How much theory knowledge is actually used while playing? [closed] The Next CEO of Stack OverflowTips for a New TeacherHow to remember inversions for chordsHow much theory and how much transcribing?How/where to learn Jazz guitar?Why are some people so paranoid about music theory?How can we effectively teach schoolchildren theory?How much common ground is there between applied theory on guitar vs bass guitar?How do I choose the type of chord for an specific scale?I'm learning music theory, but none of the songs I'm trying it on are playing by the rulesIs it better to learn scales or chords first in Music Theory?
Early programmable calculators with RS-232
"Eavesdropping" vs "Listen in on"
Do I need to write [sic] when including a quotation with a number less than 10 that isn't written out?
Would a grinding machine be a simple and workable propulsion system for an interplanetary spacecraft?
Small nick on power cord from an electric alarm clock, and copper wiring exposed but intact
Calculate the Mean mean of two numbers
How to compactly explain secondary and tertiary characters without resorting to stereotypes?
Can you teleport closer to a creature you are Frightened of?
Are British MPs missing the point, with these 'Indicative Votes'?
Why did the Drakh emissary look so blurred in S04:E11 "Lines of Communication"?
Incomplete cube
That's an odd coin - I wonder why
Planeswalker Ability and Death Timing
Is it "common practice in Fourier transform spectroscopy to multiply the measured interferogram by an apodizing function"? If so, why?
Find the majority element, which appears more than half the time
Compensation for working overtime on Saturdays
Does int main() need a declaration on C++?
What does this strange code stamp on my passport mean?
Is it possible to make a 9x9 table fit within the default margins?
Why was Sir Cadogan fired?
Could you use a laser beam as a modulated carrier wave for radio signal?
How did scripture get the name bible?
Can this transistor (2N2222) take 6 V on emitter-base? Am I reading the datasheet incorrectly?
Could a dragon use its wings to swim?
How much theory knowledge is actually used while playing? [closed]
The Next CEO of Stack OverflowTips for a New TeacherHow to remember inversions for chordsHow much theory and how much transcribing?How/where to learn Jazz guitar?Why are some people so paranoid about music theory?How can we effectively teach schoolchildren theory?How much common ground is there between applied theory on guitar vs bass guitar?How do I choose the type of chord for an specific scale?I'm learning music theory, but none of the songs I'm trying it on are playing by the rulesIs it better to learn scales or chords first in Music Theory?
Let's say you are playing Bach on a classical guitar, which theory concepts do you constantly think of and use? Do you always know the key and the scale you are in? The mode maybe? The interval between each consecutive note or the role of every note in that scale? Do you know if you are building tension or resolving?
I know that for example most of the time, things like rhythm and timing is automatic, and you don't think about it but still, would you be able to know in which beat every note goes while playing?
Let me expand on where my curiosity comes from:
I've been playing guitar for years before starting to take lessons 3 months ago. So my usual way of playing a song consists in learning the chords, memorizing some fillers or the solo without even knowing which key I'm in, then repeat repeat repeat. All from tabs or by ear. 99% memory, 1% theory.
But I've always been aware that to really improve I had to start learning some theory. It's ok, I love everything about music theory and I'm more and more passionate about it but when I try to apply what I'm learning to my playing, it slows me, it takes me like 30 seconds to guess the chord I'm playing if I don't know it, maybe because I try to think about everything before even mastering basics like the notes on the fretboard.
guitar theory
closed as primarily opinion-based by David Bowling, Richard, Carl Witthoft, Tim, Shevliaskovic Mar 25 at 9:50
Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
|
show 1 more comment
Let's say you are playing Bach on a classical guitar, which theory concepts do you constantly think of and use? Do you always know the key and the scale you are in? The mode maybe? The interval between each consecutive note or the role of every note in that scale? Do you know if you are building tension or resolving?
I know that for example most of the time, things like rhythm and timing is automatic, and you don't think about it but still, would you be able to know in which beat every note goes while playing?
Let me expand on where my curiosity comes from:
I've been playing guitar for years before starting to take lessons 3 months ago. So my usual way of playing a song consists in learning the chords, memorizing some fillers or the solo without even knowing which key I'm in, then repeat repeat repeat. All from tabs or by ear. 99% memory, 1% theory.
But I've always been aware that to really improve I had to start learning some theory. It's ok, I love everything about music theory and I'm more and more passionate about it but when I try to apply what I'm learning to my playing, it slows me, it takes me like 30 seconds to guess the chord I'm playing if I don't know it, maybe because I try to think about everything before even mastering basics like the notes on the fretboard.
guitar theory
closed as primarily opinion-based by David Bowling, Richard, Carl Witthoft, Tim, Shevliaskovic Mar 25 at 9:50
Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
6
This is just another version of the age old question of 'how much important is theory for musicianship', possible duplicate. Here's my quick take on it - It's just been 3 months so you need to give much more time to grasp the basic ideas and concepts. MT is not mandatory to make or play music and there are several top artists/producers who self-admittedly never learnt MT as such but from my own experience I can safely say that you'll never come across a musician who has spent some serious time learning MT but went on to regret it.
– LyRo
Mar 21 at 15:39
1
@LyRo As I said, I'm really into music theory and want to learn as much as I can! My curiosity was more about how much of it is explicitly thought of while playing and how much is situational (like, I'm sure composing uses tons of theory).
