Good books for theory of harmony?

[carlthegroover]

Hey. I was wondering if you guys on TB could suggest me and other beginners some good books that teach harmony in a relatively fun or practical way. I guess it would be way better if it was focused on bass playing, but any general harmony book is fine. As long as you have used it or read it and you recommend it... and it is widely available, because personally I need to go to a bookstore to get it (since I don't have a credit card to buy stuff online).

I'd greatly appreciate many suggestions to have options. Thanks!

P.S. Sorry if this question has been done before. Still, it might be a good way to "reboot" it.

[Stumbo]

Music Theory For Beginner
Best beginners bass theory book?
help me find a beginner bass theory book

[carlthegroover]

Originally Posted by Stumbo

Music Theory For Beginner
Best beginners bass theory book?

I already have a couple good books for general theory. I'm talking about books focusing mostly (or exclusively) on harmony.

[Stumbo]

Originally Posted by carlthegroover

I already have a couple good books for general theory. I'm talking about books focusing mostly (or exclusively) on harmony.

Check out the links when you can. There are harmony references as well.

[MalcolmAmos]

Harmony - take those links Stumbo gave you, find an easy chair and start reading. In a couple of days come up for air you can spend years on this subject.

Short story. The melody notes and the chord progression's notes should share like notes during the same time in the song.

Why do we change chords? When the melody moves on to notes no longer found in the old chord our ear tells us we have fallen out of harmony and it is now time to find a chord that will have some of the new melody notes in it's makeup. One is enough to harmonize, two would be better, three are not necessary.

Most of what you probably have been involved in up to now revolved around the chord progression or the movement of the song from (I) rest to (IV) tension to (V7) climax and then to (I) resolution and return to rest. That is necessary, but, has nothing to do with harmonization. Our use of chords is a balancing act between getting the verse movement from rest to tension, climax and then resolution AND at the same time having the melody notes and the chord notes share like notes so harmonization can take place. If we harmonize we sound good. If we move the verse along on it's movement journey we keep the audience's attention.

So our choice of chords is a balancing act of movement and harmonization. Once you have your I IV V I (or whatever cookie cutter progression you like to use) in place you can then harmonize the melody by inserting the needed harmonization note into your chord progression with the use of extensions, sus chords, etc. In other words start basic and in the fleshing out phase get fancy, but, do not destroy the movement you need for the story (verse) to unfold. It's a balancing act.

The following video does an excellent job of showing how this all plays out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrDh0OFDCAk

I went the Internet route for years picking up bits and pieces of the story, then while visiting our Daughter who lives in a large city I went to her public library and ask the research desk for help with books that would help me understand how to harmonize a melody line. I received three books, I do not remember their names, but after reading those three books I for once understood how to harmonize a melody. In addition to the material Stumbo gave you see what your public library may have. I would think your best bet is something broad in nature, most of the how to books are very specific. You need the big picture.

Ask specific questions, someone will jump on it.

[Snarf]

Theory is the explanation of harmony and melody. To say you want to study harmony and not theory is nonsensical.

[carlthegroover]

Originally Posted by Snarf

Theory is the explanation of harmony and melody. To say you want to study harmony and not theory is nonsensical.

I never said or implied that at all! I'm just asking about a book that focuses primarily on harmony (when did I say harmony is not theory???). Is that a nonsensical question in your world? Has no one ever written a book that says "Harmony" in the title cover? I've checked, and some do. I'm just asking for RECOMMENDATIONS if someone has already read them.

[carlthegroover]

Originally Posted by Stumbo

Check out the links when you can. There are harmony references as well.

I will. Thanks.

[carlthegroover]

Originally Posted by MalcolmAmos

Harmony - take those links Stumbo gave you, find an easy chair and start reading. In a couple of days come up for air you can spend years on this subject.

Short story. The melody notes and the chord progression's notes should share like notes during the same time in the song.

Why do we change chords? When the melody moves on to notes no longer found in the old chord our ear tells us we have fallen out of harmony and it is now time to find a chord that will have some of the new melody notes in it's makeup. One is enough to harmonize, two would be better, three are not necessary.

