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Is music theory important?

#381
taurus1 said:
the great explorers never needed a map.
maybe that's the difference right there, the less adventurous followers need the map.
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The great explorers used everything that was available to them. Maps were not available. I don't think they said "Leave that compass behind, we'll find our way, and no thanks, Sacagawea, we don't need a guide, oh, and don't anyone look at the stars, we'll guess our direction."
 
#382
Was the "theory aspect" of English a factor when you wrote your question?

You communicated your idea, in a clear and functional way in written form.
,
Music is a language, all the ways you studied english in your schooling (official, non=practical application) have parallels in the music world.
 
#383
taurus1 said:
the great explorers never needed a map.
maybe that's the difference right there, the less adventurous followers need the map.
Click to expand...

Are you serious?

I just saw Billy Cobham with Dean Brown, Ric Fierabracci, and Gary Husband last night. I would bet you vast sums of money that all of those guys know EXACTLY where they are going because they've internalized the maps to the point that they can turn on any dime and be completely in control at all times.

These guys can play outside of the harmony all night long and yet they are never lost or at a loss for what to play or how to get exactly into the harmony at any given point. They KNOW inside and out exactly what the map says, where they are on it, and where they want to go.

And I would defy ANYONE to tell me that they must not be very adventurous. These guys are all about getting as far out on the edge as they can and still keeping it all together, and they do it masterfully.
 
#384
Hahaha said:
The great explorers used everything that was available to them. Maps were not available. I don't think they said "Leave that compass behind, we'll find our way, and no thanks Sacagawea, we don't need a guide, oh, and don't anyone look at the stars, we'll guess our direction."
Click to expand...

they discovered new territory without maps or any preconceived knowledge of where they were going or what they'd find.
the guys with the maps didn't, they followed in their footsteps.
It seems you've missed the point.
again, I'm not advocating disregarding music theory, just pointing out that the greatest of the great could get it done without it.
proofs in the pudding as they say.
 
#385
taurus1 said:
they discovered new territory without maps or any preconceived knowledge of where they were going or what they'd find.
the guys with the maps didn't, they followed in their footsteps.
It seems you've missed the point.
again, I'm not advocating disregarding music theory, just pointing out that the greatest of the great could get it done without it.
proofs in the pudding as they say.
Click to expand...

Well, somtimes points do get missed.
 
#388
BooshBass said:
Stop learning about all the technical aspects of music for a little while and just close your eyes and play what feels good on your fingers without thinking about anything. Does a body good. Maybe drink two or three beers if you're old enough and get a little loose about it.

The way I see it, anyone can learn chords, scales, modes, etc. Its like learning chemistry or how to write a sentence. But some people, including some of the most insanely talented musicians I know, stop there and never put the books and sheet music down and just play something sad when their sad and happy when they're happy without worrying about whether it's "right." In my opinion if your head isn't bobbing or body swaying then your not doing it right.
Click to expand...

I just wrote this on a different thread earlier about how a new player gets out of a "bass rut." This coming from myself who has never made a serious effort to learn theory for the last 15 years so take it with a grain of salt.

I really do think some people loose sight of how important being able to express yourself is and just want to learn all the theory because they think that is what will make them a good bass player. To me, learning theory is a huge drag, I read and learn stuff all day at work, the last thing I want to do when I get home is read and practice scales. I always end up just doing my own thing after 20 minutes. But at the same time it's my hugest downfall as a bass player. While I can definitely bust out nasty grooves and can jam with people who do know music by ear well, there is no question I would be a much better bass player if I would stop being lazy.

So, I think the answer to this thread is learning a little theory is important, then stop and jam for a while without even trying to learn new theory. Then when it gets stale, learn a little more theory and repeat.

My bass teacher in 7th grade told me I would never be a good bass player because I hated memorizing his scales and pretty much just refused to do it. Well he was a moron and I quit bass for about a year. Then Eric Wilson's simple but awesome reggae bass lines pulled me back in and I never really even attempted to learn theory again. Now I still play bass and am decent at it. I guess that goes to show you the importance of theory in some situations - not very if doing it different way makes you happy.
 
#390
taurus1 said:
they discovered new territory without maps or any preconceived knowledge of where they were going or what they'd find.
the guys with the maps didn't, they followed in their footsteps.
It seems you've missed the point.
again, I'm not advocating disregarding music theory, just pointing out that the greatest of the great could get it done without it.
proofs in the pudding as they say.
Click to expand...

Since many have already did the map for every places including free jazz and dodecaphonism ... you would try to discover new territory already discovered. So if you want to discover something new ... why not take the map check every places already found and look for an unturned rock.
 
#396
taurus1 said:
I'm going to leave this thread now because the point I'm trying to get across is being completely missed.
I'm all for learning theory, I agree with every suggestion that it is nothing but positive.
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Dbt25677 said:
"Hypothetically, if I wanted to be the next big spunky rockstar, would studying music be important? Even if I had a heartfelt passion for playing bass or guitar or whatever, is it really important to know how many beats a quaver goes for? To me, theory isn't what music is about. Music is about playing something that sounds good (to me atleast) and feeling a connection to your instrument or words beyond logic or reason.
What do you think?
Click to expand...

:hmm: I guess I am missing, what we are missing :hmm:

You asked two questions that were answered. Not what you were looking for?

I'll try again. Yes it may be possible to be the next big spunky rock star without a musical education as well as NOT to be the next big spunky rock star without a musical education.

I and, maybe most will think it would be easier with :)
 
#398
Hahaha said:
The great explorers used everything that was available to them. Maps were not available. I don't think they said "Leave that compass behind, we'll find our way, and no thanks, Sacagawea, we don't need a guide, oh, and don't anyone look at the stars, we'll guess our direction."
Click to expand...

Well said. While I enjoy going trekking in "explore mode" taking a look at a map first can enhance the experience. Did Columbus use the maps of the day? Probably so. Would Leif Erikson have used one when he took off into the unknown? You betcha.

What I don't get is: if you love music why wouldn't anyone want to know how it works?
 

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