– Xandru
Mar 21 at 15:43
When I'm playing an instrument I never EXPLICITLY think of any theory while playing BUT I guess it really helps to know MT in situations like when you need to reharmonise a melody on the fly or say you need to (unexpectedly, for n number of reasons) modulate to a different key seamlessly etc.
– LyRo
Mar 21 at 15:57
2
@LyRo I studied classical guitar. While playing I never "think about theory" but I do follow Michael Curtis' answer out side of playing. I will analyze the piece of music I am playing make notes in my sheet music and those notes I made will help shape the performance. When I am playing, I don't think about the music at all. I let my intuition (which is heavily influenced by the analysis I did previously) dictate how I will play the piece.
– SaggingRufus
Mar 21 at 17:50
1
There are too many levels of 'playing Bach on guitar' to consider! While a piece that I've played hundreds of times before, there's probably no theory thoughts going on at all. Bit like saying 2x tables. Could be totally automatic. Not saying it ought to be, but that's a fact. Sight-reading it first time - completely different. Loads of theory flashing up - pretty necessary. Unless of course, I am that good a sight reader that I look at the dots and play with little or no concious thought - automatically. Again, no direct theory. And players can do that. Question is too wide. Sorry.
– Tim
Mar 21 at 19:02
|
show 1 more comment
Let's say you are playing Bach on a classical guitar, which theory concepts do you constantly think of and use? Do you always know the key and the scale you are in? The mode maybe? The interval between each consecutive note or the role of every note in that scale? Do you know if you are building tension or resolving?
I know that for example most of the time, things like rhythm and timing is automatic, and you don't think about it but still, would you be able to know in which beat every note goes while playing?
Let me expand on where my curiosity comes from:
I've been playing guitar for years before starting to take lessons 3 months ago. So my usual way of playing a song consists in learning the chords, memorizing some fillers or the solo without even knowing which key I'm in, then repeat repeat repeat. All from tabs or by ear. 99% memory, 1% theory.
But I've always been aware that to really improve I had to start learning some theory. It's ok, I love everything about music theory and I'm more and more passionate about it but when I try to apply what I'm learning to my playing, it slows me, it takes me like 30 seconds to guess the chord I'm playing if I don't know it, maybe because I try to think about everything before even mastering basics like the notes on the fretboard.
guitar theory
Let's say you are playing Bach on a classical guitar, which theory concepts do you constantly think of and use? Do you always know the key and the scale you are in? The mode maybe? The interval between each consecutive note or the role of every note in that scale? Do you know if you are building tension or resolving?
I know that for example most of the time, things like rhythm and timing is automatic, and you don't think about it but still, would you be able to know in which beat every note goes while playing?
Let me expand on where my curiosity comes from:
I've been playing guitar for years before starting to take lessons 3 months ago. So my usual way of playing a song consists in learning the chords, memorizing some fillers or the solo without even knowing which key I'm in, then repeat repeat repeat. All from tabs or by ear. 99% memory, 1% theory.
But I've always been aware that to really improve I had to start learning some theory. It's ok, I love everything about music theory and I'm more and more passionate about it but when I try to apply what I'm learning to my playing, it slows me, it takes me like 30 seconds to guess the chord I'm playing if I don't know it, maybe because I try to think about everything before even mastering basics like the notes on the fretboard.
guitar theory
guitar theory
asked Mar 21 at 15:20
XandruXandru
483310
483310
closed as primarily opinion-based by David Bowling, Richard, Carl Witthoft, Tim, Shevliaskovic Mar 25 at 9:50
Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
closed as primarily opinion-based by David Bowling, Richard, Carl Witthoft, Tim, Shevliaskovic Mar 25 at 9:50
Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
6
This is just another version of the age old question of 'how much important is theory for musicianship', possible duplicate. Here's my quick take on it - It's just been 3 months so you need to give much more time to grasp the basic ideas and concepts. MT is not mandatory to make or play music and there are several top artists/producers who self-admittedly never learnt MT as such but from my own experience I can safely say that you'll never come across a musician who has spent some serious time learning MT but went on to regret it.
– LyRo
Mar 21 at 15:39
1
@LyRo As I said, I'm really into music theory and want to learn as much as I can! My curiosity was more about how much of it is explicitly thought of while playing and how much is situational (like, I'm sure composing uses tons of theory).
– Xandru
Mar 21 at 15:43
When I'm playing an instrument I never EXPLICITLY think of any theory while playing BUT I guess it really helps to know MT in situations like when you need to reharmonise a melody on the fly or say you need to (unexpectedly, for n number of reasons) modulate to a different key seamlessly etc.
– LyRo
Mar 21 at 15:57
2
@LyRo I studied classical guitar. While playing I never "think about theory" but I do follow Michael Curtis' answer out side of playing. I will analyze the piece of music I am playing make notes in my sheet music and those notes I made will help shape the performance. When I am playing, I don't think about the music at all. I let my intuition (which is heavily influenced by the analysis I did previously) dictate how I will play the piece.
– SaggingRufus
Mar 21 at 17:50
1
There are too many levels of 'playing Bach on guitar' to consider! While a piece that I've played hundreds of times before, there's probably no theory thoughts going on at all. Bit like saying 2x tables. Could be totally automatic. Not saying it ought to be, but that's a fact. Sight-reading it first time - completely different. Loads of theory flashing up - pretty necessary. Unless of course, I am that good a sight reader that I look at the dots and play with little or no concious thought - automatically. Again, no direct theory. And players can do that. Question is too wide. Sorry.
