Community (American Garage)

Subject View

From:	Message:
SUBJECT:	Need a good intro to music theory Back to Subjects
mugsy Jan 19 2021 at 8:57 PM	Hi everyone, I have been taking piano lessons and realize that I lack basic music theory knowledge. I am hopeful that someone on this site can recommend a good music theory book that would talk about circle of fifths, chord progressions, etc. Thanks in advance for any recommendations.
Login to Post
NoelGallagher Jan 30 2021 at 1:54 PM	I found this chap helpful and very generous. Free music theory lessons on that youtubes. He’s quite amusing as well. That’s the Canadians for ya! https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB585CE43B02669C3
mugsy Jan 21 2021 at 9:56 PM	Thanks Marc. I appreciate your information.
imeubu Jan 21 2021 at 6:56 PM	Hi Mugsy, Re: your Music Theory book question. In order to help you in that direction I’d say a few considerations should probably be addressed first. I believe it would be a good idea to decide what you would like to do with the information. (i. e. Compose, improvise, just understand better, etc.) Remember ’theory’ is really something to ’describe’ what is taking place. Like the ’architecture’ of the music. Since we are speaking of Music we are dealing with a ’Audio’ environment. Therefore in my opinion it is more important addressing the issue of ’hearing’ what is going on and ’then’ identify it. That way you can recreate what you are interested in. That’s not to say that you will not be able to use your theory info in any number of ways you choose. But it may help to understand in small steps that are immediately put into practice. Sorry to be long winded. I just don’t want you to waste your time learning theory without having an application for it. That being said, you might want to check out the 1st few descriptive pages of almost any of Jamey Aebersolds’ Volumes. Although, these volumes are mainly addressing improvisation. The circle of 5ths, chord construction, chord scales, and progressions are defined. You can also find this information explained on Youtube. Too much information without an immediate understanding/application can be overwhelming so you don’t need to read a whole book on theory to get a lot out of it. Some basic info will lead you to more. Hope this helps in your search. #KeepTheMusicAlive!
MarcNebo Jan 21 2021 at 9:01 AM	I did a quick Google search and I found a good site for you to check out. Top 10 Music Theory Books. An independent search prior to that one was Music Theory For Dummies, which is also on the Top 10 list. In my conversations with many great Jazz musicians I have heard many of them talk about Etudes. They are exercises that address specific techniques like fingering and chords. I once talked to a drummer who took a Master Class with Jazz drummer Matt Wilson. He told him to spend twenty minutes just playing the Ride Cymbal.
Login to Post