Should You Learn Music Theory?

Must every musician learn music theory? Is it really necessary? There are some guitar players that claim that learning music theory is helpful, while others insist that studying music theory will somehow make you “think” too much about your art and in fact will get in the way of your creativity. So who is right here?

Let’s think about what would happen to your musical skills if you take the time to study theory. You will inevitably gain a greater understanding of the guitar and learn the fretboard much better. You will be able to understand what other musicians are saying when they are talking about music. Your improvising skills and soloing ability will improve dramatically (check out this article for more tips on soloing and improvising). You will have more options open to you if you decide to pursue a career in music (become a guitar teacher, or go to school for music.) Finally most importantly, you will be able to come up with creative musical ideas on a more consistent and frequent basis (I explain why below). Trying to write truly expressive music without knowing theory is similar to trying to walk blindfolded. You may end up where you are going eventually but the process will be much slower, filled with more obstacles and much less satisfying.

Those that argue that learning music theory inhibits your creativity have either never studied theory with a good teacher (this is very important) or more frequently did not learn how to APPLY what they have learned to composing. As a result, whatever knowledge that has been retained is largely useless, hence the argument against learning theory. Furthermore, there are some that claim that guitarists such as Jimmy Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn did not study theory. This may be partly true, but there is no doubt that these players had at least a rudimentary understanding of basic concepts such as the pentatonic scale and they knew their way around the fretboard well (have you ever heard them play out of key?). Furthermore, let us not forget that guitar in general (and electric guitar specifically) has evolved greatly in the past 50 years. Nowadays, it is almost impossible to be considered a professional musician (or even an advanced guitar player) without understanding at least the basics of theory such as intervals and construction of triads.

Another argument that sometimes comes up against learning theory is sort of related to the one described above and that argument is that music theory somehow “boxes” you in and forces you to only think and write music in structured ways in accordance with strict music theory rules. After all, these critics might say, playing music is all about playing what sounds good, right? Well of course that part is true….BUT!… whenever I hear someone make this argument (that music theory boxes you in with its strict rules or limits your creativity in some way), it becomes clear to me that there exists a huge misconception on why music theory even exists and what it stands for in that person’s mind.

Remember, music theory is not really “a set of rules”. All it is, is a set of observations on how music was written and what makes music sound good (or not) that go back hundreds of years. These observations (of accepted conventions) have been written down as sets of guidelines that we now refer to as Music Theory. Music was written for many hundreds of years before some people decided to analyze the basic principles of how it was composed and write it down in textbooks (which we now know as music theory). By studying music theory, you will understand why certain things in music sound good, and how you can apply that knowledge to your own playing/songwriting/improvising etc… So in a sense, by studying music theory you are in fact learning how to make your music SOUND GOOD! (of course this is true if you are learning music theory from someone who knows how to teach it in a way that is relevant to your musical ambitions) By learning these guidelines you can choose to follow them, or you can choose to alter them to your own liking, or you can choose to abandon them entirely if you wish to. But all it does is provide you with a greater number of options to be a more expressive musician. EVERY style of music uses the basic principles of music theory in some way (believe it or not, even blues and rock!). And by having an understanding of these fundamentals, you can only become a better player at whatever style you like.

After you learn some music theory, whenever you come across a certain piece of music that you like, you will be able to understand on a mental level (using music theory) what is happening in the music to make it sound so good, and if you wish, you can adapt this new knowledge to your own playing and writing. Your improvising and soloing will improve as well if you understand a lot about how chords are structured Can you now see the ENORMOUS potential to help your musical skills by learning theory? With all the arguments made above, why would you NOT want to learn about how music really works?

By the way, as an aside point I have never heard a single person who knows a great deal about music theory (and truly understands it well) say that they think this skill is not important or somehow limiting to a musician.

With all of that being said, I do NOT believe that every musician should become a master of music theory. I believe that everyone should learn enough theory to reach their ultimate musical goals. This may require little theory or it may require a lot. You have to judge for yourself based on YOUR needs. If you desire to just play your favorite songs on the guitar and do not plan on writing your own music, then learning theory would not be high on your priority list. However if you aspire to write your own songs, to improvise and create your own solos, become a professional musician, go to school for music or become a guitar teacher, then not knowing theory will hold you back dramatically. So think about your goals and do not attempt to learn theory without a good teacher to guide you. It will be similar to trying to teach yourself math or science.

Hopefully after thinking about the points made above and analyzing your goals, you will be able to reach a conclusion on whether or not you should learn theory and how much music theory knowledge will be necessary to move you closer to your dreams.

For a beginner guide to music theory, check out this article: Music Theory 101

You can contact me at [e-mail] I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. I reply to all e-mails.

About Mike Philippov

www.mikephilippov.com
www.thenextstepguitar.com

Mike Philippov is a professional virtuoso guitarist, music composer and instructor. He is currently working on an instrumental CD that will feature music in the virtuoso neo-classical and progressive rock styles. Mike also teaches guitar, both privately as well as through guitar clinics. Mike is also a co-author of several instructional products including: a Backing Tracks CD “Improve Your Improv” as well as instructional courses: “The Ultimate Sweep Picker’s Guide”, and “Serious Improvement for the Developing Guitarist.”

Currently Mike is busy working on several projects including composing and recording a solo CD featuring music in the neo-classical and progressive rock styles as well as more instructional products that are in the works at this time. Please visit www.mikephilippov.com to hear some of Mike’s playing and sign up for a free newsletter which is sent out periodically and contains helpful tips and advice for guitar players.