– Tim
Mar 21 at 19:02
|
show 1 more comment
6
This is just another version of the age old question of 'how much important is theory for musicianship', possible duplicate. Here's my quick take on it - It's just been 3 months so you need to give much more time to grasp the basic ideas and concepts. MT is not mandatory to make or play music and there are several top artists/producers who self-admittedly never learnt MT as such but from my own experience I can safely say that you'll never come across a musician who has spent some serious time learning MT but went on to regret it.
– LyRo
Mar 21 at 15:39
1
@LyRo As I said, I'm really into music theory and want to learn as much as I can! My curiosity was more about how much of it is explicitly thought of while playing and how much is situational (like, I'm sure composing uses tons of theory).
– Xandru
Mar 21 at 15:43
When I'm playing an instrument I never EXPLICITLY think of any theory while playing BUT I guess it really helps to know MT in situations like when you need to reharmonise a melody on the fly or say you need to (unexpectedly, for n number of reasons) modulate to a different key seamlessly etc.
– LyRo
Mar 21 at 15:57
2
@LyRo I studied classical guitar. While playing I never "think about theory" but I do follow Michael Curtis' answer out side of playing. I will analyze the piece of music I am playing make notes in my sheet music and those notes I made will help shape the performance. When I am playing, I don't think about the music at all. I let my intuition (which is heavily influenced by the analysis I did previously) dictate how I will play the piece.
– SaggingRufus
Mar 21 at 17:50
1
There are too many levels of 'playing Bach on guitar' to consider! While a piece that I've played hundreds of times before, there's probably no theory thoughts going on at all. Bit like saying 2x tables. Could be totally automatic. Not saying it ought to be, but that's a fact. Sight-reading it first time - completely different. Loads of theory flashing up - pretty necessary. Unless of course, I am that good a sight reader that I look at the dots and play with little or no concious thought - automatically. Again, no direct theory. And players can do that. Question is too wide. Sorry.
– Tim
Mar 21 at 19:02
6
6
This is just another version of the age old question of 'how much important is theory for musicianship', possible duplicate. Here's my quick take on it - It's just been 3 months so you need to give much more time to grasp the basic ideas and concepts. MT is not mandatory to make or play music and there are several top artists/producers who self-admittedly never learnt MT as such but from my own experience I can safely say that you'll never come across a musician who has spent some serious time learning MT but went on to regret it.
– LyRo
Mar 21 at 15:39
This is just another version of the age old question of 'how much important is theory for musicianship', possible duplicate. Here's my quick take on it - It's just been 3 months so you need to give much more time to grasp the basic ideas and concepts. MT is not mandatory to make or play music and there are several top artists/producers who self-admittedly never learnt MT as such but from my own experience I can safely say that you'll never come across a musician who has spent some serious time learning MT but went on to regret it.
– LyRo
Mar 21 at 15:39
1
1
@LyRo As I said, I'm really into music theory and want to learn as much as I can! My curiosity was more about how much of it is explicitly thought of while playing and how much is situational (like, I'm sure composing uses tons of theory).
– Xandru
Mar 21 at 15:43
@LyRo As I said, I'm really into music theory and want to learn as much as I can! My curiosity was more about how much of it is explicitly thought of while playing and how much is situational (like, I'm sure composing uses tons of theory).
– Xandru
Mar 21 at 15:43
When I'm playing an instrument I never EXPLICITLY think of any theory while playing BUT I guess it really helps to know MT in situations like when you need to reharmonise a melody on the fly or say you need to (unexpectedly, for n number of reasons) modulate to a different key seamlessly etc.
– LyRo
Mar 21 at 15:57
When I'm playing an instrument I never EXPLICITLY think of any theory while playing BUT I guess it really helps to know MT in situations like when you need to reharmonise a melody on the fly or say you need to (unexpectedly, for n number of reasons) modulate to a different key seamlessly etc.
– LyRo
Mar 21 at 15:57
2
2
@LyRo I studied classical guitar. While playing I never "think about theory" but I do follow Michael Curtis' answer out side of playing. I will analyze the piece of music I am playing make notes in my sheet music and those notes I made will help shape the performance. When I am playing, I don't think about the music at all. I let my intuition (which is heavily influenced by the analysis I did previously) dictate how I will play the piece.
– SaggingRufus
Mar 21 at 17:50
@LyRo I studied classical guitar. While playing I never "think about theory" but I do follow Michael Curtis' answer out side of playing. I will analyze the piece of music I am playing make notes in my sheet music and those notes I made will help shape the performance. When I am playing, I don't think about the music at all. I let my intuition (which is heavily influenced by the analysis I did previously) dictate how I will play the piece.
– SaggingRufus
Mar 21 at 17:50
1
1
There are too many levels of 'playing Bach on guitar' to consider! While a piece that I've played hundreds of times before, there's probably no theory thoughts going on at all. Bit like saying 2x tables. Could be totally automatic. Not saying it ought to be, but that's a fact. Sight-reading it first time - completely different. Loads of theory flashing up - pretty necessary. Unless of course, I am that good a sight reader that I look at the dots and play with little or no concious thought - automatically. Again, no direct theory. And players can do that. Question is too wide. Sorry.
– Tim
Mar 21 at 19:02
There are too many levels of 'playing Bach on guitar' to consider! While a piece that I've played hundreds of times before, there's probably no theory thoughts going on at all. Bit like saying 2x tables. Could be totally automatic. Not saying it ought to be, but that's a fact. Sight-reading it first time - completely different. Loads of theory flashing up - pretty necessary. Unless of course, I am that good a sight reader that I look at the dots and play with little or no concious thought - automatically. Again, no direct theory. And players can do that. Question is too wide. Sorry.
