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a waste of time?

16andlifetogo
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16andlifetogo
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01/05/2006 7:39 pm
is learning theory a wast of time, i talked to a few guitarest i know, and they said i dont need to learn theory. they said just learn my scales, and know them. that i dont need to get that far into it. both of the guys i talked to are prety good and are both lead players in a band.

i was wondering if anyone else out there feels the same way or not.
please let me know what your opinions are..

thanks guys
Later in the evening
As you lie awake in bed
With the echoes from the amplifiers
Ringing in your head
You smoke the day's last cigarette
Rememb'rin' what she said
Originally Posted by: Cryptic ExcretionsI'm a super hero. It's what I do.
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# 1
HDJ
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HDJ
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01/05/2006 8:02 pm
To me, it depends on how far you want to go with the guitar. I never learned theory and I do just fine. If you eventually want to attend college for the guitar, then yeah, you'll have to learn theory.

In the whole scope of things, theory is not essential in my opinion.
Check out my band:
Havoc Din
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# 2
Infectious
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Infectious
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01/05/2006 8:03 pm
I think learning some theory can definitely improve your composing abilities. You don't need theory if all you want to do is play good but if you really want to take your compositions to the next level, learning an adequate amount of theory will help you immensely.
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# 3
rockonn91
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rockonn91
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01/05/2006 8:06 pm
yeah, its certainly not essential, but it does help if you're going to make some highly technical piece of music or whatnot.
JK :cool:

-Agile Guitars Enthusiast
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# 4
16andlifetogo
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16andlifetogo
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01/05/2006 8:15 pm
well, i have been playing for 3 years, and have done just fine with out theory, but i came to this site and seen all the talk about it, and figured i had to learn it. i do want to learn some of it, but i guess its not ALL essencial. I just want to know the scales, and when and were to play them.
Later in the evening
As you lie awake in bed
With the echoes from the amplifiers
Ringing in your head
You smoke the day's last cigarette
Rememb'rin' what she said
Originally Posted by: Cryptic ExcretionsI'm a super hero. It's what I do.
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# 5
pure
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pure
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01/05/2006 10:03 pm
Originally Posted by: 16andlifetogois learning theory a wast of time, i talked to a few guitarest i know, and they said i dont need to learn theory. they said just learn my scales, and know them. that i dont need to get that far into it. both of the guys i talked to are prety good and are both lead players in a band.

i was wondering if anyone else out there feels the same way or not.
please let me know what your opinions are..

thanks guys



it really depends on how far you want to take your playing abilities. if you want to be able to just play a little bit better, then you should learn the scales and modes. if you want to learn scales then you're learning theory already. but you can go more in depth like into arpeggios and other things but i dont know if you want to go so far. me myself i play guitar for fun. im not planning on doing it as a professional but i have already learned a year of theory. it makes playing easier for me.
Originally Posted by: schmangeugly fat chicks
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# 6
16andlifetogo
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16andlifetogo
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01/05/2006 11:19 pm
Originally Posted by: pureit really depends on how far you want to take your playing abilities. if you want to be able to just play a little bit better, then you should learn the scales and modes. if you want to learn scales then you're learning theory already. but you can go more in depth like into arpeggios and other things but i dont know if you want to go so far. me myself i play guitar for fun. im not planning on doing it as a professional but i have already learned a year of theory. it makes playing easier for me.


awsome, thanks for the reply :)
Later in the evening
As you lie awake in bed
With the echoes from the amplifiers
Ringing in your head
You smoke the day's last cigarette
Rememb'rin' what she said
Originally Posted by: Cryptic ExcretionsI'm a super hero. It's what I do.
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# 7
tormyhk
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tormyhk
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01/06/2006 12:14 am
At some point, not knowing any theory will/can reduce your improvements. Well, that is my way of thinking :D but as said before in this thread, you can come far without theory. But you need a good ear for music.

Good luck!
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# 8
ericthecableguy
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ericthecableguy
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01/06/2006 2:16 am
A little theory always helps, especially in a band like mine where you are interacting with a keyboard. Don't waste to much playing time though. I usually work it out during class or when I've got time to kill.
For life is quite absurd and death's the final word, You must always face the curtain with a bow
Forget about your sin - give the audience a grin
Enjoy it - it's your last chance anyhow.
METOOB
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# 9
fernando brea
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fernando brea
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01/06/2006 3:32 am
if you play jazz or classical guitar you must study theory
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# 10
16andlifetogo
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16andlifetogo
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01/06/2006 3:55 am
Originally Posted by: fernando breaif you play jazz or classical guitar you must study theory