E-mail Mike at: [e-mail]

Comments

[rafael90]

i couldnt agree more

[Coasternerd]

Great article. Musical theory is so important to learning any song and you will be able to compose better songs with a broader understanding of music.

[rojomeansred]

Way to be unbiased and not just shove your ideas down everyones throat. Great article!

[HexaDakota]

This is good.

[stephen_rettie]

finally i hate it when people ask why they arent getting better, and the they dont know any theory

[ratzgame]

Nice article. I just took basic Music Theory this year and got a 100 in it
But then again I've been playing in Concert Band for 6 years or so and other instruments before that.

[dawson_monkey]

Perfect. Nice to see someone on this side of the argument.

[xCoilx]

ratzgame wrote:

Nice article. I just took basic Music Theory this year and got a 100 in it
But then again I've been playing in Concert Band for 6 years or so and other instruments before that.

sweet.

this is article is good!

[selftaught1]

ive only just started really tryin to understand what ive been doin thoreticly and you have just made it even easier to decide what im goin to do bout my guitar carer thanx heaps man....

[uberdweeb]

so where exactly is the best place to learn theory from? is it best to go to a university or maybe a community college and take music theory classes or are there private teachers who can teach theory?

maybe some of you who known theory can help by telling where you learned it from

[xIxKilledxKenny]

i'm learning theory by myself....

it's not too fun but i'm getting it.

well actually guitar pro is teaching it to me

[TheTouristt]

yes very good point.
although you do see alot of eminor penatonic scale notes in hendrix's music

[dann_blood]

uberdweeb wrote:

so where exactly is the best place to learn theory from? is it best to go to a university or maybe a community college and take music theory classes or are there private teachers who can teach theory?

maybe some of you who known theory can help by telling where you learned it from

Search through lessons and articles for scales, modes, chords and you'll get a fair amount of theory thats explained good. Or just send a PM to Rankles.
Good article, although I think this would be better without the 2-3 odd paragraph advertisement boards at the bottom.

[kennethdave]

really gud article, theory is much needed actually, it has really helped my playin...and one clear example of this is Joe Satriani...

[Dante Morius]

As said great polish bass player Pilichowski - "Any of music schools can not destroy good musican" - theory is worth to learn, so to speak.... There are some guys, shredding without theory, but they are genious, the fill music, if You're not "golden child" theory is only way to play well i think..

[jamis8891]

awesome.

[EdawMail]

a situation you need theory for
'lets do a jam in C#m'
ok.. let me find it....

and thats basic theory.

[Lin]

theory is not a set of rules. it is a way of describing sounds and reproducing them. any music that "sounds good" can be described using music theory, or any that sounds bad.
if someone writes music that sounds predictable and boxed in, it's not because the theory limits them, it's because they choose not to explore it in depth. there are no rules saying "you're not a allowed to do this," just conventions.
most musicians who write purely by feel, in my experience, tend to be very predictable because they quickly latch on to a few ideas that sound good and work within them.
it takes a lot longer to come up with something different by sitting around with your guitar than it does if you think "what would a diminished fifth sound like in there?"

[Macabre_Turtle]

I started writing music before learning much theory, and needless to say, it was BAD. Theory has increased my writing ability so much. I've abanded every piece of music I've written before it, and still have everyone after it.

[SGuitarist33]

awesome article... very true

[mrbiscuits315]

mr barnicals wrote:

PENIS

I couldnt agree more with that mr barnicals. Good article though I dont agree everything in it but hey.

[ParkerScks]

well i think people should do what they want i have notaced tho when you are writing music with no knowlage of theory u just know how to wiz up and down the guitar because you may have lernt songs from tabs then it dosent really sound any diffrant but as soon as you start to lern theory you start to change e.g. ull play somthing and to your ears it sounds awsome but when you look with your eyes it ruins it i went threw that probblem and i couldent switch it off so i lernt more theory then i hit the bridge again and had to lern more and now im caught up in a vicious circle i recomend that if you really cannot improvise then lern your theory if you can improvise then dont and youll notace you lern things your self with out the use of text books or a teacher

[slashedaxl103]

EdawMail wrote:

a situation you need theory for
'lets do a jam in C#m'
ok.. let me find it....

and thats basic theory.

Good point. You cant really expand your music skills without theory either. A good guitarist has to know scales, how to play in different keys etc. if there ever going to get anywhere with their music

[SeanHart213]

theory is the most important aspect of guitar next to practice.

[Spl!nTeRgu!tAr]

i agre with everything but his bit near the middle about the importance.

music theory isnt an observation, music theory IS music. if you know the rules and know them well, that means you know how to break them. if you know how to break the rules correctly (fellow theory guys understand that anyway..) you can then play notes that are out of key and therefore the mythed 'box' is broken

[walidb123]

good article. learning theory when you're broke is another story tho...

[_jokerman_]

Mike Philippov is a professional virtuoso guitarist, music composer and instructor. He is currently working on an instrumental CD that will feature music in the virtuoso neo-classical and progressive rock styles. Mike also teaches guitar, both privately as well as through guitar clinics. Mike is also a co-author of several instructional products including: a Backing Tracks CD “Improve Your Improv” as well as instructional courses: “The Ultimate Sweep Picker’s Guide”, and “Serious Improvement for the Developing Guitarist.”