– Tim
Mar 21 at 19:02
|
show 1 more comment
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
I can answer about Bach on piano, but I think the ideas should apply on guitar.
In a lot of Bach's music imitative counterpoint is important. When the musical subject gets stated and re-stated in imitation as the music progresses I'm aware of those entries and I use that understanding to articulate the music and bring out the subject. The articulation could take many forms, but that isn't important as far as your question is concerned. The important thing is having the theoretical understanding of the music to recognize the subject and its imitation and then exploiting it to shape the performance.
Another very important application of theory would be identifying cadences or temporary key changes and using that to execute good phrasing. Again the exact execution could be handled many different ways - perhaps a little ritard is applied at cadences to articulate the phrase endings - the important thing is the theoretical knowledge about cadences and phrasing needed to understand the music structure and using that to render a good performance.
I also pay attention to scale degrees and the counterpoint interaction of bass and melody at important harmonic points. For example, if a V7
resolves to I
I pay attention to the FA to MI (^4 to ^3) resolution. If a tonic chord is in first inversion I6
to pay attention to which chord tone is in the melody. Maybe I don't do anything with this performance-wise, but I stay aware of these important harmonic tones. Probably it is a memory aid as it focuses on the essential musical framework.
Those would be some examples of a direct linking of theory to a good performance. Other things may come up that don't seem as essential and don't receive much conscious thought. Like a harmonic sequence. I notice the sequence. That's structurally important. But maybe I don't dwell on the exact chord names of each sequenced event. I care more about where it ends in terms of key.
Don't mistake that for indifference or not analyzing the music at all. Generally, I try analyzing everything I play with Roman numerals (unless such analysis doesn't make sense of the harmonic style.) But while actually playing I don't necessarily think about every single chord name.
One other theory thing I do all the time is look for real examples of music that breaks so-called theory rules! I think some people make too big a deal about rules so I like having examples to the contrary. I circle and write details such examples in my scores.
How much theory...?
I'm not sure how you would quantify it. But you probably aren't literally asking 'how much' for a quantity. I imagine it's more about what theory and why it matters in performance.
This really opens my mind about how theory interacts with playing, and how many complex concepts you can pay attention to that clearly require strong basics knowledge. You made a precise example with playing Bach on piano and counterpoint but I can see how different (not necessarily easier) concepts could apply to Jazz guitar improvisation or anything else. Thanks!
– Xandru
Mar 21 at 16:25
add a comment |
Theory is not a hammer. It's more like an Encyclopedia of Hammers. So it wouldn't be super handy to have it open just in case while hitting some nails. It might get in a way - we might look into it and hit a finger instead of nail.
But then, in the evening, there might be a time for a reflection. Was I using the right hammer today? Maybe the hammer from page 56 was much better tool for the job?
So while not really useful on the job, the Encyclopedia of Hammers might help in a long term to integrate the way we think about hammers, make us choose better hammers and very often prevent us from using hammers to smash already open doors.
Anyway, thinking while playing, and by thinking I mean some conscious decision making based on theory, simply should never happen. Performance is a different realm where "thinking" gets in the way of more meditative type of focus and physical connection to the instrument.
You nailed it! //thanks folks, I'll be here all week.
– Carl Witthoft
Mar 22 at 11:53
add a comment |
(Another answer from piano background.)
Theory is vital for good sight reading. Instead of seeing a pagefull of individual notes, you can see groups of patterns. You can look at the shape of the notes and the context and see "oh, that just outlines a V7 chord, then that next one is probably I," and then you just have to read two patterns instead of 7+ notes and then you're free to worry about other stuff instead.
(Not that I can just recognize every chord on sight, but things like I and V tend to stick out.)
If you don't know theory, maybe something has a lot of "random" accidentals you have to keep track of (especially if it's minor)! But if you understand how that extra sharp comes from modulating to a new key for a bit, or why composers like to use a #7 in minor keys, that's not really something you have to keep track of anymore; it's just a reminder of what you're already expecting.
add a comment |
I'm a student of music theory and I find it quite interesting, but when I'm performing and improvising, I'm not consciously thinking about theory. For me the theory comes into play when I'm studying the music away from the stage, kind of like trying to figure out how to improve the way a piece works, before I want anyone to see my performance of it. Theory study offers guidelines / options that I can use to help make a piece of music my own. It occurs to me that any musician that can successfully perform a piece of music, may not realize it, but they do on some level know some music theory and are using it without thinking when they perform the music. That's how I use it.
add a comment |
Just my two cents. Theory will help you understand the music better and maybe get more insight into the composer's intent which might help you interpret it more clearly. It sounds like you do fine the way you do it now, which is playing the music with a minimum of knowing the theory behind it's construction. After playing for years it might be satisfying to reach a deeper level of understanding why the music is put together the way it is. Or not. If you want to write your own then you should learn at least the basics.
add a comment |
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
I can answer about Bach on piano, but I think the ideas should apply on guitar.
In a lot of Bach's music imitative counterpoint is important. When the musical subject gets stated and re-stated in imitation as the music progresses I'm aware of those entries and I use that understanding to articulate the music and bring out the subject. The articulation could take many forms, but that isn't important as far as your question is concerned. The important thing is having the theoretical understanding of the music to recognize the subject and its imitation and then exploiting it to shape the performance.
