Theory/Technique

[Professor Riffs]

I learn & use all the music theory and techniques I can get my grubby little mits on. Not because I always want everything to be perfect in terms of harmony and such, but because I want to be able to make any sound I hear in my head. Often, it's put to use for chaotic, unnerving sounds, and I want to be able to play them the same way twice. Even the biggest pile of noise can be analyzed & reproduced.

Discuss..............now!

disclaimer: I have nothing against those who share opinions other than myself regarding this subject. Please do not fart in my general direction.

[drewsifer]

People call it theory, although they should just call it piano! I learned piano at a young age and it made all theory make perfect sence. why you ask? because the structure of musical tones is displayed on the pianio as it exists in music. However bare in mind that music was around far before theory ever existed. Theory is just the science of explaining why this phenomenon of music exists and more importantly why it sounds good. Music should always come from inside, not from technique or theory. Knowlege of theory allows you to discuss music with others as well as analyse whats going on. The most intersting thing is that with all this emphisis on harmony in theory, no schools take rhythm as serious as harmnony. The fact is without rhythm you only have two options: infinatly sustained, and off. Rhythm is the most important aspect of music although no schools teach rhythm with this regaurd.

TATERS!

[Professor Riffs]

Originally Posted by drewsifer

People call it theory, although they should just call it piano! I learned piano at a young age and it made all theory make perfect sence. why you ask? because the structure of musical tones is displayed on the pianio as it exists in music. However bare in mind that music was around far before theory ever existed. Theory is just the science of explaining why this phenomenon of music exists and more importantly why it sounds good. Music should always come from inside, not from technique or theory. Knowlege of theory allows you to discuss music with others as well as analyse whats going on. The most intersting thing is that with all this emphisis on harmony in theory, no schools take rhythm as serious as harmnony. The fact is without rhythm you only have two options: infinatly sustained, and off. Rhythm is the most important aspect of music although no schools teach rhythm with this regaurd.

TATERS!

Taters indeed!!!! I agree on the comments concerning rhythm. It was my weak point for a while, until I realized what all I was missing out on. As for music coming from within, I always tell my students to write and then think about it, not the other way around. And even then, it's best to know when to not think about it at all. It should indeed come from the person, not solely from a book.

On another note, a lot of people think that if you write music that takes woodshedding and a lot of thought, that it couldn't possibly come from the heart. My greatest joys in life come from trying to push my limits, and from seeing what else is out there. I'd almost be lying if I didn't convey those qualities in my music, and I would certainly be cheating myself!

[dagosto]

I was fortunate enough to study at a music school where rhythm was given its due. Sometimes I think my theory training can get in the way of my writing. Sometimes it amazes me how crazy things can get using conventional theory. I think drewsifier is on the right track by pointing out theattheory came after music. It really is just a codification of places that have already been visited in an art which is limitless. Theory just helps us navigate.

[lukedavo]

Uhhh, what came first the chicken or the egg? IMO Who cares, well some people do, but music doesnt play itself, just do what feels right and worry about the bullshit later. Most people who would be listening to your prospective albums, dont know what any of those things your talking about (thoery, technique, harmony, rhythm, texture, etc...) are. So, you can have all your answers prepared for the true music nerd, but chances are you'll be happier in your ignorance, just like me!
Remember, don't hate it's JMO

[Professor Riffs]

I will never, ever be happy in ignorance.

[lukedavo]

Too bad, it's rather blissful........ignorance that is.

[lucidlou]

Originally Posted by lukedavo

Uhhh, what came first the chicken or the egg? IMO Who cares, well some people do, but music doesnt play itself, just do what feels right and worry about the bullshit later. Most people who would be listening to your prospective albums, dont know what any of those things your talking about (thoery, technique, harmony, rhythm, texture, etc...) are. So, you can have all your answers prepared for the true music nerd, but chances are you'll be happier in your ignorance, just like me!
Remember, don't hate it's JMO

You are not alone lukedavo. I can play my ass off for somebody who doesn't know squat about theory. Jimmy Hendrix didn't know squat and just listen to the live stuff. I will eventually learn some theory just to help me navigate (like dagusto said), but I cannot let it limit my creativity, which I feel it sometimes can.

[MarlonBrandoCalrissian]

I think the best point here is that...theory, being simply a way to explain or analyze what's happening musically - allows you to intelligently (used loosely ) redo or enhance "that cool thing" you played. Or give you more ideas to begin with.

e.g. Say your playing a song in the key of E minor - you happen to be noodling on the guitar and bust out a nice riff - if you don't know that it's in E minor and you don't know your scales, it may all end right there.

However, if you know your scales and you recognize that the lick you played just happens to be a simple arpeggiation of the Eminor scale - you can work on/enhance it from there.

It's really just a matter of opening up your options - using all the available tools. You don't have to use it, cause it's really about what sounds good, but knowing why it sounds good can give you a creative advantage.

[Professor Riffs]

To the MBC: Well said.