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Where to start with theory?

#41
251 said:
Here is a simple explanation of the basics. A copy of this will cost about as much as 1 lesson;
Amazon.com: edly's music theory for practical people - third edition: Books
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I second this suggestion! I've been working through this book for two weeks and I already have a very practical working knowledge of scales, intervals, and triads. It's feels a little ridiculous carrying it around and reading it in public because it looks like it was written for an elementary school chorus class, but each concept is explained so well and builds so cleanly on the concept before it, that I think it's well worth anyone's time.
 
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#43
DavC said:
and who calls the chords what ... depends on the music college you where at ...

and if it's basic 3 note triads .... or 4

Allmanfan laid it out very well .. !


but i have a little different perspective being a pianist for a while before starting on bass ...

i've played/studied piano since 1963 , bass since 73 ...

there's always stuff to learn ... but at least it is Fun .. !
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Yeah all the names for the chords is a tad overwhelming but hey. Just all the variations is a lot to take in but it's slowly getting there! I can imagine knowing piano helps with your chord knowledge. Yeah so much to learn! Never stop learning which is good. I just feel like I'm at a stand still with my playing which is the reason I'm learning theory now. :) Or at least trying.
 
#44
Fledge said:
I second this suggestion! I've been working through this book for two weeks and I already have a very practical working knowledge of scales, intervals, and triads. It's feels a little ridiculous carrying it around and reading it in public because it looks like it was written for an elementary school chorus class, but each concept is explained so well and builds so cleanly on the concept before it, that I think it's well worth anyone's time.
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I just may have to try it. It's just book learning isn't a good learning style for me but maybe this will. :)
 
#45
jmac said:
Do you know the notes of your bass? Most players will answer yes; even though they really don't know the notes.

Here's an example of knowing the notes of the bass: Anthony Wellington talks about SnapJack cables, and knows the notes on his bass! - YouTube

Edit: I answered "yes" when Anthony asked me if I knew the notes of my bass. Then fumbled around when he asked me to show him where all the "g notes" were.
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I'm confident I know the note's on my bass. I started learning it a few years ago via knowing some chords on guitar and it transferred over to bass and I practiced using chord charts and it really stuck. But I'll definitely give that video a watch! :)
 
#47
dragonwagon said:
I can find the notes on my bass, though it takes awhile. I've continued learning music theory because right now, I can't stand playing in my band/their music and need something to keep me going.
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It get's easier with practice. I just followed along with chord charts on a tab website and eventually I got better at finding the notes. Then I learned how to arpeggiate chords. Or basic chords. I'm actually the opposite right now with the band situation. I love playing in my band but I just feel my playing has hit a wall. So I'm going to theory to help. :)
 
#51
I'm a first-year bass student at a major university and the faculty here has been building my knowledge of theory like never before. What kind of music are you interested in? For me, I have not one, but two music theory classes. Both are built on the same foundation of intervals, arpeggios, the circle of fifths, etc but one is classically based (we do things like voice-leading, chorale harmonizations, and analysis of classical pieces) while the other is jazz-based (we talk about the construction of all types of jazz chords and many aspects of jazz improv, like tritone subs for instance.)

You could easily pursue either or both of these largely on your own, though. As a guy who is really into playing funk and rock, I think I receive a little bit more practical information from my jazz theory, but classical theory has largely increased my understanding of composition. So it's all about what you're looking for man.
 
#52
I think you have to have a reason to get into theory - I played in rock/pop bands for many years with no mention of music theory - it just never came up and bands never talked about it.

Decades later, I started to get into Jazz and I learned more in a few weeks/ months than I had in whole decades before!

In Jazz - you just have to know about theory or you cannot play it - you cannot get by. You have to know what you can play and why certain scales and chords work, helps you a lot.

Every new Jazz tune I picked up was like a little lesson in theory or certain aspects of it - modal playing, whole tone scales, secondary dominants etc. etc.

Playing Jazz has motivated me to get into theory more than anything else.
 
#53
there's theory at work in pop/rock, just not as much in as much variety as in jazz and doesn't necessarily rise to the surface as obviously

but there's 'theory applied' in songs by Beatles or Holland/Dozier/Holland that warrnts study (if so inclined)

even folk and punk with 3 chords there's 'theory applied' but it's not like it's going to hold you back if you don't know it -- just in this key it's these 3 chords and this key it's these 3 chords. Even blues when it gets past 3 or 4 chords 12 bar form and starts backcycling or substituting there's reasons behind what's going on that's useful to know.
check something like 'Key to the Highway' You can learn the song or you can learn the song AND know why/how all those extra chords fit/function
 
#54
I'm not saying that there isn't - just that bands I was on never discussed this - it was just a case of singer/guitarist saying - these are the chords - fit a bass line to this.

Whereas in Jazz you have to start thinking about theory as soon as you try to play anything!
 
#55
Turbo Chicken: I've actually used that site quite a bit. It's really helpful! And I'll look into the books you posted. :)

Simmerdown: What's (+BM+) mean?

Russell: I should try it that way. I have a keyboard maybe that way will help.

Tunnel: I'm interested in all music I'm very open minded. But my main genre is metal. I'm in a death metal band and I want to make interesting parts over certain riffs if necessary. Do what's needed but stand out a bit as a player. My main examples of what I want to be capable of are Steve Digiorgio and the guys from Obscura. Make the music interesting to listen to, follow the guitarists when necessary but try to have my own interesting parts. I'm up for learning classical or jazz if needed. Anything to help you know?

Wrench: That's a problem I have. I can learn songs by ear decently easy but understanding why everything the way it is in the song I'm not sure about.
Bruce: That's what I'm unsure of, what chords fit into each scale. I could probably understand what chords go into major or minor songs (I know major for the most part but very basic) But how to incorporate other chords like 7ths and all that is unknown to me. That's where I'm stuck.
 
#56
Get yourself a copy of this if you haven't already because it seems like you have some gaps that need filling:

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It's boring as sh1t but you need to know it
 
#57
Hey man,

Please check out my website Link Removed
its all free and if you go to the theory or aural categories in either the beginner or advanced sections you will find free lessons regarding theory, harmony and aural as well as ways to make use of all of the above in the technique and bass solo sections

Hope it helps you out!
Greg
 
#59
Gregorihofmann said:
Hey man,

Please check out my website Link Removed
its all free and if you go to the theory or aural categories in either the beginner or advanced sections you will find free lessons regarding theory, harmony and aural as well as ways to make use of all of the above in the technique and bass solo sections

Hope it helps you out!
Greg
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I'll check it out! Thanks for showing me your site. I appreciate it.
 

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