Music Theory Books with a Narrative?

[nonohmic]

Hi all, anyone know if theory books written more in the narrative? I'm not looking for a story, rather something less technical and dry that I can read during off times at work.

For example, someone breaking down famous solos or songs etc. Or even a discussion of how different scales came to be?

Thanks!

 

[dreamadream99]

I am not at all familiar with any theory texts written in a more conversational manner—all mine are academic and—well—dry, as you say.

 

[Quinn Roberts]

The closest thing that comes to mind is the Victor Wooten book, though I wouldn't call it a book on theory by any means. Still some valuable lessons in there though.

My go to theory book is Theory And Harmony For The Contemporary Musician by Arnie Berle, it's short, sweet, to the point while still managing to cover a surprising amount of topics and information.

I've got a small handbook on scales somewhere that provides real life examples of their use in music. I'll post it here once I locate it.

 

[nonohmic]

The closest thing that comes to mind is the Victor Wooten book, though I wouldn't call it a book on theory by any means. Still some valuable lessons in there though.

My go to theory book is Theory And Harmony For The Contemporary Musician by Arnie Berle, it's short, sweet, to the point while still managing to cover a surprising amount of topics and information.

I've got a small handbook on scales somewhere that provides real life examples of their use in music. I'll post it here once I locate it.

Great thanks for the suggestion, ill check out the Berle book.

 

[Quinn Roberts]

Happy to help.

The books of scales I was thinking of is called The Jazz Chord/Scale Handbook by Gary Keller

 

[Bob_Ross]

One of the things that attracted me to John Rahn's Basic Atonal Theory was the conversational aspect of its text. He goes to great lengths to make deep, difficult, abstract concepts seem downright ordinary ...or at least (and this is the really important part) audible. But it's still a pretty thorny text with lots of examples in standard musical notation. Plus, y'know, it's Basic Atonal Theory so doesn't offer a lot of practical application if you're trying to play pop songs or jazz standards.

 

[SteveCS]

Fundamentals of Musical Composition by Arnold Schoenberg is written in quite a narrative style and would suit the purpose. As in @Bob_Ross example above, all of the examples are given in standard notation, and they amount to more than half of the book, but it is more than readable in smaller 'lunchbreak-sized' chunks without working through the examples...

 

[GastonD]

Ari Cap's book is aimed at bass and written in a practical manner. I also liked Jazz Harmony Book by David Berkman, but it is not really all-encompasing in scope. However, the functional harmony is presented brilliantly.

 

[lestratele]

'Inside the Music' by Dave Stewart was intentionally written in a light, narrative style. If you're looking for an introduction to intervals, scales, modes and chords, this could work well for those off times at work. There are a few dozen pages available for viewing on Amazon.