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Posted by: TreyDeschamp Dec 11 2012, 04:24 AM

I'm struggling to teach myself music theory.

I've been reading the massive theory guide that was put out by GMC a while back when Andrew Cockburn was still hanging around but I'm not sure how to make sense of things easily.

Any tips?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Dec 11 2012, 09:24 AM

I think it's important to have a good grasp on the following things:

- the structure of the major scale
- its intervals
- building chords and arpeggios
- harmonizing a major scale
- chord progressions - analyzing song structures will help a big lot
- understanding how to use the circle of 5th
- relationships between chords and scales

I'd be happy to talk to you about these if ya want

Cosmin

Posted by: MonkeyDAthos Dec 11 2012, 03:14 PM

I will give you one advice: try not get an overdose of information, you don't need to learn everything in one day.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Dec 11 2012, 03:26 PM

QUOTE (MonkeyDAthos @ Dec 11 2012, 02:14 PM)

Posted by: PosterBoy Dec 11 2012, 05:22 PM

Definitely only learn what you can apply to your playing and then maybe a just a tiny bit more to help push your playing and ideas a little more.

I try and put everything I learn onto the fretboard

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Dec 12 2012, 10:22 AM

Indeed, theory must not be regarded as a thing to learn 'in theory only' As suggested above, learning a theoretic notion should be followed by applying those things in a musical context. All the lessons here at GMC are usually explained theory wise as well So before practicing, take the time to understand what's being played as well - you'll discover great things!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 12 2012, 05:19 PM

Great info by Cosmin in this thread! My suggestion it to dedicate maybe 10 minutes a day to learn something new about music theory. There are many book out there, guitar lessons in out archive and GMC instructors ready to mentor you.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Dec 13 2012, 08:44 AM

Thank you Gabe! If you think you would like us to help further, please go on and PM either Gabe or me and we'll gladly take you on the mentoring programs we both have!