Another very important application of theory would be identifying cadences or temporary key changes and using that to execute good phrasing. Again the exact execution could be handled many different ways - perhaps a little ritard is applied at cadences to articulate the phrase endings - the important thing is the theoretical knowledge about cadences and phrasing needed to understand the music structure and using that to render a good performance.
I also pay attention to scale degrees and the counterpoint interaction of bass and melody at important harmonic points. For example, if a V7
resolves to I
I pay attention to the FA to MI (^4 to ^3) resolution. If a tonic chord is in first inversion I6
to pay attention to which chord tone is in the melody. Maybe I don't do anything with this performance-wise, but I stay aware of these important harmonic tones. Probably it is a memory aid as it focuses on the essential musical framework.
Those would be some examples of a direct linking of theory to a good performance. Other things may come up that don't seem as essential and don't receive much conscious thought. Like a harmonic sequence. I notice the sequence. That's structurally important. But maybe I don't dwell on the exact chord names of each sequenced event. I care more about where it ends in terms of key.
Don't mistake that for indifference or not analyzing the music at all. Generally, I try analyzing everything I play with Roman numerals (unless such analysis doesn't make sense of the harmonic style.) But while actually playing I don't necessarily think about every single chord name.
One other theory thing I do all the time is look for real examples of music that breaks so-called theory rules! I think some people make too big a deal about rules so I like having examples to the contrary. I circle and write details such examples in my scores.
How much theory...?
I'm not sure how you would quantify it. But you probably aren't literally asking 'how much' for a quantity. I imagine it's more about what theory and why it matters in performance.
This really opens my mind about how theory interacts with playing, and how many complex concepts you can pay attention to that clearly require strong basics knowledge. You made a precise example with playing Bach on piano and counterpoint but I can see how different (not necessarily easier) concepts could apply to Jazz guitar improvisation or anything else. Thanks!
– Xandru
Mar 21 at 16:25
add a comment |
I can answer about Bach on piano, but I think the ideas should apply on guitar.
In a lot of Bach's music imitative counterpoint is important. When the musical subject gets stated and re-stated in imitation as the music progresses I'm aware of those entries and I use that understanding to articulate the music and bring out the subject. The articulation could take many forms, but that isn't important as far as your question is concerned. The important thing is having the theoretical understanding of the music to recognize the subject and its imitation and then exploiting it to shape the performance.
Another very important application of theory would be identifying cadences or temporary key changes and using that to execute good phrasing. Again the exact execution could be handled many different ways - perhaps a little ritard is applied at cadences to articulate the phrase endings - the important thing is the theoretical knowledge about cadences and phrasing needed to understand the music structure and using that to render a good performance.
I also pay attention to scale degrees and the counterpoint interaction of bass and melody at important harmonic points. For example, if a V7
resolves to I
I pay attention to the FA to MI (^4 to ^3) resolution. If a tonic chord is in first inversion I6
to pay attention to which chord tone is in the melody. Maybe I don't do anything with this performance-wise, but I stay aware of these important harmonic tones. Probably it is a memory aid as it focuses on the essential musical framework.
Those would be some examples of a direct linking of theory to a good performance. Other things may come up that don't seem as essential and don't receive much conscious thought. Like a harmonic sequence. I notice the sequence. That's structurally important. But maybe I don't dwell on the exact chord names of each sequenced event. I care more about where it ends in terms of key.
Don't mistake that for indifference or not analyzing the music at all. Generally, I try analyzing everything I play with Roman numerals (unless such analysis doesn't make sense of the harmonic style.) But while actually playing I don't necessarily think about every single chord name.
One other theory thing I do all the time is look for real examples of music that breaks so-called theory rules! I think some people make too big a deal about rules so I like having examples to the contrary. I circle and write details such examples in my scores.
How much theory...?
I'm not sure how you would quantify it. But you probably aren't literally asking 'how much' for a quantity. I imagine it's more about what theory and why it matters in performance.
This really opens my mind about how theory interacts with playing, and how many complex concepts you can pay attention to that clearly require strong basics knowledge. You made a precise example with playing Bach on piano and counterpoint but I can see how different (not necessarily easier) concepts could apply to Jazz guitar improvisation or anything else. Thanks!
– Xandru
Mar 21 at 16:25
add a comment |
I can answer about Bach on piano, but I think the ideas should apply on guitar.
In a lot of Bach's music imitative counterpoint is important. When the musical subject gets stated and re-stated in imitation as the music progresses I'm aware of those entries and I use that understanding to articulate the music and bring out the subject. The articulation could take many forms, but that isn't important as far as your question is concerned. The important thing is having the theoretical understanding of the music to recognize the subject and its imitation and then exploiting it to shape the performance.
Another very important application of theory would be identifying cadences or temporary key changes and using that to execute good phrasing. Again the exact execution could be handled many different ways - perhaps a little ritard is applied at cadences to articulate the phrase endings - the important thing is the theoretical knowledge about cadences and phrasing needed to understand the music structure and using that to render a good performance.
I also pay attention to scale degrees and the counterpoint interaction of bass and melody at important harmonic points. For example, if a V7
resolves to I
I pay attention to the FA to MI (^4 to ^3) resolution. If a tonic chord is in first inversion I6
to pay attention to which chord tone is in the melody. Maybe I don't do anything with this performance-wise, but I stay aware of these important harmonic tones. Probably it is a memory aid as it focuses on the essential musical framework.