Currently Mike is busy working on several projects including composing and recording a solo CD featuring music in the neo-classical and progressive rock .....

hmmmm weak. this dude sounds about as far up his own ass as that tom hess guy. BUT it was a pretty good article, apart from all the 'box' crap.

[Pingis_Or_Death]

Mike Philippov writes quality articles

[Flamin' Mania]

ParkerScks wrote:

well i think people should do what they want i have notaced tho when you are writing music with no knowlage of theory u just know how to wiz up and down the guitar because you may have lernt songs from tabs then it dosent really sound any diffrant but as soon as you start to lern theory you start to change e.g. ull play somthing and to your ears it sounds awsome but when you look with your eyes it ruins it i went threw that probblem and i couldent switch it off so i lernt more theory then i hit the bridge again and had to lern more and now im caught up in a vicious circle i recomend that if you really cannot improvise then lern your theory if you can improvise then dont and youll notace you lern things your self with out the use of text books or a teacher

Yeah I agree with ye

I found improvising was really easy and not only I thought it was good, but my band mates thought it was sweet. But then I started to learn theory and it was good at the start until I realised what i was playing wasnt right musically so I retuned it all and then it sounded alot like everything else i've already heard. So i had to learn more like you and the cycle began.

Not saying that I havent learnt how to rip some sweet tunes now that I've learnt more but I have forgotten how I used to do things which kinda sucks

[Sanitarium91]

I've learnt/figured out pretty much all the music theory I know by making my own music; I've learnt to make decent solos and good riffs by improvising, because I've learnt what notes I shouldn't hit. Of course the music I listened and played sorta helped me understand how to make songs as well.

[Nightfyre]

Flamin' Mania wrote:

ParkerScks wrote:

well i think people should do what they want i have notaced tho when you are writing music with no knowlage of theory u just know how to wiz up and down the guitar because you may have lernt songs from tabs then it dosent really sound any diffrant but as soon as you start to lern theory you start to change e.g. ull play somthing and to your ears it sounds awsome but when you look with your eyes it ruins it i went threw that probblem and i couldent switch it off so i lernt more theory then i hit the bridge again and had to lern more and now im caught up in a vicious circle i recomend that if you really cannot improvise then lern your theory if you can improvise then dont and youll notace you lern things your self with out the use of text books or a teacher

Yeah I agree with ye

I found improvising was really easy and not only I thought it was good, but my band mates thought it was sweet. But then I started to learn theory and it was good at the start until I realised what i was playing wasnt right musically so I retuned it all and then it sounded alot like everything else i've already heard. So i had to learn more like you and the cycle began.

Not saying that I havent learnt how to rip some sweet tunes now that I've learnt more but I have forgotten how I used to do things which kinda sucks

With enough knowledge you'll understand that what you're doing wasn't necessarily "wrong". Maybe it was chromatic, that's cool. Maybe an exotic scale? Nothing wrong with that. Passing tones? I love 'em. Key modulation or quick changes in chord or mode? Adds spice if done correctly. You have to know the rules in order to break them, but music theory ISN'T RULES. They're guidelines, because after a while it hits you that there's an infinite number of ways to write a good lick. With all the different techniques, scales, modes, etc. at your fingertips, there really aren't any limitations. Theory just gives a name to what you're doing.

[KingJustinian25]

with all the resources available now (online), you don't need to memorize and know theory, just how to apply it.

[Lrn2play]

good musicianship depends on whos listening
no matter how many people with degrees in music theory say a music or band sucks or is genious, wont change how it sounds

[mybandsuks_15]

good article, i didnt think theory was that important, but you make a good point.

[acdc_rocks_1992]

well if you dont know the 7 modes of the Major scale (for example) how are going to solo out side of that box?

[wasp2020]

Macabre_Turtle wrote:

I started writing music before learning much theory, and needless to say, it was BAD. Theory has increased my writing ability so much. I've abanded every piece of music I've written before it, and still have everyone after it.

So true. Dozens and dozens of little riffs that are just plain terrible now that I look back.


Couple of missed periods and commas, but otherwise good article.

[wasp2020]

acdc_rocks_1992 wrote:

well if you dont know the 7 modes of the Major scale (for example) how are going to solo out side of that box?

Exactly.

Hey guys, imagine trying to write a metal song without any knowledge of the Phygrian. Suffice to say, lol.

[deathisfinegimm]

Exactly.

Hey guys, imagine trying to write a metal song without any knowledge of the Phygrian. Suffice to say, lol.

eh... you don't have to play in phygrian to sound metal. it's just a common used scale in metal, so it sounds metal. but i can't remember the last time i used phygrian... experiment more and your metal will sound less cliche and more interesting

[ThirstyWoodenWh]

Thank you, someone needed to reconcile theory and creativity =)

[musicman0000]

it is cruical that yopu learn music theory
if you dont know chords, chords progressions,scales and keys you will be lost in jamming and soloing
learning to read it would help write music,and learn music faster

[Andraysexy]

i've jammed with countless peolpe, but i've finally settled-down with a bass player and drummer. why? because both of them can account for the same extensive knowledge in musical theory as i can. you kno wat its like to have you drummer stop the band during jam to tell you you should raise the fifth? i'm one lucky fella

[macfan90]

Theory is necessary to a degree. Its important to understand the notes and how they work on the fretboard, how the chords are constructed, octaves, maybe even learning to play in keys. Although some of the best bands ever have had very little knowledge with it and still produced great music. Some people need step by step directions as in theory and some people just play and piece it together themselves.

