Music Theory; Do you Know it

[BoxDJ]

I am currently studying a bit of counter point. Although I wouldn't call myself a master at theory. I would put myself in the advanced category.

How about you guys?

[BoxDJ]

5 votes and no posts! lol

No discussions?

[stringtapper]

I voted "Master" because I'm working on a PhD in music theory and it's my business to know as much as I can about how music from all eras, styles, and genres works. What do you want to discuss?

[trikster_b]

I learned a little music theory in middle school when I played trombone, but then I switched over to percussion.

I can read sheet music and understand all the little symbols like rests, clef, etc... and I understand what the note names are. I know the concepts of theory, just not how to write it. Playing a MIDI keyboard for the past few years has helped me too; I can understand certain ways of making notes and chords. I just don't know all of the technical names like triad, fifths, and things like that.

[crofter]

I studied music to A level and have been trying to forget it ever since, nearly 40 years now and annoying rules still keep rearing their ugly heads.

[the_antagonist]

2.5

[UKRuss]

I give myself a 4.

If your question relates to being a better musician/songwriter becasue of it though, I'd have to say...no. It's no replacement for talent.

However, it does help in thinking about your compostion or your melodic choices over certain chords etc. I find it speeds the process up rather than running about in the dark hoping certain things fit together.

[Bleep Blop Ima Robot]

I give myself a 4.

If your question relates to being a better musician/songwriter becasue of it though, I'd have to say...no. It's no replacement for talent.

However, it does help in thinking about your compostion or your melodic choices over certain chords etc. I find it speeds the process up rather than running about in the dark hoping certain things fit together.

i agree, didnt really have music theory knowledge but have been in bands as a drummer and never really needed to know it. Moved on to live where i didnt really know chords or such, but could still make music cuz well ive been involved with it for years. The music theory makes it a lil easier now tho, still dont really need to know how to play keyboard super pro, but knowing a lil makes it easier entering in notes on the piano roll. It helped me but like UK said...not really needed. I put my self at a 3 cuz thats where id like to be, still somewhat of a beginner but getting there. I re read and read about it everyday.

[gjm]

I am a private music teacher/coach. I voted 4. The word 'Advanced' makes me a little uncomfortable, though I am more than 3 based on your description. I read and write music for guitar, piano and drums.

IMO your theory quota has nothing to do with your playing ability. Your playing ability is motor skills based relying on habits that form muscle memory/recall in combination with your ears. The theory bit provides various frame works/rules for you to play within. These rules make music less of a mystery while providing you with points of focus when either playing with others or creating your own music. Putting skills and theory together provides distinct advantages from musical literacy to creation. Combined with my ears, I liken it to a 'Key' on a map that helps me understand and navigate a musical landscape. Its my choice however to choose the direction I want to travel.

[Jekblad]

i'm no master, but i can own some harms son! I vaguely remember counter point.

It's at the point where i'm trying to forget it a bit ya know? or at least learn to hear it fresh again.

[rbmonosylabik]

I do know a fair bit, somewhere in 4, but I just use it to counteract my ridiculous tone myopia.

[H20nly]

I read the fruity loops manual a few years ago. I picked up a copy of CM once. I think that qualifies me as WAY advanced so watch out stringtapper!

gjm if you need to upgrade your status give a holler.

[Machinesworking]

Somewhere between basic knowledge and intermediate, more towards basic.

Personally I have no issues with coming up with melodies that fit well together etc. I think more about rhythmic structure and parts that blend well but remain interesting most of the time, except when it comes to the limited amount of soloing I do... that's when I wish for more music theory. Never been than big on solos so it's not a pressing issue though.

[djsynchro]

I am 2-3 but ticked 4 because modes is an important subject! One of my main musical revelation was that "Phrygian" is my favourite scale for industrial/dark/angry. I had been using doing everything by ear and always wondered about the half step up from the root.

Theory is empowering and liberating as long as you are aware that "it sounds good" always comes first.
I was reading about an engineer and he said he had an LA2A compressor with the needle of the gain reduction meter slammed in the corner and he wanted to put tape over it because it looked so bad but it sounded great


Oh yeah... the Phrygian mode is when you play C Major starting from E, if you look at the intervals it is the same as natural Minor except that the first interval is flattened so it's only a half step which gives it that extra dark sound

[Pitch Black]

I was reading about an engineer and he said he had an LA2A compressor with the needle of the gain reduction meter slammed in the corner and he wanted to put tape over it because it looked so bad but it sounded great

Saw this standing in the sound tower watching The Prodigy at a festival. The engineer put gaffer over the stereo output VU's and... well... you know what Prodigy sound like, live... BOOOOM!!! Who knows what evil was going on under there but it sounded fuckin amazing!!

Oh yeah... the Phrygian mode is when you play C Major starting from E, if you look at the intervals it is the same as natural Minor except that the first interval is flattened so it's only a half step which gives it that extra dark sound

AKA: That "Arabic" touch, or "Trance".