theroy vs technique

haythamehab · #1 02-07-2005, 05:41 PM

which is better or let me repharse that ....At the early stages of your playing which is better ??

**Pacman** · #2 02-07-2005, 05:50 PM

Why choose?

haythamehab · #3 02-07-2005, 05:55 PM

i was just wondering

so which is more important ?? i mean at your early stages like me

Daniel Baskin · #4 02-07-2005, 06:08 PM

I agree with Pacman.

I happen to lean in favor of theory over technique, but that is only because I know both at a comfortable level.

Again, though, I still agree with Pacman.

Jason Carota · #5 02-07-2005, 06:38 PM

Hmmm. That is a tough one. I, too, would say both are equally important.

However, in the very early stages, I would say technique (i.e. fingerstyle basics, hand positioning, etc.) is more important. You can have all the theory you want down pat, but if you use sloppy technique, you won't be able to play your ideas in an efficient manner.

Richard Lindsey · #6 02-07-2005, 08:08 PM

It's a false choice. It's the wrong question. They're not opposed, they're complementary. Learn both. Learn everything you can.

haythamehab · #7 02-07-2005, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pacman

Why choose?

i mean for now....i can't really concentrate on two things maybe you can but i can't

well i know the basic techinques to start ...i'm trying to concentrate on one now more than the other ...so if any one can give me some advice please do...i know it's a tough one

Jace The Bass · #8 02-07-2005, 08:49 PM

Learn your theory then when youré watching TV practice your techniques
It's better to do both cause each compliments one another

Ozzyman · #9 02-07-2005, 09:11 PM

Actually, studies show that if you learn something while listening to music or watching TV, your brain will store that info which will actually be harder to access by your brain unless it is stimulated by whatever you were listening to.
(wow, a one sentence post, but that's gotta the longest sentence ever)

jeff schmidt · #10 02-07-2005, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jace The Bass

Learn your theory then when youré watching TV practice your techniques
It's better to do both cause each compliments one another

I could've sworn this "advise" has been totally debunked by now.

When you practice - BE PRACTICING. If you're watching TV and MINDLESSLY run patterns without listening and focusing on what you're doing that's exactly how your playing will sound.

That will then take even MORE focused practice in the future to UNLEARN all the dreck you burned into muscle memory thinking you were practicing while watching TV.

Theory and technique are equally vital. Sacrifice neither for the other. Break each practice session into parts. FOCUSED UNDISTRACTED practice on technique for 1/3 of your session. FOCUSED UNDISTRACTED practice on theory for 1/3 of your session. And improvising and creation 1/3 of your session.

Balance grasshopper. There is no "either or". Always "both AND".

dlloyd · #11 02-08-2005, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haythamehab

which is better or let me repharse that ....At the early stages of your playing which is better ??

If you're having to choose, you're doing it wrong. Learn songs and try to figure out why they're played the way they are.

**Pacman** · #12 02-08-2005, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haythamehab

i mean for now....i can't really concentrate on two things maybe you can but i can't

well i know the basic techinques to start ...i'm trying to concentrate on one now more than the other ...so if any one can give me some advice please do...i know it's a tough one

It's not a tough one - learn to play something, and learn why it sounds like it does. Learn why it's played the way it's played. That's theory.

Suckbird · #13 02-08-2005, 07:05 AM

You can be a monster bassist without know anything about theory..

Richard Lindsey · #14 02-08-2005, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suckbird

You can be a monster bassist without know anything about theory..

Kinda dubious. Very often the people that supposedly don't know anything about theory actually have a good practical grasp of certain theoretical concepts, they just can't express them in the usual ways or don't really know what they know. I can't think of any real monsters who are absolutely ignorant of all theory. All theory really is, when you get down to it, is the science of how musics work.

The flip side of your statement is that you can be a monster *bass-playing musician* without being a monster technician. If forced to choose, I'd prefer that. But my argument is that one should refuse to choose and instead try to make as much progress as possible on all fronts.

Panther · #15 02-08-2005, 08:15 AM

Apply theory to technique.

Two birds with one stone, my friend.

jvbjr · #16 02-08-2005, 10:31 AM

This is like asking if you should breathe while walking or pause when inhaling. Your goal is to learn to be a musician, which covers many areas, rythym is one aspect you have not mentioned. If you play the right note, with the proper hand position at the wrong time it is still WRONG.

Take lessons.

dlloyd · #17 02-08-2005, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suckbird

You can be a monster bassist without know anything about theory..

Yeah, sure you can. And anti-intellectualism is cool..

fraublugher · #18 02-08-2005, 01:45 PM

it takes 10,000 hours to learn how to play well.
it takes an extra 10,000 hours to learn how play an unfixed pitch instrument well.
repertoire -add another 10,000 hours
theory -another 10,000

somewhere in there you'll find some bad habits regarding your technique , unless you get a qualified teacher [hopefully for your sake a bassist]

then again maybe im a slow learner

haythamehab · #19 02-08-2005, 07:30 PM

my biggest problem is that i'm willing to practice 24/7 but dunno whta to practice ...i'm really confused ...Have you been confused on ur early stages??

jenderfazz · #20 02-08-2005, 07:42 PM

Get a teacher to get both down well for you. It'll also give you ideas on what and how to improve both aspects.