[JimiShredrix]

I think its a little of each i think theory helps immensely in communicating your musical ideas and putting together songs, solos whatever but at the same time many people do rely too much on theory and get trapped doing the same lifeless playing. You should learn theory but constantly experiment and explore as well.

Know whats in the box, but still think outside of it.

[Ledzeprox91]

The greatest reason for knowing the rules of music is so you may break them. It's the development and expansion of these musical guidelines which hopefully allows music to be fluid and ever-changing.

[-Sidewinder-]

I never learned any music theory, but I still knows what SOUNDS good and thats what I rely on when making music. I don't NEED to learn it to become better.

[roksta101]

i know the pentatonic blues scale on 6th string and 5th string and thats what i improv with...
i tried to learn some more modes but damn they hard to remember...
got article article though ..you got a good argument against people who say that theory boxes one in ..i used to think that...

"Know whats in he box, but still think outside of it"-JimiShredrix
thats the way...

[Dannysorrow]

uberdweeb wrote:

so where exactly is the best place to learn theory from? is it best to go to a university or maybe a community college and take music theory classes or are there private teachers who can teach theory?

maybe some of you who known theory can help by telling where you learned it from

You can take music theory lessons. Ask around and at some local music stores and things like that. You're bound to find one.

[challengedmind]

jus wondering what exactly people think learning theory is? learning to play in more than one key, or one key on a different key is not theory. personally i think it depends on what your looking for, the author playing neo-classical stuff is of course going to need vast amounts of theory, someone in a rock or metal band only needs the bare minimum in my opinion.
as for not being able to do the things you used to do when you didnt know theory, i found that as well, so i looked over my older pieces and found out exactly why my pieces sounded like that and the theory behind them and now work this into my playing.

[rockinroll]

great article, definatlly agree, but i think just because you don't know theory dosen't make you a bad guitarist, you'd just be a good guitarist who dosen't understand why what he's playing sound's good and won't be able to write his/her own music.

[Fenderplayer93]

Nice article. I was planning on taking music theory in school. Now I am def. taking it...

[zoomzoom]

mr barnicals wrote:

PENIS

fagg...

anyways, i totally agree with this article, i think its great, but i dont think you necessarily need a teacher to learn theory. Here at home, i pick up a couple guitar books, go on the internet, and apply the information and eventually teach myself, and im doing absolutely fine, kickin guitar ass. saves alot of money too

[joshgiesbrecht]

wasp2020 wrote:

acdc_rocks_1992 wrote:

well if you dont know the 7 modes of the Major scale (for example) how are going to solo out side of that box?

Exactly.

Hey guys, imagine trying to write a metal song without any knowledge of the Phygrian. Suffice to say, lol.

I have to say I disagree with that.. I know some theory. For I have taken piano for 11 years.. And guitar.. About 1 year.. Though.. I've been told (I'm not bragging) that I am one of the best composers some people have heard in person.. Though, I do not apply theory to my composisions!

[joshgiesbrecht]

ParkerScks wrote:

well i think people should do what they want i have notaced tho when you are writing music with no knowlage of theory u just know how to wiz up and down the guitar because you may have lernt songs from tabs then it dosent really sound any diffrant but as soon as you start to lern theory you start to change e.g. ull play somthing and to your ears it sounds awsome but when you look with your eyes it ruins it i went threw that probblem and i couldent switch it off so i lernt more theory then i hit the bridge again and had to lern more and now im caught up in a vicious circle i recomend that if you really cannot improvise then lern your theory if you can improvise then dont and youll notace you lern things your self with out the use of text books or a teacher

Couldn't agree more dude

[iml84myd8]

[

joshgiesbrecht wrote:

wasp2020 wrote:

acdc_rocks_1992 wrote:

well if you dont know the 7 modes of the Major scale (for example) how are going to solo out side of that box?

Exactly.

Hey guys, imagine trying to write a metal song without any knowledge of the Phygrian. Suffice to say, lol.


I have to say I disagree with that.. I know some theory. For I have taken piano for 11 years.. And guitar.. About 1 year.. Though.. I've been told (I'm not bragging) that I am one of the best composers some people have heard in person.. Though, I do not apply theory to my composisions!

man, I can smell the B.S. from Canada

[iml84myd8]

here's an analogy. I don't need to know politics to vote. Studying politics will effect my decision making skills when I choose a leader. I know what looks good in a leader, why should I watch the news.

[iml84myd8]

If you know theory, not only does your own playing sound better, but you pick up other people's songs faster. You learn riffs and solos faster and you can identify what other people are doing and "why" it soudns the way it does. Learning theory = learning how to play your instrument correctly. You should be able to construct almost any chord and play any scale on the guitar. Nothing's limiting you, but you're own laziness. There's no justification.

[fahd]

ParkerScks wrote:

well i think people should do what they want i have notaced tho when you are writing music with no knowlage of theory u just know how to wiz up and down the guitar because you may have lernt songs from tabs then it dosent really sound any diffrant but as soon as you start to lern theory you start to change e.g. ull play somthing and to your ears it sounds awsome but when you look with your eyes it ruins it i went threw that probblem and i couldent switch it off so i lernt more theory then i hit the bridge again and had to lern more and now im caught up in a vicious circle i recomend that if you really cannot improvise then lern your theory if you can improvise then dont and youll notace you lern things your self with out the use of text books or a teacher

yeah I had to say this too ... if u CAN hear music in ur head and u can play it for others to hear too ... and u get gud at that ... I dont think for someone like that theory wud do anything but do the 'vicious circle' thing like u say ... anyway ... I liked the article ... but it did sounded biased
because u may say that Jimi Hendrix played minor pentatonic scales, the only difference is that he discovered em himself ...
my point is simply that it is not true for 100 percent of the ppl but 98 percent ...

cheers

[fahd]

I think ... listening is the best music teacher ...

