Did anyone else on here really struggle with nailing theory? I'm not a total dummy or anything but I have the hardest time wrapping my head around it. I'm totaly interested in it but, after so long of not catching on I get lost in the shuffle. So, if you did struggle with it how did you overcome it? I believe theory is really of great importance to be a good player so I don't want to miss out. Help me please!!!
Not really. I'm not an expert, but I have a good working knowledge of theory mixed in with some trial and error. Theory is but another tool that can help you get to where you want to go. Is there a particular area that confuses you?
My biggest eye opening moment with theory came some 15+ years ago when I was studying Jazz Improvisation @ a small L.A. music school
The teacher (an amazing musician named John Daversa) taught us how to dissect a song by knowing the key, knowing the chords and melody and understanding where the song would move in and out of key (so to speak) based on the chords and melody. This was also very helpful in teaching me about modes and when to play certain notes from certain scales, etc...
He used a few jazz standards as his song examples as they have a real basic structure, but they do take small twists and turns through the progression. Plus, they commonly have extended chords (7ths, 9ths, 13ths, etc) that help stretch your understanding beyond the basics.
From that I "got" theory beyond the basic I-IV-V progression.
Since theory is such a big elephant that you have to eat in small bites, start simple. For example, take C major diatonic scale and make a chord progression using basic 1-3-5 triads through the scale. Can you do this or is what I typed all greek to you? ;D
THROW THEORY OUT THE WINDOW
.........don't do that unless you want to have a state of musical anarchy and chaos! But then again, look at the current state of the pop music industry; I digress :(
Theory wasn't too bad. It actually opened my eyes to how certain music was composed.
I wish I could take a theory class...I learned by books...
That's exactly why I really want to learn it plus I think it would be very beneficial when playing with other musicians. I think I've come to a point where I want to progress too fast then I wind up nowhere because instead of taking it slow I just let it go :-\
Learning theory for theory's sake is a waste I tend to learn it as I need it, plus a little more to keep me intrigued and progressing. It's one of the reasons I just joined here, to find out more about functional harmony and Jazz harmony especially in Gospel style music.
Y'all leave Rown alone...y'all know he hates theory...;D ;D ;D ;D
That's pretty much what I mean.
When I could strum a D, G and A chord, I knew they were the 1, 4 and 5 chord from the key of D, I didn't need to know about tritone subs at that time, but probably went on to learn about the relative minor.
Knowing a ton of theory but not being at a place to apply it to music is what I meant as a waste, not theory itself.
By the way,Did i tell everybody.I got to shake hands,with PRINCE.Hey man,whatever float the boat.If you digging theory cool.My ears are my theory.Gospel music these days,is pretty simple.Half step,whole step >:( >:( >:( >:(
That's where my struggle is...being able to take what I know and learn and apply it when I am playing instead of relying on my ears so much.
No pic = Never happened ;DWhy yes I did,AT THE greeboro colisum(there a e,in there somewhere.take a picure.Man i was scare enough.I called his name.I actually bout passed out.When i called his name,he looked at ME,aND GAVE ME A HIGH FIVE.i JUST TOOK A SLEELING PILL i EXPLAIN IT BETTER SOON.mAN I AM OUT OF IT
THROW THEORY OUT THE WINDOW
one of the most ridiculous statements i've ever read....ALL music is built on theory. without theory we'd have atonal garbage and that's it.
But you are inevitably using theory when you get down. You just don't know what to call it. You know that THIS note goes with THAT note, but THE OTHER note sounds funkier... for some... mystical reason that you dare not try to understand.8)
But NOT everybody can take that approach. Not everyone has that kind of ear and self-learned theoretical knowledge.
Even though CCM chord progressions are (mind-numbingly) easier? Hmmm....tempting.That is so true.Even though,must hymns are1,4,5 ;).uriah said something interesting about hymns.He play them chord melordy style ;)
;)
That is so true.Even though,must hymns are1,4,5 ;).uriah said something interesting about hymns.He play them chord melordy style ;)The thing about classic 4-voice-part SATB Hymns is that every syllable on every word is harmonized - so the chord changes are not once a measure or 2-3 measures, but on every note. That's why it's so hard for most guitarists and bassists to follow along - most end up simplifying the chord progressions...
That is so true.Even though,must hymns are1,4,5 ;).uriah said something interesting about hymns.He play them chord melordy style ;)
do not feed the troll, do not feed the troll, do not feed the troll...
The thing about classic 4-voice-part SATB Hymns is that every syllable on every word is harmonized - so the chord changes are not once a measure or 2-3 measures, but on every note. That's why it's so hard for most guitarists and bassists to follow along - most end up simplifying the chord progressions...
the vocal harmonies are implied over every syllable, but that's not the same as a chord changing on every syllable. the underlying chord is what gives the vocal harmonies foundation to work off of.