Why learn theory?

Originally posted by lalimacefolle
The problem is that some people that lack talent take the tools for the goal they try to reach.

They try to master theory and then write songs that show how good they are at "pitch axis" for example...

I consider that theory comes after creation and imagination in art. It helps a lot so that you understand what your brain tries to tell you musically, but I don't think you should start your song by going."Ok, I'm gonna write a lydian melody..."

Lalimacefolle i don't think your making any sense here!
If your just starting out on guitar plus know,
nothing about the guitar how can you create any-thing?
(Theory has to come first even if it is basic theory,
even a self taught guitar player is useing some theory,
if he or she is playing music on thier guitar.
(Creation comes after Theory) If you can't play music.
you can't create later down the road.
Mark

don't make me say what I didn't say, of course, we all know basic theory, major, minor, scales, modes maybe, but come on, we are talking about advanced concepts here (or maybe I didn't get the thread).

By the way, the first time I played 'smoke on the water', one finger, one string, I didn't even know the word theory...

How much Theory do you really need to play the guitar?
I would say if your going to write songs ect then,
you need to learn all the Theory you can learn.


Mark

Originally posted by skee1
if your going to write songs ect then,
you need to learn all the Theory you can learn.

That's what I think is wrong with theory, you DON'T NEED THEORY TO CREATE SONGS. People get pissed off because of lame musicians on the radio, but hey, they do write songs that speak to most people, and don't know jack about modes, tetrachords, pitch axis or dodecaphonism...

Originally posted by lalimacefolle
don't make me say what I didn't say, of course, we all know basic theory, major, minor, scales, modes maybe, but come on, we are talking about advanced concepts here (or maybe I didn't get the thread).

By the way, the first time I played 'smoke on the water', one finger, one string, I didn't even know the word theory...

(Knowledge=Theory)
(Creativity comes after Theory)

When you played smoke on the water you was using some
music theory plus knowledge you wasn't creating!
and thats my point.

Mark

I'm still convinced of what I say, it is proved everyday by artists.

Originally posted by lalimacefolle

Originally posted by skee1
if your going to write songs ect then,
you need to learn all the Theory you can learn.

That's what I think is wrong with theory, you DON'T NEED THEORY TO CREATE SONGS. People get pissed off because of lame musicians on the radio, but hey, they do write songs that speak to most people, and don't know jack about modes, tetrachords, pitch axis or dodecaphonism...

Really in a way your useing theory to create songs,
if your playing music.
Every body that plays the guitar is useing some,
form of theory if thier playing music.

Mark

Yes i'll admit i am a self taught guitarist that didn't
get into music theory untill i started teaching guitar.
If i had to do it all over again i would do it the same,
way because of developing my ear plus playing my guitar,
with feeling and not sounding like i'm playing from,
paper.(I can't teach a student to play with a feeling,
i think its a gift!(Plus i payed my dues thro the years)
When i play music i play with my feelings.
I don't think of scales,modes,ect i know what the note,
is going to sound like before i hit it.
When i started playing the guitar i learnt the root notes ,
on the finger board by learning alot of chords in all,
thier octaves.But also learnt the chords that went with each key,so i could transpose songs to other keys.
I also got around some great guitarists thro the years and stole everything i could.I never play a lick the,
same way twice.Also i hate labels on music like metal,
jazz,blues,rock,country,ect its all just music to me.
And thats what i do is just play music.

Mark
Also i use a b-bender which i think is great for,
all styles of music plus droped G droped D tuneings ect

(anyway peace)

I could have written the same post, word for word...

I'll point to the same argument that I always seem to make when this topic comes up in a post. Why limit yourself as a musician? Music theory is the basis for music composition. While you don't have to know every little detail about the intricacies of music, knowledge of music theory will make you a better musician, a better song writer, etc....