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Topic: Some advice on learning Music Theory , please..... |
Ray Anderson
From:
Jenkins, Kentucky USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2013 6:44 am |
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| Hey Guys, I want to learn some music theory to broaden my experience in playing and maybe try to help some others that are around me in the process. First and foremost , I need helpful replies because I already know how ignorant I am about it. My question is how to approach the subject matter and the order of it to maximize my learning , i.e., what do I need to study first so that I get a full understanding of where I'm going , not getting the cart before the horse. I guess I need a course designed for " dummies " . Your help is greatly appreciated. Happy Steelin'. |
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Ken Campbell
From:
Ferndale, Montana
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Posted 23 Nov 2013 6:54 am Music theory for practical people
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Music Theory for practical people. Available on amazon. Well written. Great explanations. I use my copy constantly.
Kc |
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Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
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Posted 23 Nov 2013 7:09 am
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http://www.markvanallen.com/store_books.html
Scroll down to the E9th theory. Good use of $32
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects |
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Keith Currie
From:
Shellbrook, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Posted 23 Nov 2013 7:47 am
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| I second what Lane said, great course and easy to follow and understand. |
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Ian Rae
From:
Redditch, England
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Posted 23 Nov 2013 9:41 am
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Although I never learned to play the piano, I picked up most of my music theory sitting at one. A guitar, especially a steel, is not a good way as the notes are not really visible; on a keyboard they're all laid out plain to see - get any cheap kids' one*. I still go back to it when there's something I can't figure out in my head.
*Don't let me tell you what to do - go right ahead and buy a Steinway...
_________________
Make sleeping dogs tell the truth!
Homebuilt keyless U12 7x5, Excel keyless U12 8x8, Williams keyless U12 7x8, Telonics rack and 15" cabs |
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Cody Russell
From:
Arkansas, now in Denver
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Posted 23 Nov 2013 10:17 am
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I am also in need of some music theory...I'm really interested in modes. is that something that would be included in most intro steel theory materials?
_________________
carter pro, 66 twin revrerb, steel king, tut taylor dobro, gibson rb 250 |
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Eric Philippsen
From:
Central Florida USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2013 10:43 am
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I don't think modes would be in an introductory music theory course. Yeah, maybe some would mention them, but studying those before getting the basics would definitely be putting the cart before the horse.
Music theory can be a great tool and aide in your life as a musician. I use it all the time.
One of the subjects I use ALL the time is chord theory. That is, having the ability and knowledge to spell out the notes in any chord whatsoever. Many decades ago my guitar teacher hammered the chord formulas into my I- thought-I-knew-it-all teenage brain and I am forever grateful to that man for doing so. He also taught and required me to memorize all the key signatures, scales, and other fundamentals. Later, when I actually took an advanced theory class in a formal classroom, it turned out I was way ahead of the other students simply because I was so grounded in the basics.
Learn the basics. Think basics like key signatures, note recognition, chords, and scales. Learn how to read music. For goodness sake, don't fall for that stupid belief that "you should only read enough music to not hurt your playing."
Last edited by Eric Philippsen on 23 Nov 2013 12:39 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Jack Aldrich
From:
Washington, USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2013 12:34 pm
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Cody - modes are fairly easy to understand it you have access to a piano. There are 7 modes, each corresponding to a scale on the white keys, based on middle C.
Ionian - C to C, a major scale
Dorian - D to D, a scale that flats the 3rd and 7th
Phrygian - E to E, flats the 2nd and others
Lydian - F to F, sharps the 5th note.
Mixolydian - G to G, flats the 7th note
Aeolian - A to A, a minor scale (Amin is the relative minor for the C scale)
Locrian - B to B, "the devil's mode", is a half diminished scale, flats 3rd, 5th and 7th notes.
Now, if you move the scales so they start at C, you notice that the Dorian has an Eb and a Bb in it.
etc.
I hope this makes sense to you. - Jack
_________________
Jack Aldrich
Carter & ShoBud D10's
D8 & T8 Stringmaster
Rickenbacher B6
3 Resonator guitars
Asher Alan Akaka Special SN 6
Canopus D8 |
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John Peay
From:
Cumming, Georgia USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2013 12:38 pm Agreed on This!!
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| Lane Gray wrote: |
http://www.markvanallen.com/store_books.html
Scroll down to the E9th theory. Good use of $32 |
I would call this a must-have for newer steel players. Mark's course will not only teach you music theory, but the application of it to the E9 neck and how to use it in the "real world" of playing pedal steel.
