Theory Question

[Distant Cousin]

Hi Janek,

I was reading your Improv column in Bass Guitar Magazine 57 the other day ("Playing Through Changes"), and I was curious about the part where you mention the G altered scale. How often when you play sessions for people do you need to know/apply theory like this? I know basic theory (chords, modes etc.), but beyond that it gets very fuzzy for me. Things like the altered scale I've never understood. Theory and reading are my biggest weak spots; I see sheet music and whilst I can read a bit, the notes all seem to blend together and I can't really work out any rhythms etc. beyond simple crotchet/quaver etc. stuff. It's a bit like trying to read a book written in a language you don't speak I suppose.

Bit of a muddled post but the basic question is how often do you rely on 'advanced' theory knowledge and sight-reading?

Cheers,

Phil.

[janekbass]

when I'm involved in a professional situation as a bass player I probably rarely rely on advanced theory, and rely more on intuition, and experience in playing and writing. I think theory is great for communicating ideas to other like minded musicians in a hurry like at a rehearsal, and it's essential if you want to write or arrange music for orchestra or any kind of larger ensemble that requires more than a lead sheet. I write that kind of stuff in the bass magazine because people tend to want to try and intellectualize improvisation, and figure out what soloists are thinking when they play. Soloists are almost never thinking about theory, and I always try and stress that what I write is just a basic door opener to being creative with that information and coming up with your own melodies that are based on muscle memory and not on chord scale analysis.

Sight reading is essential if you're going into a reading situation such as a movie recording sessions, big band date, or any kind of written or arranged music session. But like anything it's only as good as the amount you do it. So if you make an effort to read something every day your reading is going to improve. Don't try and run before you can walk, and don't put too much pressure on yourself in believing you should be at a certain level. Just let it develop naturally.


Janek

[Distant Cousin]

Ah nice, thanks for that man! Really appreciate it. Makes a lot more sense when one would apply that kind of thing.

Cheers,

Phil.