Looking for thoughts/opinions/advice on where to start in music theory

kernel666 · #1 07-23-2010, 02:48 PM

I'm a 24 year old bass player that's been leisurely playing bass for a while now, and feel my technique is well developed. In terms of music theory, i'm pretty much a beginner. I know the basics (a few scales; lots of chops, mostly based on the pentatonic scale; and a notion of where the notes are around a fretboard). Also, I cannot read partiture.
I also play guitar, with an intermediate technique and similar theory notions; and I recently purchased an 88 key keyboard, although I have no prior experience on piano/keyboards.
My question is:
Would you recommend I learn the theory with bass, guitar or keyboard?
I'm thinking keyboard would be a good idea, since it's 'interface' is easier for understanding theory, right? Plus, I wouldn't have the typical annoyance of having to start from zero and to practice slowly on an instrument where your technique is developed.
Thoughts?
Thanks in advance.

OmnitzGarima · #2 07-23-2010, 02:55 PM

I'd start learning theory on the instrument that I was most likely to be playing. Anything you learn will carry over to the other instruments in some way. The piano is great for theory, I wish I had one, but if you're not planning for the piano to be your main instrument, why would you start there?

tZer · #3 07-23-2010, 03:07 PM

I'd recommend learning theory on the piano regardless of what you primary instrument is.

Learning theory is independent of playing. It's understanding the theoretical concepts of harmony, melody, chord construction, inversions and extensions and more. The piano keyboard shows you these relationships in the most literal way of any instrument. You'll be able to see very clearly why a major third is what is - why the 1st inversion of a major chord is what it is and so on. You'll then be able to apply that theoretical understanding to music in general no matter what instrument you play.

You'll also be able to see how the modes work and why in such an obvious way that you'll understand instantly why the piano makes the most sense.

Piano - definitely.

Billnc · #4 07-23-2010, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tZer

I'd recommend learning theory on the piano regardless of what you primary instrument is.

Learning theory is independent of playing. It's understanding the theoretical concepts of harmony, melody, chord construction, inversions and extensions and more. The piano keyboard shows you these relationships in the most literal way of any instrument. You'll be able to see very clearly why a major third is what is - why the 1st inversion of a major chord is what it is and so on. You'll then be able to apply that theoretical understanding to music in general no matter what instrument you play.

You'll also be able to see how the modes work and why in such an obvious way that you'll understand instantly why the piano makes the most sense.

Piano - definitely.

+1, after years of playing and studying guitar, and knowing theory, a bunch of lights turned on with 15 minutes at a keyboard.

MalcolmAmos · #5 07-23-2010, 04:36 PM

Another plus for keyboard. Alfred's #1 book.
http://www.amazon.com/Alfreds-Basic-...9924773&sr=1-7
I understand there is a combined volume 1, 2 & 3. Recommend you get that. Any music store that sells keyboards will have Alfred's books.

The keyboard lets you "see" theory much easier than our fretboard will.

Have fun.

kernel666 · #6 07-23-2010, 04:43 PM

That pretty much sums it. Piano it is. My only concern will be applying the knowledge to the bass and guitar, but i'm assuming it won't be tough as I already know my way around the instrument, and technique will not be an obstacle.
Thanks for the quick input!

MalcolmAmos · #7 07-23-2010, 04:52 PM

After I got my scales down to where my fingers know what to do. I made the choice to not go the classical route and decided to learn chord piano and play from fake chord sheet music and or lead sheet music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YTEi...eature=channel Look at all the stuff on the right hand side of the screen.

Seemed the thing to do with my guitar experience. Chord piano fits into the accompaniment area that I was used to providing with rhythm guitar. I took up the bass after piano. All three flow into each other.

Billnc · #8 07-23-2010, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kernel666

That pretty much sums it. Piano it is. My only concern will be applying the knowledge to the bass and guitar, but i'm assuming it won't be tough as I already know my way around the instrument, and technique will not be an obstacle.
Thanks for the quick input!

You don't even have to get good at the keyboard for it to be useful. I agree with MalomAmos too, if your not going to play classical music study the chords and jazz theory on it. Some easy two part baroque pieces sound cool though.

codeinedreams · #9 07-24-2010, 07:45 PM

theory is theory no matter what the instrument is, but my vote is to pick the instrument that you plan to read the most sheet music for, and study mostly through that one (I'm a multi-instrumentalist, and my sight-reading is the worst for bass and that's the only instrument I'm playing now so I'm SOL). I think people are saying keyboard because it's the easiest to learn on.

bass.monger · #10 07-24-2010, 08:10 PM

i would start learning theory on a piano. since it has several octive ranges, and its easy to play scales on. it doesnt matter what instrument you start on because it will carry over to other instruments you play. example: my first instrument i started on was piano. i learned plenty of theory there. i then began flute/piccolo in 5th grade band which i still play today. i learn a lot of good theory there from my director considering i was playing it for 4 years. all my lessons in theory then transfered over when i went to learn bass. and because i already knew a few instruments it was fairly easy to pick up on a new instrument, and my bass teacher now doesnt have to teach me as much theory

Billnc · #11 07-24-2010, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codeinedreams

theory is theory no matter what the instrument is, but my vote is to pick the instrument that you plan to read the most sheet music for, and study mostly through that one (I'm a multi-instrumentalist, and my sight-reading is the worst for bass and that's the only instrument I'm playing now so I'm SOL). I think people are saying keyboard because it's the easiest to learn on.

No,piano/keys have the most range. You can test things like low interval limits, chord inversions etc through the entire sonic range, not just your instruments. If you have a synth you can study voicings between various wind instruments etc. But of course you do have to study how things work on the primary instrument.

Stumbo · #12 07-24-2010, 11:56 PM

Check out the link in my sig. below. Lots of theory threads/info there.