What's so bad about theory?

[Metalliska]

I'm only 18 and I'm still at college, I very passionate and dedicated to my music I've learned tonnes of complicated theory and stuff off this site and found all kinds of different angles on music. It's been a real eye opener. I'm not complaining, I enjoy the fact that when I pick up a guitar I can say I've learnt to play this instrument and I understand better than I do most other things around me. But all I get from other guitarists and musicians my age is why you wasting your time with that and you don't really need to know it, you'll never use it, what's it good for composing, classical? A constant diatribe of you should be able to play from your ears, all you really need is you're pentatonics to solo! Anyone else get that? I don't why but people tend to hassle me cause I learn tonnes of theory.

[SkinnyDevil]

Well, they're right, really. You don't NEED to learn all that to play pentatonic solos over common changes. However, if you aspire to be a better musician, composer, and to play beyond pentatonic noodling over basic changes, then it's not a bad thing to have under your belt. In addition, some people just dig the mental challenge and getting a wider understanding of the "magic" of music.

To each his own. If they don't like it they don't have to learn it. If you like it, have fun and ignore their pointless complaints.

[EricV]

Guitarist, vocalists and drummers seem to have a tendency to ignore music theory, or actually consider it bad for your playing. In classical music, it´s an absolutely essential thing, and most of those players and composers never even think about whether they should learn it or not.
Some people ( like i.e. Slash ) made some pretty harsh comments about theory, and since some guys ( especially younger players ) take everything for granted and believe that just because their idol says "theory sucks" it has to be true for them too, a lot of people subscribe to that opinion.
Why did I learn theory ? Of course, at the GIT, it was a must. However, when I started out, I considered theory a great tool to be able to create music. I mean, sure, you can just play by ear and try to figure out stuff that way,you can even get pretty good that way ( see Jeff Beck and EVH ), but I think theory helps to be a bit more versatile, to function in all kinds of musical situations ( session-work, studio-jobs, orchestra-jobs, teaching, "hired gun" type jobs etc. ) and to be able to adjust to new situations quickly.
Typical example: I was doing a studio job once, and the producer asked me whether I could quickyl record some simple lines on the mandolin. Well, I had never played the mandolin. And there wasn´t a whole lot of time for me to find the right notes just by ear and jam over the backing track a bunch of times.
I knew the tuning ( G-D-A-E ), I knew the key of the song ( E major ), so I was able to find some patterns on the mandolin and play a little solo that was a "keeper"... first take.
There are way more situations I remember or can think of. However, to um this up, I think that the guitar is a musical instrument, and I think your time shouldn´t only be used for mechanical exercises and getting to know how to play fast etc.
I think theory is a great tool, and just like most other instrumentalists, guitarists will find some great advantages in learning theory.
Of course, that is just my opinion
Eric

[Sjonesmusic]

Before I add what I think of theory, I should at least explain my knowledge of it and everyday use....

The facts about my theory knowledge and use: (again, FACTS, not boasting here)

I have a pretty deep theory understanding, that reaches beyond my chosen instrument and gives me the opportunity to compose and arrange, professionally, for a wide variety of instrumentation, in a wide variety of styles...and regarding my chosen instrument, my theory knowledge and comprehension has unlocked a deep harmonic language in a variety of styles, allowing me to move easily between musical surroundings with authenticity...without theory, I doubt I would have the skills required to do what I do every day....

The reality about me as a person who happens to play music:

I am just a guy who discovered that he had an aptitude for music, and followed that path....music is just something that I do, and something that I want to do well.....so, always learning, always growing, I remain on the path, until kicked off of it.....


My two cents on "why you should learn theory":

Look at Music this way...

As a language...and Music Theory is the practice of applying all that goes into that language: the letters, words, sentences, sentence structure, paragraphs, and the more specific concepts of noun, pronoun, verb, adverb...and the inner workings of structure: the signals of puncuation, main clauses, cooridinator words, subordinate clauses, etc...

Now, look at your experience with Music this way...

As communicating your feelings and experiences, disciplines and personal discoveries, to and with others, in a language that is both universal and specifically original to the individual performing it first hand and receiving it, second hand...

