The Most Complex theory concept you've learned.

[denismcd]

Forum Noob here...hope you don't mind if I chime in.

I studied music theory for quite a few years and have a very solid understanding of theoretical concepts and very strong relative pitch (not perfect pitch). I've found the training to be helpful in understanding why something sounds pleasing and how a piece is constructed. At the same time, I do not like popular music that takes itself too seriously. I'm not one to sit around listening to 20 minute songs getting all misty-eyed over the clever use of exotic scales. ("dude--did you hear the way he went all "Lydian Minor" on that one??). I can dig it, but when it comes right down to it I prefer clever the pop hook and turn of a phrase that sticks with you all day. For me, its all about the song.

If you really want to get a good education in both theory and songwriting, get a book of standards and look at the way some of those songs were written (get a good book with the chord charts, not the EZPiano series). The cats writing the Tin Pan Alley stuff or some of the classics (think "Stormy Weather" or "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas") started with a melody line and filled in the chords and phrasing. They didn't adhere to the rules of theory, but they knew that you must know the rules in order to break them effectively.

Just my .02.

Best,
Denismcd

[GuitarPix]

It does seem that you either need to know a lot of theory or very little. If you know lots there's some cool tools in your tool box. If you know very little - but are adventurous - you throw stuff at the wall and see what sticks. Being in the middle seems to be a hindrance.

I know when I was young and not knowing anything, I did really "silly" ideas that turned out pretty good, and I still play some of them. When I started to "learn the rules" I got kind of boring, doing the "right" thing.

I've been back to studying a bit of jazz lately and am pretty happy with some of the stuff I've been doing recently - reminds me of my early years. Can't say I'm a real theory technician - I understand what counterpoint is, but have never analyzed or written any. But have been learning to re-harmonize songs using fourths, which was something Thelonius Monk apparently used to do.

But, as they say, "I know enough now to be dangerous." (Mostly to myself ;0)