Music Theory for Dummies book

Brett Hansen · From: Michigan, USA

I'm taking the online E9 foundations course from Paul Franklin and am struggling with all the theory. Would this book help or is there a better resource?

Lee Gauthier · From: Victoria, BC, Canada

For general theory I have a friend who has had good success starting here: https://viva.pressbooks.pub/openmusictheory/part/fundamentals/

My suggestion would be to get a piano keyboard around in order to test out the different theory concepts you'll learn. It'll let you hear them before trying to find how they fit on the pedal steel fretboard. For fundamentals and how they fit on E9 pedal steel I found the dewitt scott book is a easy way in to notation and chords on pedal steel.

Paul Franklin's full course has a lot of segments that do a good job of theory + pedal steel too, possibly just going for the full PF method is what you want?

Dave Magram · From: San Jose, California, USA

Bill C. Buntin · Posted 5 Jan 2022 7:26 am

Hey Brett,

Many of us on the Forum can help you with the theory.

I know what you are facing, because it is a steep learning curve starting out.

I've used Paul's material in the past, back when he was teaching by cassette tape. Late 80's early 90's And it was very good stuff. So you already are on the premier learning material in my opinion.

Sometimes a good teacher in person can unravel some of the issues for you. In my case, I lived very near to the Late Maurice Anderson. He got me squared away very quickly in the first couple of months when I started.

But you can post here, specifics and examples etc.. and there are a multitude of top notch players and teachers on here that will jump in and help.

Jim Palenscar · From: Oceanside, Calif, USA

Our recently departed forumite Mike Perlowin wrote an excellent book entitled Music Theory in the Real World which is fortunately still sold by Amazon for about $15. He also wrote a pedal steel supplement for that applying theory concepts to the pedal steel E9 tuning and I can send that to you if you would like for no charge- just send a request to steelguitars@cox.net.

Larry Phleger · From: DuBois, PA

Jim, Does the supplement cover C6?

Jim Palenscar · From: Oceanside, Calif, USA

I don't believe it does.

Brett Hansen · From: Michigan, USA

John Larson · From: Pennsyltucky, USA

I'd also recommend a smart phone music theory app. I use one called "perfect ear" it has plenty of interval ear training excersizes to work through. Having a good ear for relative pitches is a must for steel playing imo.
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Brett Hansen · From: Michigan, USA

Thanks John I will do that!

Don Downes · From: New Hampshire, USA

I agree that a keyboard it the best tool to learn theory. Had it not been for my years playing piano, I would never been able to grasp the steel.

Ask yourself this: What is E9, and why does it matter?
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Colin Swinney · From: Wisconsin, USA

Another aspect when learning theory is “practicing” away from the instrument. Just thinking though the concepts, spelling chords, or the number system or whatever while you’re shoveling the driveway can be a huge help.

It can be daunting when you’re trying to learn your instrument at the same time so keeping it as separate practice really seems to help lessen the confusion (for me anyway).

John McClung · From: Olympia WA, USA

I use Jack Hatfield's book, "How to Play By Ear" (book & CD), as a textbook in my E9 teaching. Chock full of good stuff, including Nashville number system, predicting chords, ear training tracks on CD... Really helpful for bandstand players.
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E9 INSTRUCTION
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Brett Hansen · From: Michigan, USA

Thanks John!!!!! I'll grab that book too.

Don Downes · From: New Hampshire, USA

Brett, what is your musical background? Do you play any other instruments other that the steel?
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Tele, Strat, Gretsch 12-string, 335, Yamaha Bass, Blues Deluxe Reissue, JC-120, Hammond BV, Yamaha MO8, DW Collector Series drums, Cubase, and more stuff

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