one tone instruments versus chord instruments

[cactus waltz]

I am curious if musicians, teachers and others experience a difference in learning theory for instruments that use a lot of triads, like piano and guitar, compared to instruments that are mainly single notes, like bass guitar or trumpet.

While I do realize that is universal and applicable the same way on all instruments, the fact that triads are arpeggiated on the bass and not rung out has made it a bit difficult for me to distinguish chords from riffs or licks and also what function a given played not has in the context of the song.

[MalcolmAmos]

I've always thought of theory as being generic. Some need what is on the treble clef, some need bass clef and then some need both. Your question touches on technique more than theory.

I play rhythm guitar, 4 string bass, chord accompaniment keyboard and clarinet. I need a different technique for each, but I pick and choose, from my music theory, as needed. Same theory .......

Rhythm guitar - strumming the chord and bass playing the notes of the chord is not a problem - I hear the chord and then do what I need to do.

I think that is what you were asking. [edit] Yes hearing an arpeggiated bass line and picking out the chord that bass line is based upon is hard to do - as it's arpeggiated - and may only contain some of the chord's notes.

[MixBass]

I think the deeper you get into harmony and melody the more important it is to get to the piano. Seeing, hearing, and playing the extensions, polychords, etc. makes much more sense. For example looking at an Fm7b5/G is easier for me to see/hear and understand (G7b9#5) due to playing it on piano. It's also easier to see it as Fm7b5/G than G7b9#5. For me anyway. I've been dabbling with guitar longer than piano and this stuff is making more sense on piano for me.

[jmattbassplaya]

Originally Posted by MixBass

I think the deeper you get into harmony and melody the more important it is to get to the piano. Seeing, hearing, and playing the extensions, polychords, etc. makes much more sense. For example looking at an Fm7b5/G is easier for me to see/hear and understand (G7b9#5) due to playing it on piano. It's also easier to see it as Fm7b5/G than G7b9#5. For me anyway. I've been dabbling with guitar longer than piano and this stuff is making more sense on piano for me.

Same here. I've had a pretty solid understanding of theory for years but have had trouble at times 'seeing chords' on guitar and bass. I recently started learning piano and suddenly things are making a lot more sense and are coming together faster than ever. I think piano just lays things out much more nicely.

[MalcolmAmos]

That's how I got into keyboard. I wanted to "see" theory plus I wanted some rhythm tracks for my guitar. That led to Alfred's # 1 and the rest is history.

[subexpression]

If you have trouble hearing the chords/arpeggios, I suggest getting an ear training book/CD or software, then you'll be able to decipher an arpeggiated chord much easier. I've used aural training software which would play the chord, then play it arpeggiated, so no matter if you're playing a monophonic or polyphonic instrument, you can learn to hear both. These CD's and software have helped me tremendously!

If you're having trouble visualizing the patterns on the bass neck, I would study intervals and memorize the patterns which make up chords & arpeggios.