Most of what you probably have been involved in up to now revolved around the chord progression or the movement of the song from (I) rest to (IV) tension to (V7) climax and then to (I) resolution and return to rest. That is necessary, but, has nothing to do with harmonization. Our use of chords is a balancing act between getting the verse movement from rest to tension, climax and then resolution AND at the same time having the melody notes and the chord notes share like notes so harmonization can take place. If we harmonize we sound good. If we move the verse along on it's movement journey we keep the audience's attention.

So our choice of chords is a balancing act of movement and harmonization. Once you have your I IV V I (or whatever cookie cutter progression you like to use) in place you can then harmonize the melody by inserting the needed harmonization note into your chord progression with the use of extensions, sus chords, etc. In other words start basic and in the fleshing out phase get fancy, but, do not destroy the movement you need for the story (verse) to unfold. It's a balancing act.

The following video does an excellent job of showing how this all plays out. YouTube - Simple Melody Harmonization (Keyboard Tut. #8)

I went the Internet route for years picking up bits and pieces of the story, then while visiting our Daughter who lives in a large city I went to her public library and ask the research desk for help with books that would help me understand how to harmonize a melody line. I received three books, I do not remember their names, but after reading those three books I for once understood how to harmonize a melody. In addition to the material Stumbo gave you see what your public library may have. I would think your best bet is something broad in nature, most of the how to books are very specific. You need the big picture.

Ask specific questions, someone will jump on it.

Thanks for that explanation. But, um, do you recommend some harmony books you've read before, that are easy to understand for someone who does not have a music major?

As for the big picture thing, I know that. That's why I have books that cover all music theory, but their explanations of harmony are, shall we say, confusing and not very profound. I'd like to start reading more about it early on, so I have time to digest the content once I try to apply it to my playing.

[MalcolmAmos]

Originally Posted by carlthegroover

Thanks for that explanation. But, um, do you recommend some harmony books you've read before, that are easy to understand for someone who does not have a music major?

As for the big picture thing, I know that. That's why I have books that cover all music theory, but their explanations of harmony are, shall we say, confusing and not very profound. I'd like to start reading more about it early on, so I have time to digest the content once I try to apply it to my playing.

Sorry the ones that made everything click were the ones I found in the library, and as mentioned I do not remember their name. They were pure theory however geared to harmonizing the major scale.
harmonizing the major scale guitar - Google Search Grab one and help yourself. If you have a college or university in your area check out the book store.

[Snarf]

Originally Posted by carlthegroover

I never said or implied that at all! I'm just asking about a book that focuses primarily on harmony (when did I say harmony is not theory???). Is that a nonsensical question in your world? Has no one ever written a book that says "Harmony" in the title cover? I've checked, and some do. I'm just asking for RECOMMENDATIONS if someone has already read them.

A few posts above you said this: "I already have a couple good books for general theory. I'm talking about books focusing mostly (or exclusively) on harmony."

That's what you said that didn't make any sense. Music theory is the explanation of how harmony and melody function. If you have a theory book that doesn't have a focus on harmony, then someone ripped you off pretty good.

Edit in light of post below: Yeah, are we talking bass-specific books? Because if we are, ditch them if you want to get a really good understanding of harmony. You need something like the Berklee harmony curriculum books 1-4.

[the_stone]

Originally Posted by carlthegroover

Hey. I was wondering if you guys on TB could suggest me and other beginners some good books that teach harmony in a relatively fun or practical way. I guess it would be way better if it was focused on bass playing, but any general harmony book is fine. As long as you have used it or read it and you recommend it... and it is widely available, because personally I need to go to a bookstore to get it (since I don't have a credit card to buy stuff online).

The trouble is, most bass-specific books cover very general theory topics - scales, intervals, chords, etc..., and these are the books you can easily find in stores. If you're looking for a book that really dives deep into harmony, you'll want to look at the theory textbooks used by music schools, and those you'll need to look around for (unless you can find one in a bookstore). And, while good textbooks present the material in a clear, concise manner, they are usually not what I would call "fun." If you do want to look around, I would recommend "Harmony and Voice Leading" by Edward Aldwell and Carl Schachter.

