?
I would just point out in a non-patronising straight forward way that they need to know grammar if they want to write a book, it's just the truth and nothing more.
So when someone wants to make their own music, play music with other people and play other peoples music, they will HAVE to know music theory as there is no way around it other than hunting for the notes that they have heard, which will take much-much-MUCH longer than needed.
I think this mindset comes from hearing famous musicians saying -I don't know any theory- therefore people say to themselves -Well if Steve Vai(Or whoever you want to insert here) says that he doesn't know music theory, then I don't need to learn any of that to come up with my own stuff-.
It actually annoys me that these musicians say this because it's clear that they are not telling the truth, otherwise they wouldn't be playing extended chords, playing modes, arpeggios and whatever else.
--Guitar player plays technical guitar solo--
Person 1: -Wow, how much music theory do you need to be able to play like that?-
--Guitar player--: Oh. I don't know any music theory at all I just play songs from other famous bands that inspire me like Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin.-
Person 1 thought process: Straight from the horses mouth. I now know that I don't need to waste my time with any of that theory stuff I will just listen to my favourite bands and it will rub off on me. I can just learn all the theory stuff by TAB.
Did that seem really ridiculous to you?
It sure does to me and that's why I have invested in his music theory course so I can come up with my own stuff, figure out other stuff that I have heard more easily without needing to -hunt- for what is being played and have a firm understanding of music theory in all.
You will find music theory fun once you get into it, I guarantee it.
reply
Derek
Why bother? Because you'll enjoy your music making all the more. Only yesterday I was at a workshop working on the credo from Dvorak's Mass in D. The soloists sing the -et incarnatus- mostly in G minor, finishing with a tierce de Picardy. The choir then come back in with a fortissimo -crucifixus- on a totally unprepared B diminished seventh. Dramatic and grief-stricken. The next chord is the same but the Ab is respelled G# for -etiam pro-. Why? Just to annoy the altos? No, he resolves the diminished fifth (F) to a perfect fourth (E) on -nobis- and lo and behold we've got an E7 chord in second inversion which is the dominant 7th of the A minor we land on for -sub pontio Pilato- in a perfect cadence. Thanks, Gareth, for the moment of sheer joy I experienced when I worked out what was happening!
reply
Why bother? Because you'll enjoy your music making all the more. Only yesterday I was at a workshop working on the credo from Dvorak's Mass in D. The soloists sing the -et incarnatus- mostly in G minor, finishing with a tierce de Picardy. The choir then come back in with a fortissimo -crucifixus- on a totally unprepared B diminished seventh. Dramatic and grief-stricken. The next chord is the same but the Ab is respelled G# for -etiam pro-. Why? Just to annoy the altos? No, he resolves the diminished fifth (F) to a perfect fourth (E) on -nobis- and lo and behold we've got an E7 chord in second inversion which is the dominant 7th of the A minor we land on for -sub pontio Pilato- in a perfect cadence. Thanks, Gareth, for the moment of sheer joy I experienced when I worked out what was happening!
reply
Kasper
Hi Gareth. Short story - i studied economic in university last year and it was interesting to understand the world. But i was frustrated about not being able to put anything of it to use just yet so i basically dropped out also for other reasons. Now i want to study something i can use practically like music. But i dont really know how i can get to that same level as the level i got from studying in university where i after 1 semester could understand complex things. Its hard because i dont have a curriculum or test or a general plan. I have been studying music theory for about 6 months and practicing piano. Do you have any tips? like books to read or will going through you curses just set me up for a great musical understanding?
reply
Hi Gareth. Short story - i studied economic in university last year and it was interesting to understand the world. But i was frustrated about not being able to put anything of it to use just yet so i basically dropped out also for other reasons. Now i want to study something i can use practically like music. But i dont really know how i can get to that same level as the level i got from studying in university where i after 1 semester could understand complex things. Its hard because i dont have a curriculum or test or a general plan. I have been studying music theory for about 6 months and practicing piano. Do you have any tips? like books to read or will going through you curses just set me up for a great musical understanding?
reply
steamtobreathe
Hi! Yes, I completely agree with you. What books can you recommend to expand knowledge from basic to more academic (university) level? (I cannot go to study composition at the university, but I am willing to learn it by myself.)
reply
Hi! Yes, I completely agree with you. What books can you recommend to expand knowledge from basic to more academic (university) level? (I cannot go to study composition at the university, but I am willing to learn it by myself.)
reply
majd
Great video i want to ask you where should i start learning..i mean what subject to start with like learning sheet music..intervals..etc ?
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Great video i want to ask you where should i start learning..i mean what subject to start with like learning sheet music..intervals..etc ?
reply
PRAJWAL
Can i learn about 50% of music theories clearly... By watching your videos... I cant really afford to get me a mudic education
reply
Can i learn about 50% of music theories clearly... By watching your videos... I cant really afford to get me a mudic education
reply
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