Music Theory

Scoot82
Scoot82 Posts: 78
edited November 2003 in Musicians and Gearheads
Can anyone recommend a good book to learn music theory?
Well, it's one louder, isn't it?
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • mccreadyisgod
    mccreadyisgod Bumfuq, MT Posts: 6,395
    I can't say anything about books, but have you ever seen those cheat sheets they sell at college bookstores? Like, everything you need to know about (insert subject here). I've seen those for music theory at my college's bookstore... you might give one of those a shot. At least get something that has a 'Circle of Fifths' and tells you how to use it. In Western-scale music theory, the 'Circle of Fifths' is the Bible. It's like a crib note for music theory.
    ...and if you don't like it, you can suck on an egg.
  • justam
    justam Posts: 21,415
    There are so many books out there and many of them would be too complicated or BORING to start with.

    Depending on what instrument you play and what you want the theory for, you may be able to get something much simpler than a college textbook. In fact, I would encourage you to get something rather basic and short to begin with.

    If you know nothing, start with scale structures, chord structures, and key relationships.
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  • mccreadyisgod
    mccreadyisgod Bumfuq, MT Posts: 6,395
    Originally posted by justam
    you may be able to get something much simpler than a college textbook

    If that's in reference to my recommendation... the item I was referring to is much simpler than a textbook. It's a single page, front and back, laminated, with simple notes. It's like a condensed "For Dummies" sort of approach. They have them for math, chemistry, government, biology, history, sociology... for a ton of subjects, anyways.

    If you weren't referencing my post... it's all good...
    ...and if you don't like it, you can suck on an egg.
  • justam
    justam Posts: 21,415
    I wasn't referring to your post. I was actually editing my own thoughts.

    The first books that came to my mind were textbooks and then I thought they wouldn't be interesting to him at all.
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  • mccreadyisgod
    mccreadyisgod Bumfuq, MT Posts: 6,395
    Originally posted by justam
    The first books that came to my mind were textbooks and then I thought they wouldn't be interesting to him at all.

    Yeah, I agree... I learned the basics of music theory without even knowing it, just by playing so many different songs, and messing with different notes and chords. But once someone explained music theory to me, it made a lot more sense. Plus, I have a predominantly math-oriented mind, so theory is pretty easy for me.

    The best way would be to take a class, or a few lessons, from someone who can help out.

    Also, it's important to know that rules are meant to be broken. Music theory is no exception. Theory may help, but if it sounds good, play it. Hell, a lot of good music isn't theoretically correct...
    ...and if you don't like it, you can suck on an egg.

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