Those would be some examples of a direct linking of theory to a good performance. Other things may come up that don't seem as essential and don't receive much conscious thought. Like a harmonic sequence. I notice the sequence. That's structurally important. But maybe I don't dwell on the exact chord names of each sequenced event. I care more about where it ends in terms of key.
Don't mistake that for indifference or not analyzing the music at all. Generally, I try analyzing everything I play with Roman numerals (unless such analysis doesn't make sense of the harmonic style.) But while actually playing I don't necessarily think about every single chord name.
One other theory thing I do all the time is look for real examples of music that breaks so-called theory rules! I think some people make too big a deal about rules so I like having examples to the contrary. I circle and write details such examples in my scores.
How much theory...?
I'm not sure how you would quantify it. But you probably aren't literally asking 'how much' for a quantity. I imagine it's more about what theory and why it matters in performance.
I can answer about Bach on piano, but I think the ideas should apply on guitar.
In a lot of Bach's music imitative counterpoint is important. When the musical subject gets stated and re-stated in imitation as the music progresses I'm aware of those entries and I use that understanding to articulate the music and bring out the subject. The articulation could take many forms, but that isn't important as far as your question is concerned. The important thing is having the theoretical understanding of the music to recognize the subject and its imitation and then exploiting it to shape the performance.
Another very important application of theory would be identifying cadences or temporary key changes and using that to execute good phrasing. Again the exact execution could be handled many different ways - perhaps a little ritard is applied at cadences to articulate the phrase endings - the important thing is the theoretical knowledge about cadences and phrasing needed to understand the music structure and using that to render a good performance.
I also pay attention to scale degrees and the counterpoint interaction of bass and melody at important harmonic points. For example, if a V7
resolves to I
I pay attention to the FA to MI (^4 to ^3) resolution. If a tonic chord is in first inversion I6
to pay attention to which chord tone is in the melody. Maybe I don't do anything with this performance-wise, but I stay aware of these important harmonic tones. Probably it is a memory aid as it focuses on the essential musical framework.
Those would be some examples of a direct linking of theory to a good performance. Other things may come up that don't seem as essential and don't receive much conscious thought. Like a harmonic sequence. I notice the sequence. That's structurally important. But maybe I don't dwell on the exact chord names of each sequenced event. I care more about where it ends in terms of key.
Don't mistake that for indifference or not analyzing the music at all. Generally, I try analyzing everything I play with Roman numerals (unless such analysis doesn't make sense of the harmonic style.) But while actually playing I don't necessarily think about every single chord name.
One other theory thing I do all the time is look for real examples of music that breaks so-called theory rules! I think some people make too big a deal about rules so I like having examples to the contrary. I circle and write details such examples in my scores.
How much theory...?
I'm not sure how you would quantify it. But you probably aren't literally asking 'how much' for a quantity. I imagine it's more about what theory and why it matters in performance.
answered Mar 21 at 16:09
Michael CurtisMichael Curtis
11.3k740
11.3k740
This really opens my mind about how theory interacts with playing, and how many complex concepts you can pay attention to that clearly require strong basics knowledge. You made a precise example with playing Bach on piano and counterpoint but I can see how different (not necessarily easier) concepts could apply to Jazz guitar improvisation or anything else. Thanks!
– Xandru
Mar 21 at 16:25
add a comment |
This really opens my mind about how theory interacts with playing, and how many complex concepts you can pay attention to that clearly require strong basics knowledge. You made a precise example with playing Bach on piano and counterpoint but I can see how different (not necessarily easier) concepts could apply to Jazz guitar improvisation or anything else. Thanks!
– Xandru
Mar 21 at 16:25
This really opens my mind about how theory interacts with playing, and how many complex concepts you can pay attention to that clearly require strong basics knowledge. You made a precise example with playing Bach on piano and counterpoint but I can see how different (not necessarily easier) concepts could apply to Jazz guitar improvisation or anything else. Thanks!
– Xandru
Mar 21 at 16:25
This really opens my mind about how theory interacts with playing, and how many complex concepts you can pay attention to that clearly require strong basics knowledge. You made a precise example with playing Bach on piano and counterpoint but I can see how different (not necessarily easier) concepts could apply to Jazz guitar improvisation or anything else. Thanks!
– Xandru
Mar 21 at 16:25
add a comment |
Theory is not a hammer. It's more like an Encyclopedia of Hammers. So it wouldn't be super handy to have it open just in case while hitting some nails. It might get in a way - we might look into it and hit a finger instead of nail.
But then, in the evening, there might be a time for a reflection. Was I using the right hammer today? Maybe the hammer from page 56 was much better tool for the job?
So while not really useful on the job, the Encyclopedia of Hammers might help in a long term to integrate the way we think about hammers, make us choose better hammers and very often prevent us from using hammers to smash already open doors.
Anyway, thinking while playing, and by thinking I mean some conscious decision making based on theory, simply should never happen. Performance is a different realm where "thinking" gets in the way of more meditative type of focus and physical connection to the instrument.
You nailed it! //thanks folks, I'll be here all week.
– Carl Witthoft
Mar 22 at 11:53
add a comment |
Theory is not a hammer. It's more like an Encyclopedia of Hammers. So it wouldn't be super handy to have it open just in case while hitting some nails. It might get in a way - we might look into it and hit a finger instead of nail.
But then, in the evening, there might be a time for a reflection. Was I using the right hammer today? Maybe the hammer from page 56 was much better tool for the job?