I think in one of your later posts, you mention wanting to learn about harmony "early on." If by that you mean the history of harmony, how it was first described and how it evolved, that's a pretty big can of worms that involves checking out a lot of theoretical writings from the 1600 and 1700's; these are pretty dense writings that, even to a theorist, aren't always clear. Best of luck if you do go in this direction though; the history of music theory is a pretty fascinating world once you get down to it.

[ryco]

I liked Harmony by Walter Piston. Buy it used.

and then enjoyed studying The Jazz Theory Book by Mark Levine.

I recommend studying music theory in a classroom setting.

[carlthegroover]

Originally Posted by Snarf

A few posts above you said this: "I already have a couple good books for general theory. I'm talking about books focusing mostly (or exclusively) on harmony."

That's what you said that didn't make any sense. Music theory is the explanation of how harmony and melody function. If you have a theory book that doesn't have a focus on harmony, then someone ripped you off pretty good.

Edit in light of post below: Yeah, are we talking bass-specific books? Because if we are, ditch them if you want to get a really good understanding of harmony. You need something like the Berklee harmony curriculum books 1-4.

Ok, my bad then. Maybe I shouldn't have used the word "exclusively". I will try to look out for those books you mention.

[carlthegroover]

Originally Posted by the_stone

The trouble is, most bass-specific books cover very general theory topics - scales, intervals, chords, etc..., and these are the books you can easily find in stores. If you're looking for a book that really dives deep into harmony, you'll want to look at the theory textbooks used by music schools, and those you'll need to look around for (unless you can find one in a bookstore). And, while good textbooks present the material in a clear, concise manner, they are usually not what I would call "fun." If you do want to look around, I would recommend "Harmony and Voice Leading" by Edward Aldwell and Carl Schachter.

I think in one of your later posts, you mention wanting to learn about harmony "early on." If by that you mean the history of harmony, how it was first described and how it evolved, that's a pretty big can of worms that involves checking out a lot of theoretical writings from the 1600 and 1700's; these are pretty dense writings that, even to a theorist, aren't always clear. Best of luck if you do go in this direction though; the history of music theory is a pretty fascinating world once you get down to it.

Thanks for the suggestion. As for the "early on" thing I was referring about my own career as a semi-professional bassist (well, that's what I aim for): I want to learn about harmony early on in my development as a bassist. I'm really not interested in history of harmony, but thanks for the input.

[carlthegroover]

Originally Posted by ryco

I liked Harmony by Walter Piston. Buy it used.

and then enjoyed studying The Jazz Theory Book by Mark Levine.

I recommend studying music theory in a classroom setting.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll look around for them. I wish I could study music in a classroom, but costs are prohibitive and I already studied two degrees (none related to music). I might aim for a masters, but I'm tired of studying and the student life overall.

[Stumbo]

Originally Posted by carlthegroover

really not interested in history of harmony, but thanks for the input.

Harmony comes from music history. If you take a college class, you'll study all the masters: Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, etc. IM, A decent keyboard is also needed to study harmony.

[carlthegroover]

Originally Posted by Stumbo

Harmony comes from music history. If you take a college class, you'll study all the masters: Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, etc. IM, A decent keyboard is also needed to study harmony.

Yes, I understand that. What I mean is I won't study history of harmony academically, because I play bass for fun. Studying history in an academic way just sounds like homework.

[bassix67]

Get this book by Bert Ligon. It's a beast!!
It covers solo fragments, patterns, scales and chords used by famous jazz musicians over all types of chords and progressions.
http://www.amazon.com/Comprehensive-.../dp/0634001760

[Ray man]

Originally Posted by bassix67

Get this book by Bert Ligon. It's a beast!!
It covers solo fragments, patterns, scales and chords used by famous jazz musicians over all types of chords and progressions.
Amazon.com: Comprehensive Technique for Jazz Musicians: For All Instruments (Jazz Book) (0073999304558): Bert Ligon: Books

This is a pretty intense book. In fact, he may need a few less intense books just to help explain whats going on in his book.
Having said that, There is a lot of eye opening stuff written by Bert Ligon. Very eye opening.

Also, I always thought Mike Longo's books should be more widely recognised.