Originally Posted by: Warrior2089Secondly, how important is it to music theory along with actually being able to play? It seems to me that I could go on and play great songs without knowing advanced music theory due to tabs and all, so how important is it?

I was self taught and did pretty well and became a pretty advanced player at one point. Except for one problem; I was always trying to overcome my lack of knowledge in so many situations. I could physically play quite well and had really good dexterity. I had a base understand of scales and keys but nothing more than that. It was that I still lacked knowledge that stopped me from doing any number of things. Eventually you will run in to that brick wall where you find that having that theory will be invaluable.

While I can still play well enough nowadays, I came to GT to learn what I didn't know so many years ago. Theory.

Having that in your pocket makes you a better player because it's like having a toolbox, you have more tools in that box. Learning songs is easier because you understand patterns and modes and helps you creativity too because you do not have to stop and think about if a certain riff will work in the context you are creating in.

Don't make my mistake.