For those to understand Theory

[leanne]

Learning theory is easy. (well sort of)
Using it is hard.

For me, at least. I know and "get" a decent amount of theory, but I'm still having trouble connecting my brain to my bass. The theory sure helps though. And everything you learn helps you learn something else, it's great.

[rhinestone]

I started theory at an early age (5 or 6) when I started playing piano. When I started bass several months ago, I had to spend some time applying that theory. But ten years of theory takes some time to apply onto bass. It was pretty easy for me, but maybe that's because I started applying theory to bass while I was still new to the instrument. It's helped me a lot, though I think even without applying theory, my past music experience would have helped.

[suicas]

Originally Posted by sedgdog

Here is a good theory book - "Harmony & Theory" by Keith Wyatt. One of the Musicians Institute Essential Concepts Series. Published by Hal Leonard. Should be able to find it about anywhere.

I'd second this recommendation. This is an excellent and comprehensive introduction to music theory that seems applicable to most instruments.
It contains plenty of exercises with answers to make sure that you actually understand the material you've just covered, and each chapter/section builds on the things you've learned previously.

Best of all it assumes no prior theory knowledge.

Dave
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