Best approach to music theory

guitarzero

I've been playing guitar for well over 10 years and have yet to learn theory. When I'm playing with other folks, which is rare, this can at times be a prob. It's not a major issue but still feel a bit deprived by this. When people have listened to me play they think I'm a jazz musician with a wealth knowledge but I simply know what I like. The dilemma is I find it difficult to be spontaneous by have a strong sense of orientation on the neck of the guitar. I know how scales work but I'm so half assed about theory I just forget it.

Basically, what was the best form of musical training you've had or what worked for you, especially in the context of playing with other folks.

rcaz

If you want to study theory, you kinda have to study it... Get a book about the stuff you're interested in learning, go through it slowly, take notes, test yourself, that kinda stuff. You can pick up a functional knowledge of music theory through playing, but if you really want a solid theoretical background to your playing, it's book-learnin', which is a bummer.

Also, what kind of music theory? Tonality? (chord progressions, voice leading, functional harmony, etc.) Spectralism? Serialism? Transformation theory? There are loads of different kinds of music theories, tonality is the one that usually gets referred to as 'music theory', but it's only one. Probably the best one to start with, since it probably covers more music you already know than any of the other theories you could study. (For what it's worth, I'm really into spectralism at the moment, it's a really beautiful system to think about music within, and you can kinda generalise in any way you want and it'll still be useful. )

Rigsby

This book is always highly recommended on another forum I visit from time to time.

http://www.amazon.com/Edlys-Theory-Practical-People-Edition/dp/0966161602


The ideal thing would be to get a teacher to recommend a book, and then work through it with you. You will learn better and faster this way.

guitarzero

Thanks folks.