So while not really useful on the job, the Encyclopedia of Hammers might help in a long term to integrate the way we think about hammers, make us choose better hammers and very often prevent us from using hammers to smash already open doors.
Anyway, thinking while playing, and by thinking I mean some conscious decision making based on theory, simply should never happen. Performance is a different realm where "thinking" gets in the way of more meditative type of focus and physical connection to the instrument.
You nailed it! //thanks folks, I'll be here all week.
– Carl Witthoft
Mar 22 at 11:53
add a comment |
Theory is not a hammer. It's more like an Encyclopedia of Hammers. So it wouldn't be super handy to have it open just in case while hitting some nails. It might get in a way - we might look into it and hit a finger instead of nail.
But then, in the evening, there might be a time for a reflection. Was I using the right hammer today? Maybe the hammer from page 56 was much better tool for the job?
So while not really useful on the job, the Encyclopedia of Hammers might help in a long term to integrate the way we think about hammers, make us choose better hammers and very often prevent us from using hammers to smash already open doors.
Anyway, thinking while playing, and by thinking I mean some conscious decision making based on theory, simply should never happen. Performance is a different realm where "thinking" gets in the way of more meditative type of focus and physical connection to the instrument.
Theory is not a hammer. It's more like an Encyclopedia of Hammers. So it wouldn't be super handy to have it open just in case while hitting some nails. It might get in a way - we might look into it and hit a finger instead of nail.
But then, in the evening, there might be a time for a reflection. Was I using the right hammer today? Maybe the hammer from page 56 was much better tool for the job?
So while not really useful on the job, the Encyclopedia of Hammers might help in a long term to integrate the way we think about hammers, make us choose better hammers and very often prevent us from using hammers to smash already open doors.
Anyway, thinking while playing, and by thinking I mean some conscious decision making based on theory, simply should never happen. Performance is a different realm where "thinking" gets in the way of more meditative type of focus and physical connection to the instrument.
answered Mar 21 at 16:26
Jarek.DJarek.D
8587
8587
You nailed it! //thanks folks, I'll be here all week.
– Carl Witthoft
Mar 22 at 11:53
add a comment |
You nailed it! //thanks folks, I'll be here all week.
– Carl Witthoft
Mar 22 at 11:53
You nailed it! //thanks folks, I'll be here all week.
– Carl Witthoft
Mar 22 at 11:53
You nailed it! //thanks folks, I'll be here all week.
– Carl Witthoft
Mar 22 at 11:53
add a comment |
(Another answer from piano background.)
Theory is vital for good sight reading. Instead of seeing a pagefull of individual notes, you can see groups of patterns. You can look at the shape of the notes and the context and see "oh, that just outlines a V7 chord, then that next one is probably I," and then you just have to read two patterns instead of 7+ notes and then you're free to worry about other stuff instead.
(Not that I can just recognize every chord on sight, but things like I and V tend to stick out.)
If you don't know theory, maybe something has a lot of "random" accidentals you have to keep track of (especially if it's minor)! But if you understand how that extra sharp comes from modulating to a new key for a bit, or why composers like to use a #7 in minor keys, that's not really something you have to keep track of anymore; it's just a reminder of what you're already expecting.
add a comment |
(Another answer from piano background.)
Theory is vital for good sight reading. Instead of seeing a pagefull of individual notes, you can see groups of patterns. You can look at the shape of the notes and the context and see "oh, that just outlines a V7 chord, then that next one is probably I," and then you just have to read two patterns instead of 7+ notes and then you're free to worry about other stuff instead.
(Not that I can just recognize every chord on sight, but things like I and V tend to stick out.)
If you don't know theory, maybe something has a lot of "random" accidentals you have to keep track of (especially if it's minor)! But if you understand how that extra sharp comes from modulating to a new key for a bit, or why composers like to use a #7 in minor keys, that's not really something you have to keep track of anymore; it's just a reminder of what you're already expecting.
add a comment |
(Another answer from piano background.)
Theory is vital for good sight reading. Instead of seeing a pagefull of individual notes, you can see groups of patterns. You can look at the shape of the notes and the context and see "oh, that just outlines a V7 chord, then that next one is probably I," and then you just have to read two patterns instead of 7+ notes and then you're free to worry about other stuff instead.
(Not that I can just recognize every chord on sight, but things like I and V tend to stick out.)
If you don't know theory, maybe something has a lot of "random" accidentals you have to keep track of (especially if it's minor)! But if you understand how that extra sharp comes from modulating to a new key for a bit, or why composers like to use a #7 in minor keys, that's not really something you have to keep track of anymore; it's just a reminder of what you're already expecting.
(Another answer from piano background.)
Theory is vital for good sight reading. Instead of seeing a pagefull of individual notes, you can see groups of patterns. You can look at the shape of the notes and the context and see "oh, that just outlines a V7 chord, then that next one is probably I," and then you just have to read two patterns instead of 7+ notes and then you're free to worry about other stuff instead.
(Not that I can just recognize every chord on sight, but things like I and V tend to stick out.)
