Formal theory training - why? This is why.

[zon6c-f]

I am fortunate to have basic theory knowledge.

I own several books that if I wasn't to lazy to study or chose to do something else when I had time and opportunity to study, that I believe I would be a much better musician, especially where communicating with others [ who understand theory] is concerned.

Oddly, with all of our theory knowledge..and then there's the Nashville Number system..... THAT'S how you make $$$$ reading [NNS] charts.

 

[Lownote38]

I am fortunate to have basic theory knowledge.

I own several books that if I wasn't to lazy to study or chose to do something else when I had time and opportunity to study, that I believe I would be a much better musician, especially where communicating with others [ who understand theory] is concerned.

Oddly, with all of our theory knowledge..and then there's the Nashville Number system..... THAT'S how you make $$$$ reading [NNS] charts.

Try using the NNS somewhere like NYC or LA. You'll get a lot of funny looks. If you do session work outside of country music, that system won't do you any good.

 

[jthisdell]

I don't understand how you would know what notes to play without some knowledge of basic theory, other than root and fifth. It is what you play between the roots that really makes bass work, regardless of genre. Knowing more theory also helps your ear. I play in a Bluegrass trio, a genre where most players know very little theory (if any) and I also just started with a Gypsy Swing Jazz group (like this month), where the players know a ton. Last night I was playing some charts with the gypsy guys and one of the guitar players looked at me and said that what I was playing was really good especially for being so new to the genre, etc. I said I was just reading the chart and filling in the spaces between the changes. How would you do that without knowing your scales? You can't. I wish I knew more theory but these guys have me learning, for sure.

 

[Michael B]

my reaction to someone arguing the dubious dichotomy of "theory vs creativity" is to refer them to Anthony Wellington:

These analogies are fantastic. To clarify one thing I think he is saying: I would say the for a given topic, you don't just walk from room to room. For that you progress from the lowest level upwards until you get to the top. As he says though you can move from room to room as you explore new topics / skills.

 

[mambo4]

To clarify one thing I think he is saying: I would say the for a given topic, you don't just walk from room to room. For that you progress from the lowest level upwards until you get to the top.

It depends on how broadly or granularly you define the topic at hand.

If it is mastery of the diatonic modes of c major across the neck,
yeah you need to spend time before you can walk into the "unconscious knowing" room

but if it's simply a C major scale in one octave and position or simply "the notes C and F"
you can pick up the necessary muscle memory to stop thinking about it quickly
and jump into the blissful state of the "unconscious knowing" room and noodle away ,
without distracting yourself by all the things you don't yet know.

 

[zon6c-f]

Lownote 38..Thanks and agreed!

ALL: I can add an analogy: Guy takes idea to group, says,"Hey..I got this thing...goes like this ... _ _ _ _ _ _
Learns BASIC theory..."Guys, I got this thing...jams in A . Learns a little more...Got this jam in A; a 3 -chord turn around.

Finally learned music theory...goes to jam..HANDS OUT CHORD CHARTS.