I helped me a bunch, and I continue to listen through it on occasion. |
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Mike Perlowin
From:
Los Angeles CA
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Jim Palenscar
From:
Oceanside, Calif, USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2013 10:06 pm
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| While I cannot attest to others listed, I can tell you that Mike's book is very well written and demystifies music theory which really can be quite understandable and Mike's supplement for the PSG is perfect! |
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Pete Conklin
From:
Austin, TX
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Posted 24 Nov 2013 12:26 am
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+1 for Mark's CD
+1.1 for Mike's book and supplement |
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Bobby Bowman
From:
Cypress, Texas, USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 24 Nov 2013 12:28 am
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Buddy Emmons' "E-9 Vocabulary" would also be a very good choice,,,,,if you can find one.
Perhaps Jim Palenscar may have it.
BB
_________________
If you play 'em, play 'em good!
If you build 'em, build 'em good!
http://www.bobbybowman.com |
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Steve Hitsman
From:
Waterloo, IL
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Dale Rottacker
From:
Walla Walla Washington, USA
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Niels Andrews
From:
Salinas, California, USA
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Posted 24 Nov 2013 10:57 am
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I would say Mike's book, especially with the addendum he will email you, is a must have. I have given a couple to musician's who were in the fog, and it has helped them a lot. 
_________________
Die with Memories. Not Dreams.
Good Stuff like Zum S-12, Wolfe Resoport
MSA SS-12, Telonics Combo. |
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Jeff Metz Jr.
From:
York, Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 24 Nov 2013 10:56 pm
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If your not already familiar with t....I would learn the Nashville number system.
I.e. 1,4,&5are major and 2,6,&3are minor...7 is diminished.
_________________
Mullen G2 SD10 , Lil Izzy Buffer, Goodrich 120 volume pedal, Boss DD-7, Peterson Strobo flip, Peavey Nashville 112 |
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Dennis Russell
From:
California, USA
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Posted 24 Nov 2013 11:50 pm
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I'm not familiar with the above mentioned books, but I've taught college music theory courses ranging from "know nothing" basic to advanced jazz improvisation, songwriting and composition. In my opinion, the most important things to learn in Western music theory, whether from a book, a teacher, or a class, are the following, in this order (using standard musical notation is not necessary, but I find that it may greatly aid in visualizing some concepts):
1. All the notes in all major scales in all keys. Learn the construction of a major scale-whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step. Everything else builds on the knowledge of major scales.
1a. All the notes in the natural minor scale, harmonic minor scale, melodic minor scale.
2. Intervals (the distance between two) notes. major intervals, minor intervals, diminished intervals and augmented intervals.
3. Construction of triads. How are the thirds stacked in Major, minor, diminished and augmented chords.
3a. sus chords.
4. Triad inversions.
5. Diatonic chords (harmonized scale).
5a. Common chord progressions: I-IV-V, I-vi-IV-V, I-vi-ii-V, etc.
5b. Modes (which mode corresponds to which scale degree, and can therefore be used over the corresponding diatonic chord).
6. 7th Chords. How are the thirds stacked in Maj7, min7, dim7, minor7b5 (half diminished)
7. 7th Chords inversions.
8. Harmonized scale with 7th chords.
9. Extending chords: 9th, 11th, 13th
10. Altering chords: # or b extensions and/or other notes within the chord
A lot of this can be understood just by memorizing formulas and looking at notes on a page. To truly understand it, however, you should be able to play it and hear it.
_________________
ETS S10, Fender Champion 6 string lap steel, Magnatone 6 string lap steel, Johnson Dobro, 1961 Fender Bassman, Fender Blues Jr., Fender Mustang III |
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Rick Myrland
From:
New Orleans
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Posted 25 Nov 2013 10:10 am
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I took an evening Music Theory Fundamentals class at the local technical college, what an eye opener. So much more stuff posted on this forum make sense to me know. Best $530 ever spent on music instruction.
_________________
Mullen G2; Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb; Goodrich L-120 |
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John Castelletti
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Posted 26 Nov 2013 5:36 pm
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| I can;t recommend Mark Van Allens E9th Theory course strongly enough. It really helped demystify the pedal steel |
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Ray Anderson
From:
Jenkins, Kentucky USA
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Posted 27 Nov 2013 12:22 pm
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Thanks for all the response, you guys are a great help. I've had Mark's E9 course for a couple years, I wanted something to visualize as well. Mark covered the PSG end of it very well but I wanted something for all the needs that arise with other musical challenges. So I ordered Mike's book of theory and got the supplement ( Thanks Mike ). So my journey begins at 60 years young and I'm ready for it. Ones ability stops when his desires are suppressed and doesn't want to go any farther. I will be needing further assistance, I'm sure. Thanks to all.  |
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