Comments on: What good is music theory? Should I bother studying it?

By: ML

ML — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 08:26:59 +0000

I studied musical theory for a long time as a child and teenager, and now, as an adult, I play the guitar for fun. I'm no technical expert playing the guitar, but I find that now, because of my musical theory training, I can figure out any song's chords because my theory training is so strong. I may not be able to play the chords as well as others who are technically more proficient, but I have met people who are better guitar players than I am who have a really hard time figuring out new songs with difficult chords (beyond the three-to-five chord songs) without fake books because they don't have any theory training.
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By: kabum

kabum — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 07:54:59 +0000

Thanks for asking this question. Many people are too intimidated to even inquire. NEWSFLASH!!! I’ve taught music theory to 8-yr.-olds, and have studied it myself since I was 6 years old.

The benefits to be reaped are myriad and can apply to many other areas of life. You can learn as much or as little as you like and go at your own speed with a little help from books and internet sites.

To get a better handle on what it’s all about, I recommend:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_theory

Then, check out some of the following:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=books%3A+Music+theory&btnG=Google+Search

And yes, there is a book titled "Music Theory for Dummies."

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Music+theory+for+dummies&btnG=Search

HELPFUL ONLINE STUDIES:
http://www.musictheory.net
http://www.numbera.com/musictheory/

The most wonderful thing about understanding Music Theory is that it applies to all instruments. In addition to helping you become a good guitarist, you can also learn (at the same time) keyboards, as the piano keyboard is pretty much at the root of it all.

Another benefit is that MT is a great topic for discussion in just about any gathering of people.

If you and/or your son decide on taking lessons, make sure that the instructor teaches theory as well as guitar. I cannot stress this enough. It provides for faster learning and gives one a comprehensive realm of knowledge with which to work.

I commend you not only for wanting to encourage your child, but for your willingness to be an active participant. Good parenting!

Kabum (MT/Guitar Instructor)
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By: Moni

Moni — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 07:31:59 +0000

cuz music writing is what its all about, it’s hard to make a living as a musician, but if you can write then you actually have a higher chance of getting in the music business and then performing, and on top of that music theory improves sight reading skills. I took music theroy in a classroom setting in 6th grade at my school of the arts
and i am soo much of a better pianist/songwriter becuase of it
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By: stephen b

stephen b — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 07:12:59 +0000

yes, if your serious you have to study the theory,there,s alot more to learn then you may realize,you will benifit even if you don,t pursue it.knowledge is always power even if you don,t use it right away.u will!
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By: Mikey

Mikey — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 07:05:59 +0000

Music theory is the study of pitch, duration, intensitry and timbre — in a nut shell. And how these elements interact to make music.

Yes, music theory would benefit you as a guitarist because you would have an understanding of these elements.
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