If you don't know theory, maybe something has a lot of "random" accidentals you have to keep track of (especially if it's minor)! But if you understand how that extra sharp comes from modulating to a new key for a bit, or why composers like to use a #7 in minor keys, that's not really something you have to keep track of anymore; it's just a reminder of what you're already expecting.
answered Mar 21 at 17:34
JETMJETM
290210
290210
add a comment |
add a comment |
I'm a student of music theory and I find it quite interesting, but when I'm performing and improvising, I'm not consciously thinking about theory. For me the theory comes into play when I'm studying the music away from the stage, kind of like trying to figure out how to improve the way a piece works, before I want anyone to see my performance of it. Theory study offers guidelines / options that I can use to help make a piece of music my own. It occurs to me that any musician that can successfully perform a piece of music, may not realize it, but they do on some level know some music theory and are using it without thinking when they perform the music. That's how I use it.
add a comment |
I'm a student of music theory and I find it quite interesting, but when I'm performing and improvising, I'm not consciously thinking about theory. For me the theory comes into play when I'm studying the music away from the stage, kind of like trying to figure out how to improve the way a piece works, before I want anyone to see my performance of it. Theory study offers guidelines / options that I can use to help make a piece of music my own. It occurs to me that any musician that can successfully perform a piece of music, may not realize it, but they do on some level know some music theory and are using it without thinking when they perform the music. That's how I use it.
add a comment |
I'm a student of music theory and I find it quite interesting, but when I'm performing and improvising, I'm not consciously thinking about theory. For me the theory comes into play when I'm studying the music away from the stage, kind of like trying to figure out how to improve the way a piece works, before I want anyone to see my performance of it. Theory study offers guidelines / options that I can use to help make a piece of music my own. It occurs to me that any musician that can successfully perform a piece of music, may not realize it, but they do on some level know some music theory and are using it without thinking when they perform the music. That's how I use it.
I'm a student of music theory and I find it quite interesting, but when I'm performing and improvising, I'm not consciously thinking about theory. For me the theory comes into play when I'm studying the music away from the stage, kind of like trying to figure out how to improve the way a piece works, before I want anyone to see my performance of it. Theory study offers guidelines / options that I can use to help make a piece of music my own. It occurs to me that any musician that can successfully perform a piece of music, may not realize it, but they do on some level know some music theory and are using it without thinking when they perform the music. That's how I use it.
answered Mar 21 at 21:15
skinny peacockskinny peacock
2,1052323
2,1052323
add a comment |
add a comment |
Just my two cents. Theory will help you understand the music better and maybe get more insight into the composer's intent which might help you interpret it more clearly. It sounds like you do fine the way you do it now, which is playing the music with a minimum of knowing the theory behind it's construction. After playing for years it might be satisfying to reach a deeper level of understanding why the music is put together the way it is. Or not. If you want to write your own then you should learn at least the basics.
add a comment |
Just my two cents. Theory will help you understand the music better and maybe get more insight into the composer's intent which might help you interpret it more clearly. It sounds like you do fine the way you do it now, which is playing the music with a minimum of knowing the theory behind it's construction. After playing for years it might be satisfying to reach a deeper level of understanding why the music is put together the way it is. Or not. If you want to write your own then you should learn at least the basics.
add a comment |
Just my two cents. Theory will help you understand the music better and maybe get more insight into the composer's intent which might help you interpret it more clearly. It sounds like you do fine the way you do it now, which is playing the music with a minimum of knowing the theory behind it's construction. After playing for years it might be satisfying to reach a deeper level of understanding why the music is put together the way it is. Or not. If you want to write your own then you should learn at least the basics.
Just my two cents. Theory will help you understand the music better and maybe get more insight into the composer's intent which might help you interpret it more clearly. It sounds like you do fine the way you do it now, which is playing the music with a minimum of knowing the theory behind it's construction. After playing for years it might be satisfying to reach a deeper level of understanding why the music is put together the way it is. Or not. If you want to write your own then you should learn at least the basics.
answered Mar 22 at 6:20
user48490user48490
931
931
add a comment |
add a comment |
6
This is just another version of the age old question of 'how much important is theory for musicianship', possible duplicate. Here's my quick take on it - It's just been 3 months so you need to give much more time to grasp the basic ideas and concepts. MT is not mandatory to make or play music and there are several top artists/producers who self-admittedly never learnt MT as such but from my own experience I can safely say that you'll never come across a musician who has spent some serious time learning MT but went on to regret it.
– LyRo
Mar 21 at 15:39
1
@LyRo As I said, I'm really into music theory and want to learn as much as I can! My curiosity was more about how much of it is explicitly thought of while playing and how much is situational (like, I'm sure composing uses tons of theory).
– Xandru
Mar 21 at 15:43
When I'm playing an instrument I never EXPLICITLY think of any theory while playing BUT I guess it really helps to know MT in situations like when you need to reharmonise a melody on the fly or say you need to (unexpectedly, for n number of reasons) modulate to a different key seamlessly etc.
– LyRo
Mar 21 at 15:57
2
@LyRo I studied classical guitar. While playing I never "think about theory" but I do follow Michael Curtis' answer out side of playing. I will analyze the piece of music I am playing make notes in my sheet music and those notes I made will help shape the performance. When I am playing, I don't think about the music at all. I let my intuition (which is heavily influenced by the analysis I did previously) dictate how I will play the piece.
– SaggingRufus
Mar 21 at 17:50
1
There are too many levels of 'playing Bach on guitar' to consider! While a piece that I've played hundreds of times before, there's probably no theory thoughts going on at all. Bit like saying 2x tables. Could be totally automatic. Not saying it ought to be, but that's a fact. Sight-reading it first time - completely different. Loads of theory flashing up - pretty necessary. Unless of course, I am that good a sight reader that I look at the dots and play with little or no concious thought - automatically. Again, no direct theory. And players can do that. Question is too wide. Sorry.
– Tim
Mar 21 at 19:02