[IainDavies_2]

to me it depends on the person. i feel that if someone was taking lessons in music theory at a young age and being guided by a teacher all the time, it could have a bad affect on their writing skills, they may say: oh we can't that note from Dorian in there because the song is in Harmonic minorm, and they don't share notes. But if someone has taught themselves to play guitar and they learn the scales, they still may feel open to do different things [like me (i recently wrote a death metal riff that features both E Dorian and E Phrygian Dominant)]. i feel it's down to personality

[pyritmann]

well im a drummer, but i have been dabbling in guitar as well for about a year and a half and i just started learning theory this semester and it has helped me a lot more than i thought it would. i still need to learn scales n stuff better but all the chord stuff helps me just write a song on acoustic then give it to a real guitarist who can make it better. i think theory is very important

[Solced]

damn, your right...

[mysteryhawk]

iml84myd8 wrote:

here's an analogy. I don't need to know politics to vote. Studying politics will effect my decision making skills when I choose a leader. I know what looks good in a leader, why should I watch the news.

Awesome. Couldn't have said it better myself.

[jimzer]

i printed this out
im learning this theory over zentao.net haha...
this article really opened my eyes, thanks

[Ferral pacman]

I find it's usefull if I'm writing music or understanding it but in terms of playing a song it really doesn't matter all the theory a guitar player REALLY needs is tab reading and even that is well not completely needed if you can learn something by ear..... I learn it anyway

[Grigor]

slashedaxl103 wrote:

Good point. You cant really expand your music skills without theory either. A good guitarist has to know scales, how to play in different keys etc. if there ever going to get anywhere with their music

Dimebag Darrell?

[Typik]

You don't NEED a teacher, but it makes it so much easier in my opinion, I'm so deep into theory now I can make the simplest riffs sound amazing, and I don't think I'd be this far without a teacher.

[E V H 5150]

It's a musical instrument. For music. Any serious musician should know music theory. Bottom line. You don't absolutely need to know to be good, but have at least a basic understanding.

[metal_maniac#1]

Nightfyre wrote:

Flamin' Mania wrote:

ParkerScks wrote:

well i think people should do what they want i have notaced tho when you are writing music with no knowlage of theory u just know how to wiz up and down the guitar because you may have lernt songs from tabs then it dosent really sound any diffrant but as soon as you start to lern theory you start to change e.g. ull play somthing and to your ears it sounds awsome but when you look with your eyes it ruins it i went threw that probblem and i couldent switch it off so i lernt more theory then i hit the bridge again and had to lern more and now im caught up in a vicious circle i recomend that if you really cannot improvise then lern your theory if you can improvise then dont and youll notace you lern things your self with out the use of text books or a teacher

Yeah I agree with ye

I found improvising was really easy and not only I thought it was good, but my band mates thought it was sweet. But then I started to learn theory and it was good at the start until I realised what i was playing wasnt right musically so I retuned it all and then it sounded alot like everything else i've already heard. So i had to learn more like you and the cycle began.

Not saying that I havent learnt how to rip some sweet tunes now that I've learnt more but I have forgotten how I used to do things which kinda sucks

With enough knowledge you'll understand that what you're doing wasn't necessarily "wrong". Maybe it was chromatic, that's cool. Maybe an exotic scale? Nothing wrong with that. Passing tones? I love 'em. Key modulation or quick changes in chord or mode? Adds spice if done correctly. You have to know the rules in order to break them, but music theory ISN'T RULES. They're guidelines, because after a while it hits you that there's an infinite number of ways to write a good lick. With all the different techniques, scales, modes, etc. at your fingertips, there really aren't any limitations. Theory just gives a name to what you're doing.

i love you.

[metal_maniac#1]

that was to Nightfyre

[Scorge]

if you want a good teacher online(for free) then go to youtube and look up justin sandercoe. he's got some exercises and ideas that really helped me advance alot quicker with knowing what i'm doing.
on the theory, i've heard of people come up with their own scales, so as long as you keep pushing forward with a sound that you like, and that you enjoy playing, then someday someone might look at what you're doing and say that is awesome.
remember to never stop moving forward and learning new things and use them in your own way that you think would sound cool.

[Aziraphale]

challengedmind wrote:

jus wondering what exactly people think learning theory is? learning to play in more than one key, or one key on a different key is not theory. personally i think it depends on what your looking for, the author playing neo-classical stuff is of course going to need vast amounts of theory, someone in a rock or metal band only needs the bare minimum in my opinion.

Well, then again because of that thinking we've reached a point where the vast majority of metal is ridiculously predictable. I play in a metal band and because of that I'm set on learning as much theory as I possibly can so that I hopefully can make something that doesn't sound like every metal band ever. I'd much rather listen to some cheesy 90's pop that has at least something interesting going on harmonically (you'd be surprised to see how often that actually happens), than listen to a metal band that has nothing original about them. More and more metal bands have nothing original about them.

