Music Theory???

slider292

Hello,

I've been playing guitar for about a year now and it feels like I've hit a plateau. I've mastered basic chords, power chords, simple solos, etc. but I now find myself unfullfilled with simply finding new tabs to play. I'd like to learn why things sound good together, how to create a good riff or solo and how to play music without going to the internet and memorizing where to put my fingers. I'm sure some of you have had similar experiences and I was hoping you could suggest some ideas to get out of this rut. Is there classes where you can learn basic music theory, or software you could recommmend? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance...

murph83

I've learned some basics from internet sites and a few books. I am no master and am still learning this stuff, now but I do have a grasp on the basics (chord formation, chromatic scale, major/minor pentatonic scales). I would suggest starting by learning the chromatic scale, major/minor scales, chord formation and key signatures. Just don't get too ahead of yourself at the beginning getting into modes and crazy scales, get a grasp of the basics first.


i found this helpful:
http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/lessons/for_beginners/learning_music_theory_the_beginning.html

also: that site has a lot of good lessons and the people on the discussion forum are great for answering your questions.

I bought a book on learning blues guitar for beginers and the intro had a good little tutorial on theory, most books will have an intro on theory that are easy to understand.

enharmonic

Get the Berkley Method. That'll teach ya

BinFrog

Definitely take weekly lessons. I started taking them around a year and a half ago after playing for 8-9 years. Easily the best thing I ever did for my playing.

BlackCorduroy

ive tried learning online and i still dont feel like i really understand as much as i want to. im taking a music theory class at my school next year though which should be helpful

Thumbing My Way

I took 5 lessons a few months ago and it helped me dramatically

Maybe you could try that, 5 isn't even very many and I'm so much better than before because of them

BlindMelonade

I took music theory I & II in high school and plan on taking more music courses when I go to college this fall...This is the easy way to do things

Pearl Juli

I'm taking Fundamentals of Music right now in college. At the moment, we're learning minor, augmented, and diminished scales and chords

I learned a lot in this class. Now I need to figure out how to apply all that knowledge on the guitar...

slider292

Thanks for the advice, guys. I think I'll start by taking a few lessons....

who's_pearljam?

I think lessons are a great way to spread your wings, like so many said above!
Learning a few scales, especially the pentatonic ones, and learning the notes on your fretboard will help you advance. Most rock and blues music comes out of the major and minor pentatonic scales, which really are the easiest ones to learn, too.

One thing that happens with guitar tab is that a lot of people learn to play llike parrots learn to talk. They just imitate. You can learn some great licks an chords that way, but like you say, you need to step out of that box.
You would also do well to shut the computer off, and put on some music you like, and figure the chords and solos out by ear. Try learning some bending and hammer-ons and pull-offs and slides, too. Those techniques add the voice to your playing!
Most major rock and blues guitar players learned by ear, and developed their style, then became stars,,, then as time went by, studied music to advance themselves. I think the combination of learning by ear and taking lessons is the fastest way to go for most people.

Your guitar, your amp, scales chords and notes are just the tools you use to make music. It's up to the player to make the magic happen after that! :cool:
You want to be able to close your eyes and play what comes out of your head. Try just playing along with a song instead of using tab. You'll stumble through a lot of bad notes and chords, but it'll come to you, then the next song will be easier,,,, and after a while, you learn to anticipate what's coming in a song and you can almost play a new song on the spot with a band!

Ok, I'm babbling,,

Good luck!

reaching hands

i did music theory as part of my national diploma in popular music, god it was the most un-natural thing to me, i play by ear and love improv, but i did it in the end!

5 years on and i don't remember a damn thing

goldenegg

I highly recommend picking up 'Chords & Scales for Guitarists' by David Mead. It's one of the best music books I've read.