cool, i like neither.. :D

thanks for the replys everyone :)
Later in the evening
As you lie awake in bed
With the echoes from the amplifiers
Ringing in your head
You smoke the day's last cigarette
Rememb'rin' what she said
Originally Posted by: Cryptic ExcretionsI'm a super hero. It's what I do.
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# 11
magicninja
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magicninja
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01/06/2006 11:34 am
Just learn what theory you can stand to soak up and then just play. Then you can analyse what you did and find ways to improve it or know exactly what the other parts in the composition should sound like.
Magicninja
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"If it feels right, play it. If it feels wrong, play it faster” - Magicninja
www.GuitarTricks.com - Home of Online Guitar Lessons
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# 12
barnesjc
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barnesjc
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01/06/2006 1:46 pm
In my opinion....A lot depends on this question. "Do I want to be a guitar player...or a musician?" A little theory knowledge makes even changing the key of a song a lot easier. :)
Practice makes Permanent!! Perfect practice make perfect....Me :cool:
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# 13
JoeNovice
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JoeNovice
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01/06/2006 5:16 pm
Originally Posted by: fernando breaif you play jazz or classical guitar you must study theory


Depends on what music you play...... that's the biggest bunch of crap ever.


There are only two types of music.... the music you like and the music you dont!

Theory exist in all music and the more you know of theory the better off you will be in many musical aspects. Is it necessary, No. Is it necessary to be able to read to live, No but it sure as hell makes life a bit easier.

The only reason you would not learn theory is either personal laziness or a lack of love for musicianship.

(I've been teaching for years and the only students who really hate theory are the ones who choose a style of music to augment their choice of fashion. They want to be "punk" or "hip-hop" in style and need the music to complete the image. The kids who really love music take well to at leasting thinking about theory.)
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# 14
16andlifetogo
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16andlifetogo
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01/06/2006 5:24 pm
thanks everyone

Is there any where i can learn basic theory? like the stuff i need to know?
Later in the evening
As you lie awake in bed
With the echoes from the amplifiers
Ringing in your head
You smoke the day's last cigarette
Rememb'rin' what she said
Originally Posted by: Cryptic ExcretionsI'm a super hero. It's what I do.
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# 15
magicninja
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magicninja
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01/06/2006 5:26 pm
You're there man go to the tricks page and search away!!
Magicninja
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"If it feels right, play it. If it feels wrong, play it faster” - Magicninja
www.GuitarTricks.com - Home of Online Guitar Lessons
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# 16
16andlifetogo
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16andlifetogo
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01/06/2006 5:45 pm
Originally Posted by: magicninjaYou're there man go to the tricks page and search away!!


that shoulda been my first guess huh? :o
Later in the evening
As you lie awake in bed
With the echoes from the amplifiers
Ringing in your head
You smoke the day's last cigarette
Rememb'rin' what she said
Originally Posted by: Cryptic ExcretionsI'm a super hero. It's what I do.
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# 17
Ito1221
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Ito1221
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01/06/2006 5:46 pm
I have asked myself this question many times. I took some theory courses and before them i could not compose something that sounded together. Theory will teach you chord progressions, and how music is made. An understanding will enhance your playing abilities, and you wont believe the improvement. Now i can actually write things with sections that sound like they belong....I guess you dont have to go nuts with but you should have a basic knowledge of theory
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# 18
16andlifetogo
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16andlifetogo
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01/06/2006 6:02 pm
Originally Posted by: Ito1221I have asked myself this question many times. I took some theory courses and before them i could not compose something that sounded together. Theory will teach you chord progressions, and how music is made. An understanding will enhance your playing abilities, and you wont believe the improvement. Now i can actually write things with sections that sound like they belong....I guess you dont have to go nuts with but you should have a basic knowledge of theory


thanks alot for your reply :) yeah, id like to be able to create something that sounds decent!

were can i obtaine basic theory? i did a search in the forums with no avail :(
Later in the evening
As you lie awake in bed
With the echoes from the amplifiers
Ringing in your head
You smoke the day's last cigarette
Rememb'rin' what she said
Originally Posted by: Cryptic ExcretionsI'm a super hero. It's what I do.
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# 19
tormyhk
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tormyhk
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01/07/2006 2:13 pm
Originally Posted by: barnesjcIn my opinion....A lot depends on this question. "Do I want to be a guitar player...or a musician?" A little theory knowledge makes even changing the key of a song a lot easier. :)


Well said ;)

I find learning the basics of music theory very helpful. It helps understanding music and understanding playing the guitar much better.
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# 20

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