[Sleepn_Giant]

People have stated this before me, but some people still refer to Music theory as "rules" to make something sound good. But it isn't rules, it is just observation of music and how it sounds. No matter what you play, it has something to do with music theory. Music theory is just an understanding of music.

If you are playing a Bb blues and your first lick has a B in it. You aren't going against theory, but rather modifying what the ear conventionally hears into something very different. But that is still theory because a B is a b2 of Bb.

Basically what I am trying to say is that even if someone doesn't know theory and is playing something rather odd. They are still using theory, they just don't know it or understand it. With this understanding, you can structure your music however you like. It is just easier to do it because you can think "You know, I want some dissonance, how about adding the tri-tone here" or "I'm going to raise this chord up a half step because I think it sounds better".

[Riffer_maddness]

i play in my schools band so i understand how octaves scales work but i dont apply them alot i know one scale but other than that i jus let it flow man jus make up some riffs that sound good and when i do solos i just go by certain paterns of note but no scales or keys or really any of that shit plus i jus taught everything to mydslefl so oh well

[Riffer_maddness]

quote from interview with Ace Frehly "what do know about theory?" he replies "I dont know jack shit" and thats my point

[SynGates7X]

I always thought that knowing theory did limit you at first. But as you go on learn more about what is what and why it sounds the way it does, it really doesn't limit you. When you know theory, you learn to twist it the way you want to in a manner of speaking.

[pooo15]

this is too fvkn true. i have to sit on my a$$ and listen to people talk about what key there song is and if they should be using the anal scale and what not.

[Soulinfector]

It'd be funny if the only word in the article was "Yes." that probably would have done it for me.

[rocker91]

Theory is the start. Once you know the basics, then you can rip them apart as much as you want, but you always need to have something to go back to when all else fails.

[-SpasticInk-]

To use theory on the same instinctal level as experimentation you must learn it to a very high level

I think that your mind makes up theory as it goes along, to understand what sounds good together, so in fact everyone is learning theory in the way that suites them

argument closed

[Fambi]

EVERY style of music uses the basic principles of music theory in some way (believe it or not, even blues and rock!). And by having an understanding of these fundamentals, you can only become a better player at whatever style you like.

Not true for metal =P =P =P. Very good article, however.

[SlapMeWithBacon]

Who cares, I just hit a billion notes per second way outside any particular scale like Buckethead and it still sounds awesome XD

[ClickClick]

BRILLIANT! 10/10 my good sir.

[Charlie4]

I'm going to study Jazz in 2009 so I need to be prepared as hell If I'm gonna survive, that's why in 2008 all I'm gonna do is Music Theory. It might seem extremely dull but it will lead me into becoming a professional musician.
The reason I'm going to study jazz is to be an all-style studio musician. Sacrifices are worth being made.

[aleksa]

great job writing this article... its cool! keep on learning music theory... if you don't need it now you'll need it later!!! trust me!

[Washburn1342]

KingJustinian25 wrote:

with all the resources available now (online), you don't need to memorize and know theory, just how to apply it.

Thats kinda like saying since you have a calculator you don't need to learn how to add

Its good to learn theory but its also good to play with feeling just because you learn theory doesn't mean your creativity is gonna stop,try changing the tuning of the guitar, play in an open tuning your creativity will spring back to life,That is if you have lost it in the first place,I learned theory and I never found I lost my creativity anyways I've said my piece later all.

[Washburn1342]

Whoops btw Nice Article.

[Sleepn_Giant]

Charlie4 wrote:

I'm going to study Jazz in 2009 so I need to be prepared as hell If I'm gonna survive, that's why in 2008 all I'm gonna do is Music Theory. It might seem extremely dull but it will lead me into becoming a professional musician.
The reason I'm going to study jazz is to be an all-style studio musician. Sacrifices are worth being made.

What's wrong with studying jazz just because you like the genre a lot? (Like myself)

[SynGates7X]

SlapMeWithBacon wrote:

Who cares, I just hit a billion notes per second way outside any particular scale like Buckethead and it still sounds awesome XD

If you are trying to insinuate that Buckethead does not know any music theory than you are highly mistaken.

[SlapMeWithBacon]

SynGates7X wrote:

SlapMeWithBacon wrote:

Who cares, I just hit a billion notes per second way outside any particular scale like Buckethead and it still sounds awesome XD
If you are trying to insinuate that Buckethead does not know any music theory than you are highly mistaken.

Dude, it was a joke. Of course he knows LOADS of theory I'm just saying, he doesn't always follow what are considered the 'guide lines', and it still sounds pretty incredible.

[SynGates7X]

SlapMeWithBacon wrote:

SynGates7X wrote:

SlapMeWithBacon wrote:

Who cares, I just hit a billion notes per second way outside any particular scale like Buckethead and it still sounds awesome XD
If you are trying to insinuate that Buckethead does not know any music theory than you are highly mistaken.


Dude, it was a joke. Of course he knows LOADS of theory I'm just saying, he doesn't always follow what are considered the 'guide lines', and it still sounds pretty incredible.

Ok, my b. I was just checking, Cuz there are plenty of people on the website that have told me that Buckethead knows nothing and is a joke.