What your duty is, as a musician, is to find out as much as you can about the language and give it your own voice...

The rules within theory (the ones that are still applied) are important in allowing a certain deeper understanding of what your are "hearing in your head" and the communication, translation and interpretation of those sounds to and through your instrument...

Some mistake the word "theory" for something that is not necessarily a tested and proven concept...which is inaccurate, because the word "theory" when applied to music, actually means: "the branch of a science or art that deals with its principles or methods, as dinstinguished from its practice..." ...other definitions would include "guess, and conjecture" which, when applied to Music Theory, only implies that it's forever evolving, by its own use...but there is no guessing about what formulae make up the modes and their resulting harmony, and that harmonic relativity...

People often have the misconception that theory will "screw up there sense of soul".......and they use that as an excuse to remain in the dark...

A player should be committed towards learning all there is to know, after all, they are talking about the very thing on which they claim to want to spend there lives....

The math anology is fantastic, as you must ask yourself the following questions:

"Do I just want to know just enough to balance my checkbook...?"

"Do I want to learn as much as I can so that I may unlock some secrets, and communicate with a deeper understanding...."

"Do I have enough respect for my life's pursuit, that I am willing to take the time to learn it's core knowledge base, and expand upon it?"


Keep in mind that history has had PLENTY of nameless, faceless accountants (and that's FINE, we NEED accountants)....but there are a few who took math futher and changed our perceptions FOREVER...the Galileos, Newtons, Hawkings, Einsteins...

It all comes down to these basic principles:

Can you get by without music theory?

Absolutely. MANY great musicians have done great things with little or no knowledge of theory.

However you must understand that those who did it this way, did so because they, without question, had a "spark" that gave them inspiration beyond the need for theory's formal application...the thing is....are YOU willing to bet that YOU have that "it" factor and leave it all to chance?

Those that proceeded without the formal understanding, had a NATURAL understanding....and used theory from that perspective.....one much like a blind person uses other heightened senses to adapt to their environment....

But, the obvious observation comes into focus: Sure, you CAN get along fine without your eyesight, but do you WANT to get along without your eyesight?

Does knowing theory "guarantee" musical success?

Not even for a second. But it does guarantee that you will be more likely to communicate on progressively higher levels, with progressivly higher caliber players, and communication is a HUGE part of a successful path...

Success is often determined by your perception of what success is, AND opportunity met with preparaton...

MANY entrepreneurs have risen to the top with grit and determination, and no Harvard MBA, but those who choose to learn the basics of business in a formal setting, are more likely to speak the language of their peers, and rise faster....

Opportunity met with preparation is simply "being ready, when a door is opened".

"Being ready" can mean so many things. Ultimately, be prepared so that, as doors open for you, there is a sure-footedness to your steps, and a confidence; a clear communication skill that will allow you to take advantage of your constantly expanding surroundings....


It is basically a personal choice:

1. To pursue something with diligence and know everything there is to know...

Or:

2. To pursue something with half-heartedness, know just enough to get by, tempting fate that you are another "chosen one"...

The outcome of each choice, differs in taking chances with destiny and optimizing cause and effect reality:


OPTION #1

Do NOT learn theory:

...the LEAST of which will keep a basic player, basic....unable to communicate, relate to progressively higher levels...spark and fate don't exist here, you didn't have "it" and you didn't even try to understand it...leaving you an ordinary, common faceless player...which in this mindset, is usually o.k. with those who follow it...

...the MOST of which presents you with that rare discovery of self-awareness that YOU have an "it" factor....a special innate understanding of music....and that spark lifts you above the need for delving into the science of it all, and you become as fully realized as anyone who has come before or after....

OPTION #2

Learn theory:

...the LEAST of which will give you the skills to become a clear communicator of music, regardless of spark or fate...

...the MOST of which will give those with spark, a broader pallette from which to create, and when applied to it's fullest extent, give rise to masterworks that will outlive generations and change perceptions forever...


My opinion: Learn your theory. Can't hurt.

