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Do I need to know theory to play?
- Thread starter CPR4LIFE
- Start date
Do you need to know grammar to speak?
Not really; but the higher you aim, the more necessary it becomes.
Not really; but the higher you aim, the more necessary it becomes.
This may be the best way I've ever seen it explained.
And for all the people who trot out Hendrix as an example of a great player that didn't know theory, you aint no Hendrix.
What an odd comment. Only one person in this thread (me!) mentioned Hendrix, and that was to say, Hendrix was a music theory master. I studied music theory for 4 years in college, and I've been playing bass for longer than Hendrix was alive (he died at 27) and yet he had more music theory in his pinky finger than I'll ever have in my lifetime.
Anyone with a good ear for music understands "music theory."
Anyone who can write a great song understands "music theory."
Anyone who can improvise a rockin' solo understands "music theory."
Anyone who can take someone else's song and make it their own understands "music theory."
Anyone who can push the boundaries of what is possible in music understands "music theory."
Don't confuse "music theory" with "music vocabulary." Memorizing which notes spell the 17th mode of Lydian Altered Dominant is "music vocabulary," not "music theory."
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First off: I'm an advocate for knowing theory. Will it help you be a better player? Maybe. Over time. What really seperates the great players over the okay players is having a well developed ear. Without that it won't matter how much theory you know. I say this speaking from experience. I would say that 80% of the time I know more theory than the people I'm playing with but their ear(s) are usually better. As a bass player having a fundemental understanding of theory has carried me thru in spite of this but that's about it.
Another point I'd like to make is: I studied theory in a class room where I was primarily focused on theory not learning an instrument. Mixing the two is a bit convoluted IMHO. Your instructor is already hitting you with a lot of info regarding technique, etc. Tell him you need to shift the focus in your lessons to ear training and see where that leads you. My guess is you'll be looking for a new teacher soon as I've found that most "teachers" want you to learn what they know and aren't capable of giving you what you need. Good luck.
Another point I'd like to make is: I studied theory in a class room where I was primarily focused on theory not learning an instrument. Mixing the two is a bit convoluted IMHO. Your instructor is already hitting you with a lot of info regarding technique, etc. Tell him you need to shift the focus in your lessons to ear training and see where that leads you. My guess is you'll be looking for a new teacher soon as I've found that most "teachers" want you to learn what they know and aren't capable of giving you what you need. Good luck.
Do I need to know theory to play?
No.
Knowing it however will inform your choices and enable you to communicate with literate musicians better.
It also helps learning music as you will recognise common patterns quicker.
Bottom line: Knowing theory beats not knowing it in a big, big way!
Why wouldn't one try to know it regardless of necessity?
No.
Knowing it however will inform your choices and enable you to communicate with literate musicians better.
It also helps learning music as you will recognise common patterns quicker.
Bottom line: Knowing theory beats not knowing it in a big, big way!
Why wouldn't one try to know it regardless of necessity?
No it is not necessary. Now go play and have fun do not over think about this and just let the instrument direct you...
You just might need it explained to you differently - or by somebody else. Not everyone who knows something well can teach it effectively. Attend a writing seminar someday if you don’t believe it. Some of the best authors you’ve ever read don’t have a clue how they do it. Or can communicate it very well if they do. Teaching is a skill totally separate from subject matter. There’s also different ways to teach a subject. And when it comes to students, one teaching style doesn’t always work for everyone.
I'm 55 never had a music lesson, I play by ear or use tabs if i get stuck, its not stopped my enjoyment and I've played many gigs in different bands over the years. I would have like to have learned the theory side when younger but not sure it would have made me a better player. When I have looked at the theory side I found it boring and far from enjoyable. So my answer would be carry on playing, learn songs you like and get in to a band and don't be too concerned about theory unless you want to do session work etc.
I didn't even read your comment. It's not always all about you.What an odd comment. Only one person in this thread (me!) mentioned Hendrix, and that was to say, Hendrix was a music theory master. I studied music theory for 4 years in college, and I've been playing bass for longer than Hendrix was alive (he died at 27) and yet he had more music theory in his pinky finger than I'll ever have in my lifetime.
Anyone with a great ear for music understands "music theory."
Anyone who can write a great song understands "music theory."
Anyone who can improvise a rockin' solo understands "music theory."
Anyone who can take someone else's song and make it their own understands "music theory."
Anyone who can push the boundaries of what is possible in music understands "music theory."
Don't confuse "music theory" with "music vocabulary." Memorizing which notes spell the 17th mode of Lydian Altered Dominant is "music vocabulary," not "music theory."
This has been argued ad nauseum and the Hendrix comment always pops up eventually.
Frankly I don't agree with your proclamations, but everyone is entitled to their opinion; they just shouldn't mistake it for fact.
I didn't even read your comment. It's not always all about you.
This has been argued ad nauseum and the Hendrix comment always pops up eventually.
Frankly I don't agree with your proclamations, but everyone is entitled to their opinion; they just shouldn't mistake it for fact.
My mistake; I thought you were replying to me, since I was the only person who mentioned Hendrix.
Now that I have your attention: Would you say Jimi Hendrix understood music theory, yes or no?
I'm self taught, and because of that my theory is pretty poor. You can do quite a lot without theory, and I think going without theory might even be good for developing a unique style, but at some point you you're going to run into a gig where you need to know some higher level theory and it's going to be a crash course where you pick it up quick or wash out.
I've picked it up in some instances, haven't even been allowed to audition in others.
I've picked it up in some instances, haven't even been allowed to audition in others.
my husband has been playing guitar since 1982 when he was 14. i first met him as someone to jam with, and i was really impressed. he's a great player, his playing is fast and precise and ultimately he wrote all the music for the band we formed, and he doesn't know any theory nor does he read music.
It helps a lot and is with learning. However, this sounds like something isn't clicking between you and your teacher. Theory is a big subject and a fascinating one, but at the end of the day it's an analytical tool... Not a rulebook. It helps formalize music into something we can write down and discuss rather than just hear in the moment.
There's lots of books and resources out there geared for bassists learning basic theory, and most of the folks here are pretty willing to help out if you have questions.
I wouldn't call that "understand music theory". They are able to play and create something that sounds great, but that doesn't necessarily mean they understand the theory behind it: why does this sound great, why does this chord fit here etc.What an odd comment. Only one person in this thread (me!) mentioned Hendrix, and that was to say, Hendrix was a music theory master. I studied music theory for 4 years in college, and I've been playing bass for longer than Hendrix was alive (he died at 27) and yet he had more music theory in his pinky finger than I'll ever have in my lifetime.
Anyone with a good ear for music understands "music theory."
Anyone who can write a great song understands "music theory."
Anyone who can improvise a rockin' solo understands "music theory."
Anyone who can take someone else's song and make it their own understands "music theory."
Anyone who can push the boundaries of what is possible in music understands "music theory."