[psychokiller99]

i learned all the theory that i needed to know (how to read sheet music, the different scales, how to make them, key signatures, chord progressions, building chords, etc.) from the book "Piano for Dummies" believe it or not haha. it's a good book, and i learned to play piano from that and by ear. then when i picked up guitar, i applied theory to it and well there you go. piano for dummies, great book, i recommend it

[RevolverX]

My opinion is this. Those with the most interest in guitar will learn theory, simply because they would never dream of closing doors on the instrument. I love learning theory, not because I like math, or I enjoy torturing myself, but because I love this instrument. And to be honest: theory isn't even that difficult. I would encourage anyone new to the guitar to learn by ear first, though!

[zepledfan413]

Nobody has ever said I play out of key and I only know the pentatonic scale. I don't know any chords or anything and I sound my best when I'm just goofing around without using the scales. Of course, there is a chance I'm playing parts of music theory but whatever. Expression is something you have to create, not learn.

[breadstick]

If someone thinks they don't need to learn theory, they deserve to phail.

[Aziraphale]

zepledfan413 wrote:

Nobody has ever said I play out of key and I only know the pentatonic scale. I don't know any chords or anything and I sound my best when I'm just goofing around without using the scales. Of course, there is a chance I'm playing parts of music theory but whatever. Expression is something you have to create, not learn.

If you play within a key, you ARE playing scales. It's impossible to play within a key without using scales. You're just unaware of what you're doing.

People think of theory as "rules", when it's actually hundreds of years of research on "what is possible to do", not what you "should" do. Saying it blocks your creativity is like saying learning more words makes it harder to express yourself, so you live your life using only grunts and the occasional "ok", "mhm", "penis" and so on. People think playing an extra note outside of the pentatonic box makes them so innovative and groundbreaking and sees it as proof that they don't need theory. I can assure you that hundreds of classical composers 300 years ago did the same thing. But they knew what they were doing and knew exactly where they wanted to put in an A#, they didn't just hit a random note and think: "Oh my God, that's not in the scale but it sounded good anyway! I'm a genious!"

[in*limbo]

well... this seems to be quite the hotspot.

I dont know much theory, i didnt have lessons. i taught myself, and whenever i need to know something about theory i look it up in "the guitar handbook" by ralph denyer, and then learn a lil bwt it and move on with fresh knowledge. but i have only scratched the serface.

ive been playing in a band for round a bout a year now and i cant help but notice that when writing my problem is solos. they take forever. And this is Obviously down to my lack of theoretical knowledge as a player. I know a mate of mine who can do it easy, and he's been having lessons for years.

i dont intend on learning theory proply, it'll make me change as a guitarist too much, even if my current skill does limit me somewhat.

thats life


good article

[Atreyu154]

Awsome, Could'nt agree more, plus any music theory opens the doors to so much, personally I play Piano, Violin and Guitar Acoustic/Electric and there is not a day that I dont find myself using it, it becomes sub consious so you can still be creative but know what your doing. Frederick Harris music produces a book called Rudiments of Music and its by Barbara Wharram and its my bible honestly. This book is chalked full of everything you need to know in detail from inversions to Dominants its in there
But yes personal opinion everyone needs theory it just makes it easier.

[vanceboy]

good article. Definitely study music theory as far as your goals go...you wouldn't want to learn classical guitar if you're just playing power chords.

The thing I wonder about is...does the Mars Volta use music theory?

[HandT]

Trying to write truly expressive music without knowing theory is similar to trying to walk blindfolded.

Perfect analogy, great article

[kirkadolph]

Awesome artice man! Everything you said is 100% true

[ken20008]

cool article. I write progressive metal guitar for my band, and it takes some basic knowledge of timing and counting to write prog riffs.

Excellent article.

[EllttEll]

i think its usfull im takin an AP course on intro right now, and i think its usufull to know some of the basics

[SOMETHINGSOAD]

sweet,thanks for the info, now i know I am taking music theory(well at least 2 semesters)next year when i am a sophomore

[RevolverX]

After thinking some more, I wanted to just add that it's fine if you can't read music and rhythmic notation. You can learn enough theory to school even seasoned players without being able to sight read sheet music -- especially with genres like prog metal that require ridiculous displacements and time signatures that almost seem inappropriate in standard notation. That said, for communication purposes, I would never write reading music off.

[Dudemonkguy]

i was going to take music theory class this year but sadly only 3 people signed up making the theory class merge with the music appreciation class. i have learned no theory this year, yet. and i will not be able to retake the class because i am still getting a music theory credit. major suckage

[Nathan_393]

uberdweeb wrote:

so where exactly is the best place to learn theory from? is it best to go to a university or maybe a community college and take music theory classes or are there private teachers who can teach theory?

maybe some of you who known theory can help by telling where you learned it from

I would recommend getting private lessons over using the Internet any day. Private teachers are great because you only pay them, not their school; and they look at the problems you're having learning something and tell you how to conquer those problems. The Internet can't do that for you. It will tell you how to play, but a private teacher will help you further. Find a good one - ask other guitarists you know who are taking lessons. Taking guitar lessons is one of the best things I've ever done.

[Free to Guitar]

I'm glad someone wrote this article, it needed to be said. It's perfectly possible to learn the guitar without learning formal theory, which doesn't bother me at all. The problem is that some guitarists will actively attempt to dissuade people from understanding how music works! Saxophonists don't tell newcomers that theory will "box them in."

[ThatGuy177]

I think every one should learn a little music theory.