:)

Peace,

Scott

[EricV]

Scott,
great post. I fully agree.
Thanks
Eric

[debaser]

Yes, that is a great analysis, from a really clear-headed perspective.

[SweeDee]

I read a Frank Zappa interview where he said that he learned just as much theory as he felt he needed for his composing and went from there. Since theory never really ends you can get burned out it. Some guys love the process of studying music and can never learn enough. Some just learn three chords and write great songs like Buddy Holly and Kurt Cobain.
I think it's crucial to be concious of the way you're applying the theory that you know. Miles Davis went through his modal period where he was conciously exploiting his knowledge of modes. You can be aware of a concept like modes and never use it. Let the tool serve you and not the other way around.

[RandyEllefson]

I think a major problem, even after learning theory, is finding a good application for it. I've been fortunate to integrate classical ideas pretty well into my playing and know first hand the difficulty of making it relevant. It is not always easy and takes some work. I've been intending to write articles on it but haven't gotten around to it...

But as far as "dissing" theory, I heard that all the time (and even said it myself) because it's part of the anti-establishment attitude of rock. After all, theory is rules, and rock is "anti-rules", so from a purely social angle (not musical), people dismiss theory. Keep that in mind. The people dismissing it probably don't know it either, so what good is their "advice"?

You cannot go wrong learning theory, so if you want to, go for it.

[AcousticJames]

Great post, Scott!!!

The way I look at it is this. Why are we playing <insert instrument of choice here> to begin with? To play music. Pure and simple. Music is a passion for most of us, and if you have a passion for something, you should learn all about it you possibly can, and learn to apply it to your instrument of choice. I like to make this analogy.

For the most part, we all drive cars. We know that when we press the gas pedal, we go. When we press the brake, we stop, and when we move the wheel, we turn. And for most of us, that's the extent of our knowledge. And most of us aren't really passionate about cars.

But if you are passionate about cars, you get under the hood, you figure out how everything works, you understand why things work the way they do, and you learn how to make things work better. Why? Because you're passionate about cars!

Could someone learn everything about cars by simply fooling around? Eventually, but it will take a long time.

If you're passionate about playing music then you should learn everything there is to know about it and how to make it work best for you. Not to start a board war, but I visit the Metallica.com message boards quite a bit. There's a musicians section of the forum, and I started a Music Theory thread, teaching basic concepts like half steps, whole steps, how to create a major scale, and the why behind it all. Every day, I see more and more kids posting about how much they suck and they've been playing for X amount of years and they can't play much of anything. And not a one of them wants to learn theory. I think it's because of what Eric touched on, they see their idols scoff at the idea of theory, so they think they don't need it. When it's the one thing that could really propel their playing.

I don't think that learning theory is mandatory for all guitar players, but I do feel that if you are passionate about this music thing and you really want to create some magical music, theory can only help. Music comes from the heart and the soul, and theory is the language your brain needs to get that out.

My $0.02.

James

[SweeDee]

Everyone want's to break the rules and break new ground but it's hard to break the rules when you don't know what they are.

[Metalliska]

Woah, that's was a great post scott, real puts things into perspective.
I think you're all pretty much right, theory is the difference between doing something to the best of your ability and understanding it intrinsically, and just having something as a bit of a hobby, as bit of fun. I think music theory probably gives most people the wings they need to fly. I think it also proves the difference between a player and a writer. You could probably teach anyone, with enough time, to play eugene's trick bag note perfect, but they wouldn't have know a jot about how the music works, ask them to write something that good themselves and the chances are they'll fall flat on their arse. If you know how Vai created those neo-classical runs, and what scales and intervals govern the sound that he created then you're a lot more likely to be able to come up with something. Playing a song on a guitar is merely a series of motor nuerone reactions that can be learnt by learning little more than tabs. Creating a peice of music is an exercise of the brain and like any exercise of the brain you need some ideas work with, you can't read or write without knowing the alphabet and you can't do maths without learning numbers.
I figure this thread has given me all the arguements I need next time someone questions why I'm 'wasting my time' with theory.

Cheers guys