New to music theory, but not to music... advice?

[ProJect]

So, here's my deal:

I've been playing guitar since I was 10(11 years ago) and have since added bass and drums to the roster. I also like to make music with my computer using Reason. I started on my own and have since never taken any sort of lessons or anything. I just write what I want to hear. I feel I have a strong understanding of music as a feeling, but I would like to extend it into a more of a technical understanding. I know where notes are and I know basic chords. I would like to learn music theory, but I am not sure where to start. I am planning on attending Berklee college of music next year, so I would like a head start on music theory as I am sure they would appreciate that. So, I was wondering if anyone would recommend a book or program or something to help me get my foundations. I am sure it would also help me better my songwriting as well. Thanks in advance!

Connor

[mikeh]

There are very many books on theory, including one of those very easy to identify orange "For Dummies" books - I beleive the title is Music Theory For Dummies". Any major book store (Barnes & Nobel, etc. will have a large section devoted to music.

Certainly the level of theory you could leran at Berklee could get very deep - but some basic theory: circle of 5ths/4ths. understanding the various scales, the relationship of major & minor chords to those scales, the relative minors, etc. and the basic understanding ot time (1/8th notes, 1/4 notes, etc.) can give you a very solid jump start.

Learning how to read music will get you a long way toward understanding melody, hamony & rhythem.

Good luck in school - and keep in mind, the contacts you make in music school are actually more important than the theory you learn. Take every possible opportunity to jam/gig with as many people as possible - you never know who may recommend you for a gig/tour.

[up-fiddler]

here and see if this helps. Good luck.

[andyhix]

here and see if this helps. Good luck.

I have that book. It's not too shabby. I must admit I only ever made it about 1/3 of the way through it, but I would say if you force yourself to complete the "course" (set aside an hour every day or two to work on the stuff), you will have a very good foundation for theory.

Also, depending on your location, time frame, budget, etc., look into a community college course or two on music theory. Some of it can be mind-numbingly elementary, but nothing beats having a real person teach you something.

[cello_pudding]

there's a lot of stuff online.

do you know any theory?

start off with this...

you have 7 note names. ABCDEFG

after G it goes to A...before A it goes to G

the distance from one note to the next have names called half steps and whole steps.

a half step is like playing a note, then a note 1 fret away from that one.

a whole step is like playing a note, then a note 2 frets away from that one.

after that...just know the only place there are half steps are from B to C, and E to F.

after that just use wikipedia

this is about different names for intervals and for larger intervals.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interval_(music)

here's a wiki about the major scale. take a look at the music there and where the notes sit on those lines. it goes C D E F G A B C and then back down B A G F E D C


then wiki things like...what makes up a major chord...what makes up a minor chord...then check out modes.

that should get you out of those basic theory classes at college.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_scale

[cello_pudding]

like stuff like this...identifying pitches on the treble staff

http://pedaplus.com/flash/treblebeg.html

here's a game for the bass cleff

http://pedaplus.com/flash/bassbeg.html

here's an easy game for intervals

http://pedaplus.com/flash/tutorials/..._template.html

and here's a harder one for intervals

http://pedaplus.com/flash/tutorials/...emplate_2.html

[Oancient1]

I have a similar background. Here is what I am currently using:

http://www.amazon.com/Everything-Mus...0146032&sr=8-1

and

http://www.amazon.com/Chord-Wheel-Ul...0146032&sr=8-2

The book is an overview -- one of many that are available. This one just happened to be the one on the shelf at a local bookstore. How interesting it was to see the theory behind things I have been doing for years.

The chord wheel is a tool that is helpful when trying to write something in an unfamiliar key.

Tom

[mikeh]

I have the Everthing Theory book - a good book for basic theory (most theory is really very basic)

That chord wheel is basically a chart of the circle of 5th (clockwise) or circle of 4ths (counter clockwise). A great tool to learn from. Although with a minimum amount of research one could prepare a circle of 5ths chart for less than $12 (or whatever the discounted price was).

[jmatt19]

Connor,
What you should do Right Now is to study guitar from a strictly reading curriculum. Find a qualified teacher, (one that has studied classical as well as jazz guitar, and the related music theory to these areas) and start lessons. I'm not talking about Tab, but notational reading as well as being able to read Chord Symbols (i.e. Cma7......Dmi7 (b5).....Ab13). Start the notational reading first. Also, an [B]in depth understanding of music theory[B] is of extreme importance, and that knowledge will be your best friend in school and throughout your musical life. It sounds like you have pretty good ears, so [B]advanced[B] ear training exercises should be included with lessons. I can tell you that 1) after attending music school for 7 years after high school, 2) playing professionally for 35 years in all genres, 3) teaching music in high school, college, and private one-on-one lessons and 4) writing and arranging music for many clients, it has been rewarding to learn this craft. One has to be vigilant in learning it the right way to be successful. What you see and hear in videos, television and most media is not what the real musical world is about. It's a small percentage.
Berklee is a great school, fairly easy to get into, hard to stay in. I went to a different music university, but had many friends that graduated from Berklee. I have relayed this info to many students during my life. About 50% get it, and 50% don't get it. Be part of the 50% that get it and strive for it. Good Luck. jmatt19