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My views on music theory

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#49
i skipped alot of this but here's my 2c
1) if it sounds good to you, that doesn't mean it sounds good. fundamentally bass is a supportive role so if you're not playing that role then your doing it wrong. alot of young bass players listen to their part only. you have two ears; one for you and one for the band. just cos your part sounds good as a stand alone bassline doesn't mean a thing within the context of a song.
2) theory is not restrictive as some people think. it is not a case of "you may not play these notes". while you're learning, you reduce the notes you use: first triads, then pentatonics and into full scales and chromatisim. by which point you understand the role and effect of each note and how to use them. as a reference I've been playing for 10 years and got over 90% in all my university level theory exams and i only ever dabble in chromatics.
3) here are some fun books
Improviser's Bass Method by Chuck Sher
A Comprehensive Chord Tone System For Mastering The Bass by Jeff Berlin
They will take you through applying theory to the bass
 
#50
Can you think of an instance when wider range of knowledge was detrimental? Who is the better surgeon, one that goes by 'feel', or one with skills born of vast knowledge? I know which I would want to operate on me.
 
#54
LOL !

In my band you would already be gone ! It just depends on the material.

Loves2Jam said:
I am sick of my bandmates telling me I need to learn more music theory. I play just fine and can even play chords on the bass. Sometimes I go all out and slap. If something sounds good why does it matter if its not in the same key? Know what I mean. Like drummers don't know theory at all either and they play in bands. My band is threatening to kick me out because they say my parts dont make sense. Do you guys have any experience with things like this, am I over reacting? Can you guys teach me some theory?
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#55
BananaKing said:
Actually, do you have samples of your playing? You might get some better feedback about what you're talking about if you have some samples.
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Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of Talkbass...

You could take someone fresh out of the rainforest, put them behind the wheel of a car and let them learn how to drive by trial and error. Eventually they'll learn what works, what doesn't, what red lights mean, what green lights mean. Which lane to drive in. Eventually they'll probably figure it out. Maybe not though, the British are still driving on the wrong side of the road, but generally, they'll get it eventually.

However, it would be a lot more fun driving with them if they knew a little bit about driving theory before they got out there and started driving.

Or you could start learning the lyrics to "Hoogie-Boogie Land" and skip the music theory. You don't have to play the right chords on that, the "right chords" is just another hurdle set up by "the man" to "keep you down".

Randy
 
#59
JimmyM said:
even if it's not real, i'm going to treat it like it is.

you're doing fine. keep up the good work.
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grinning-smiley-044.gif
 
#60
Pretty sure the OP is trolling, but really in the grand scheme of things he's right. What sounds good may have nothing to do with existing theory. If you really have something new, like the first bebop or serialism or harmolodics or impressionism or whatever, maybe existing theory doesn't apply to you.

Back in the real world though... I think Jimmy is right. You rock and you should keep rocking.
 
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