What good is music theory? Should I bother studying it?

Question

I know about as much about music as the average college graduate. I am not a musician but I am planning on learning to play guitar. Would studying music theory be of any benefit to me as an amateur guitarist? If so, how much? I really am not even sure what is meant by music theory to be honest. One of the main reasons I am interested is because I think that my son may have some musical talent and I want to do what I can to encourage and cultivate his potential. Thanks.

Answer 1

Music theory is the study of pitch, duration, intensitry and timbre -- in a nut shell.  And how these elements interact to make music.

Yes, music theory would benefit you as a guitarist because you would have an understanding of these elements.

Answer 2

yes, if your serious you have to study the theory,there,s alot more to learn then you may realize,you will benifit even if you don,t pursue it.knowledge is always power even if you don,t use it right away.u will!

Answer 3

cuz music writing is what its all about, it's hard to make a living as a musician, but if you can write then you actually have a higher chance of getting in the music business and then performing, and on top of that music theory improves sight reading skills.  I took music theroy in a classroom setting in 6th grade at my school of the arts

and i am soo much of a better pianist/songwriter becuase of it

Answer 4

I studied musical theory for a long time as a child and teenager, and now, as an adult, I play the guitar for fun.  I'm no technical expert playing the guitar, but I find that now, because of my musical theory training, I can figure out any song's chords because my theory training is so strong.  I may not be able to play the chords as well as others who are technically more proficient, but I have met people who are better guitar players than I am who have a really hard time figuring out new songs with difficult chords (beyond the three-to-five chord songs) without fake books because they don't have any theory training.

Answer 5

Thanks for asking this question. Many people are too intimidated to even inquire. NEWSFLASH!!! I've taught music theory to 8-yr.-olds, and have studied it myself since I was 6 years old.

The benefits to be reaped are myriad and can apply to many other areas of life. You can learn as much or as little as you like and go at your own speed with a little help from books and internet sites.

To get a  better handle on what it's all about, I recommend:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_theor...

Then, check out some of the following:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=boo...

And yes, there is a book titled "Music Theory for Dummies."

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=...

HELPFUL ONLINE STUDIES:

http://www.musictheory.net

http://www.numbera.com/musictheory/

The most wonderful thing about understanding Music Theory is that it applies to all instruments. In addition to helping you become a good guitarist, you can also learn (at the same time) keyboards, as the piano keyboard is pretty much at the root of it all.

Another benefit is that MT is a great topic for discussion in just about any gathering of people.

If you and/or your son decide on taking lessons, make sure that the instructor teaches theory as well as guitar. I cannot stress this enough. It provides for faster learning and  gives one a comprehensive realm of knowledge with which to work.

I commend you not only for wanting to encourage your child, but for your willingness to be an active participant. Good parenting!

Kabum (MT/Guitar Instructor)