Is theory REALLY important when learning music.

[corbro007]

I've been playing bass on and off for 5 years, and I was wondering to myself do I really need theory to improve my musicianship.  Because I learned music throughout my entire middle and high school years and never once was taught theory.  It wasn't until college that theory was introduced.  I figured it was never taught because the beginning steps of learning is developing a voice and learning how to fluently voice your instrument and afterward learning how everything you know how to do is labeled and described.  What is everyone's take on this...and please don't throw the bible at me, I'm just wanting personally opinion or observation.  Because in the past, someone will start out misinterpreting what I'm saying and the topic is overlooked and a whole new topic is formed.....thanks

[MikeGee]

I think this is a matter of opinion, I made theory important to me because I don't have that natural groove about me I am still developing that. I also don't have a good ear. So using theory and reading/sight reading chord charts was must.


NOw I enjoy theory and like talking about it with other people.

If you want to do it, then go for it. If you'd rather not then continue with what you are doing.

My father was gigging through the late 60s early 70s on bass getting paid and even won a few talent shows. He know nothing of theory, can't even read the notes on the staff.

[djgroovin]

I believe that it depends on how far you want to take your music.  If you want to play with serious musicians that do it for a living or at least for some income, they probably have atleast an intermidiate level of theory knowledge.  No one says you have to be "Dexter" about it but it helps when communicating with other musicians.

If you just play for your church services and a few outdates...unless you play in a large church with a fully staffed ensemble, than it may not matter.

In any case it can only help you be a better player.

Theory helps you to play what sounds good.  But it can never replace what feels good.

[Willie L. Terry Jr]

I agree with DJ ...with the advancement of gospel music I think it's important for us to learn theory.  When I was first told about theory from our keyboard player, I was like   That's because I was satisfied where I was.  Then I hit a ceiling and got in a rut.  Theory is what really made me realize that the bass is like the universe man.  You have earth, you have the solar system, you have the galaxy, you have the universe.  There always something deeper...The communication benefits of theory are tremendous.  I use numbers when working with our band.  I have all instruments learn the major and minor scales for each key the best they can.  Then we number them 1 thru 7 that way if someone ask "What note was that you just hit?"  I can just say it was the 6th meaning the sixth note in the chord progression.  A lot of gospel has runs that use pentatonic and modes and if you need the whole band to do a run together it would help if everyone knew what you were talking about when you say "Run the pentatonic starting with 2nd up to the 6th."  Well if you do what I just asked you to do here you would realize that this is the bass line for "We lift our hands" by Kurt Carr.  This is just one example but our band at church has been together for at least three years and most of us know a little theory.  Easy theory lesson for bass can be found at www.cyberfretbass.com take it slow...one lesson a day and you'll be like man, I should have done this two years ago.


T.J.

[Torch7]

What is everyone's take on this...and please don't throw the bible at me, I'm just wanting personally opinion or observation. 

MAN!!!!,   I don't never get to throw my bible on here   

[MikeGee]

MAN!!!!,   I don't never get to throw my bible on here   

Now this is funny!   

[fatbaby78]

I was told" learn theory to forget it.  You wanta play whats in the heart and what you feel, but have an understandin of what your playin and why it makes since. You wanta be able to explain what your playing.

[ddwilkins]

I agree with DJ.  It all depends on how far you want go.  I personally didn't start learning theory until college but I've been playing all my life.  Theory will help you out.  You'll have a better understanding and appreciation for music.  Also, if you have the opportunity to play with guys have a basis in theory you won't be left out when they start calling out changes and different chord progressions. 

[johngray]

[YES!!! YES!!! IN JESUS NAME YES!!! YOUNG PERSON IS VERY IMPORTANT IT IS QUITE OBVIOUS
THAT EVERY ONE ON THIS WEB SITE YOUR ARE ON GOD HAS GIVEN A TALENT TO BE USED TO PRAISE  HIM  FOR GIVEN EVEN THE IDEA TO DO SO!!
PEACE, BLESSED
BRO GRAY
DENVER COLORADO

[Willie L. Terry Jr]

Que?

T.J.

Yo DD...where did you take that picture with Vic...hopefully I'll see him in a few weeks.


T.J.

[ddwilkins]

I met up with him in Greensboro, NC.   

[MikeGee]

Since Wooten pix are promitted heres mine.    naww I'm just playing, I thought it would be cool to share mine, I'm the tallest guy we all know Vic and the short man is my Earthly Daddy (yes I said daddy), he's also a bass player from way back.

[4hisglory]

DJ basically said it all, its all about how far you want to go but fatboy??   said something important also.  Learn theory to forget it.  After you know your theory, and can "apply" it, you sorta forget about the theory unless you really sit down and think about it.

[Willie L. Terry Jr]

shouldn't it be said to learn it to forget it.  You want to become so second nature to you that you forget about it.  I'm striving for that.  I have a lot of reps to do before I get to that level.
T.J.

[mr.dj]

I think it is important for every musician to learn a little bit of theory.  I was once told how do you know where your going if you don't know where you come from.  Theory for me is like a map, if you pick a song and play it there is a start and finish but theory(map) allows you to get there in many different ways.

[trymone]

i think theory is very important now. I've been playing for 15yrs off and on. When i was off the music was changing and when i came back i could keep up because all of my musician friends were learning and talking about theory. I wasn't interested and i continued to use the same lines, same fill ins and i was content. when the MD would say "do this!" i didn't know what he was talking about everybody got it but me. so everybody was getting tired of me because i wouldn't learn it. they stopped calling me and they called other bassist. i found myself people with musicians on my level, meaning satisfied with milk. no real growth in that period and i was ready to get of the box. Now i'm studying theory,reading charts and transcribing all at beginners level but since then i've played with some of those guys. So now when the MD says "do this!" I'm right there. my playing is at a higher level..still got a long ways to go but i'm better play. Now when i don't understand i write it down and go home and study it.