[Lucas Stoops]

very interesting! it's was very good writen I think

[delizio37]

-Sidewinder- wrote:

I never learned any music theory, but I still knows what SOUNDS good and thats what I rely on when making music. I don't NEED to learn it to become better.

hmm somebody is narrow minded..dude music theory helps you know what your playing so your not just playin shit. it helps you understand what you're playin

[RockInPeaceDime]

dann_blood wrote:

uberdweeb wrote:

so where exactly is the best place to learn theory from? is it best to go to a university or maybe a community college and take music theory classes or are there private teachers who can teach theory?

maybe some of you who known theory can help by telling where you learned it from

Search through lessons and articles for scales, modes, chords and you'll get a fair amount of theory thats explained good. Or just send a PM to Rankles.
Good article, although I think this would be better without the 2-3 odd paragraph advertisement boards at the bottom.

=/ The "ads" give the article credibility. Anybody can write a bunch of random stuff about theory and encourage learning it, but if they have nothing backing them up it's just another article from a nobody. Obviously, an article from someone who is an established guitarist in the music business has more credibility than a random guy who knows a bit about music theory. Don't you think? :P

[rokstar666]

good musicians can play what they hear in their head without figuring it out note by note, they just get an idea and play it. Does music theory help do this? Absolutely. Is the only way to do this? Of course not. Yeah, theory helps u understand what others are playing and helps you figure out your own playing, however, it is not the be-all end-all solution to playing an instrument nor should it be.

[RevolverX]

This is a very good debate. Throwing in another of my own two cents, I think that if there's one thing you should consider looking into in terms of theory, it's intervals. Knowing what each interval sounds like and committing this to ear (with hours of practice), you'll be well off. Being able to identify intervals is key for transcribing and understanding motifs or phrasing common to specific genres. Where would metal be without the minor second, minor third, or the tritone?

[Theguitarman2]

im about to start leaqrning my friend whoas a teacher is going give me lessons for free sweet!

[Ravenblacktear]

You would be suprised what you can do with a little bit of theory. I mean, I do some things when I write songs that my guitar instructor doesn't even think of, mainly the way I shift from major and minor, but still be in key, and then my use of a minor 3 for desonance in a major song. I mean, if you learn theory right, then it should help you with your creativity. Think of the music as a painting that you are about to paint, and the notes are the different paints. One still needs to know what they are going to paint to make the painting, and that is completely up to them. They just have their knowlege of art to aid them in expressing themselves to the fullest. I mean, with theory, I was basically able to make a progression that is essentially just B, with alterations to it to get a different feel with each change, and most people don't even realize what I am doing is so simple. Then again, I would also recommend classical guitar to anyone who is really serious about playing guitar because it teaches you good technique, plus you would be suprised how many metal guitarist play classical. Most metal and rock doesn't teach good technique, which is why so many guitarists also play classical guitar. Once you get decent at it, you can make parts in two, even three voices, and that alone can expand your playing even further. It gets you used to writing harmonies, which drastically aids you in writing.

[RevolverX]

Here's my suggestions for those of you who like learning it all yourself:

"Theory For the Contemporary Guitarist", Guy Capuzzo,
and for those who want some trickier stuff,
"The Big Book of Jazz Guitar Improvisation", by Mark Dziuba.

[my_name_is_nick]

Fambi wrote:

EVERY style of music uses the basic principles of music theory in some way (believe it or not, even blues and rock!). And by having an understanding of these fundamentals, you can only become a better player at whatever style you like.

Not true for metal =P =P =P. Very good article, however.

nope
even metal does
remember, metal evolved out of rock, which means it still has those fundamentals of music theory, just applied in a different fashion
anyways, good writing there
made some good arguments without trying to beat it in my head

[antiquity1072]

outstanding articl.

[WCS_Is_Worse1]

EdawMail wrote:

a situation you need theory for
'lets do a jam in C#m'
ok.. let me find it....

Really? I got it down then.

and thats basic theory.

[Intoxicator]

I suppose like in other sophisticated life spahers, music demands understanding and knowledge. It's nice than you can not even say that it sounds nice, but to proove it with theory great article !

[Colton165]

RevolverX wrote:

Here's my suggestions for those of you who like learning it all yourself:

"Theory For the Contemporary Guitarist", Guy Capuzzo,
and for those who want some trickier stuff,
"The Big Book of Jazz Guitar Improvisation", by Mark Dziuba.

"Theory for the Contemorary Guitarist" by Guy Capuzzo is my new Bible.

[beau05]

ive been playing for 3 1/2 years, 6 months ago i was stuck in the same boring mould of 'i need to learn more songs written by other people', which is ok, but i was limited creatively, but as soon as i learnt the basics of the minor pentatonic, i was amazed at how quickly ive progressed

if anything, like this article has said, learning theory increases creativity

[fishermankyle78]

Ya, Ive been a musician over 25yrs,and I have not seen anybody yet worth a crap that hasnt had some theory lessons, come on how are you going to play a note if you dont know where it is, any body serious should at least learn basic theory, and guitar players should take lessons on how to form and make a chord and strum it, If all you know is the two fingered power chord, three fingered on the next level of player, you aint got crap, you can only play certain things your ability is limited, bottom line take some theory classes.

[stigmeister2win]

great article, ive never understanded the music theori yet, but i think i will take it to the next lvl now

*Checked! *

[IbanezRGSHRED]

UGH. I hate when people say "Jimmy" Hendrix. IT'S JIMI. But yeah. I also heard EVH didn't even know his scales. :P

Anyway.. I'm learning theory.. Or at least trying. I'll know it at some point.