Some advice on learning Music Theory , please.....

[Ray Anderson]

Hey Guys, I want to learn some music theory to broaden my experience in playing and maybe try to help some others that are around me in the process. First and foremost , I need helpful replies because I already know how ignorant I am about it. My question is how to approach the subject matter and the order of it to maximize my learning , i.e., what do I need to study first so that I get a full understanding of where I'm going , not getting the cart before the horse. I guess I need a course designed for " dummies " . Your help is greatly appreciated. Happy Steelin'.

[Ken Campbell]

Music Theory for practical people. Available on amazon. Well written. Great explanations. I use my copy constantly.


Kc

[Lane Gray]

http://www.markvanallen.com/store_books.html

Scroll down to the E9th theory. Good use of $32

[Keith Currie]

I second what Lane said, great course and easy to follow and understand.

[Ian Rae]

Although I never learned to play the piano, I picked up most of my music theory sitting at one. A guitar, especially a steel, is not a good way as the notes are not really visible; on a keyboard they're all laid out plain to see - get any cheap kids' one*. I still go back to it when there's something I can't figure out in my head.

*Don't let me tell you what to do - go right ahead and buy a Steinway...

[Cody Russell]

I am also in need of some music theory...I'm really interested in modes. is that something that would be included in most intro steel theory materials?

[Eric Philippsen]

I don't think modes would be in an introductory music theory course. Yeah, maybe some would mention them, but studying those before getting the basics would definitely be putting the cart before the horse.

Music theory can be a great tool and aide in your life as a musician. I use it all the time.

One of the subjects I use ALL the time is chord theory. That is, having the ability and knowledge to spell out the notes in any chord whatsoever. Many decades ago my guitar teacher hammered the chord formulas into my I- thought-I-knew-it-all teenage brain and I am forever grateful to that man for doing so. He also taught and required me to memorize all the key signatures, scales, and other fundamentals. Later, when I actually took an advanced theory class in a formal classroom, it turned out I was way ahead of the other students simply because I was so grounded in the basics.

Learn the basics. Think basics like key signatures, note recognition, chords, and scales. Learn how to read music. For goodness sake, don't fall for that stupid belief that "you should only read enough music to not hurt your playing."

[Jack Aldrich]

Cody - modes are fairly easy to understand it you have access to a piano. There are 7 modes, each corresponding to a scale on the white keys, based on middle C.
Ionian - C to C, a major scale
Dorian - D to D, a scale that flats the 3rd and 7th
Phrygian - E to E, flats the 2nd and others
Lydian - F to F, sharps the 5th note.
Mixolydian - G to G, flats the 7th note
Aeolian - A to A, a minor scale (Amin is the relative minor for the C scale)
Locrian - B to B, "the devil's mode", is a half diminished scale, flats 3rd, 5th and 7th notes.

Now, if you move the scales so they start at C, you notice that the Dorian has an Eb and a Bb in it.
etc.
I hope this makes sense to you. - Jack

[John Peay]

http://www.markvanallen.com/store_books.html

Scroll down to the E9th theory. Good use of $32

I would call this a must-have for newer steel players. Mark's course will not only teach you music theory, but the application of it to the E9 neck and how to use it in the "real world" of playing pedal steel.

I helped me a bunch, and I continue to listen through it on occasion.

[Mike Perlowin]

I also wrote a music theory book, that's published by Mel Bay.

http://www.melbay.com/Products/98207/mu ... world.aspx

The book itself is not about the steel guitar, but I also wrote a supplement tat explains how the actions of the pedals correspond to the concepts in the book. I'll send a PDF of this for free to anybody who buys the book.

[Jim Palenscar]

While I cannot attest to others listed, I can tell you that Mike's book is very well written and demystifies music theory which really can be quite understandable and Mike's supplement for the PSG is perfect!

[Pete Conklin]

+1 for Mark's CD

+1.1 for Mike's book and supplement

[Bobby Bowman]

Buddy Emmons' "E-9 Vocabulary" would also be a very good choice,,,,,if you can find one.
Perhaps Jim Palenscar may have it.
BB

[Steve Hitsman]

Despite the title, this is actually quite good:

http://www.amazon.com/Music-Theory-Dumm ... or+dummies


Later, follow up with this one... excellent:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Music-Miles-D ... 0634010409

[Dale Rottacker]

I have both Mark's CD and Mikes book, and supplemental E9th PDF file as well...I might suggest that you first know what kind of a "learner" you are, if your a Verbal learner, Mark's is the way to go, if Visual, Mikes book is excellent...Can't really go wrong with either.

[Niels Andrews]

I would say Mike's book, especially with the addendum he will email you, is a must have. I have given a couple to musician's who were in the fog, and it has helped them a lot.

[Jeff Metz Jr.]

If your not already familiar with t....I would learn the Nashville number system.
I.e. 1,4,&5are major and 2,6,&3are minor...7 is diminished.

[Dennis Russell]

I'm not familiar with the above mentioned books, but I've taught college music theory courses ranging from "know nothing" basic to advanced jazz improvisation, songwriting and composition. In my opinion, the most important things to learn in Western music theory, whether from a book, a teacher, or a class, are the following, in this order (using standard musical notation is not necessary, but I find that it may greatly aid in visualizing some concepts):
1. All the notes in all major scales in all keys. Learn the construction of a major scale-whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step. Everything else builds on the knowledge of major scales.
1a. All the notes in the natural minor scale, harmonic minor scale, melodic minor scale.
2. Intervals (the distance between two) notes. major intervals, minor intervals, diminished intervals and augmented intervals.
3. Construction of triads. How are the thirds stacked in Major, minor, diminished and augmented chords.
3a. sus chords.
4. Triad inversions.
5. Diatonic chords (harmonized scale).
5a. Common chord progressions: I-IV-V, I-vi-IV-V, I-vi-ii-V, etc.
5b. Modes (which mode corresponds to which scale degree, and can therefore be used over the corresponding diatonic chord).
6. 7th Chords. How are the thirds stacked in Maj7, min7, dim7, minor7b5 (half diminished)
7. 7th Chords inversions.
8. Harmonized scale with 7th chords.
9. Extending chords: 9th, 11th, 13th
10. Altering chords: # or b extensions and/or other notes within the chord

A lot of this can be understood just by memorizing formulas and looking at notes on a page. To truly understand it, however, you should be able to play it and hear it.

[Rick Myrland]

I took an evening Music Theory Fundamentals class at the local technical college, what an eye opener. So much more stuff posted on this forum make sense to me know. Best $530 ever spent on music instruction.

[John Castelletti]

I can;t recommend Mark Van Allens E9th Theory course strongly enough. It really helped demystify the pedal steel

[Ray Anderson]

Thanks for all the response, you guys are a great help. I've had Mark's E9 course for a couple years, I wanted something to visualize as well. Mark covered the PSG end of it very well but I wanted something for all the needs that arise with other musical challenges. So I ordered Mike's book of theory and got the supplement ( Thanks Mike ). So my journey begins at 60 years young and I'm ready for it. Ones ability stops when his desires are suppressed and doesn't want to go any farther. I will be needing further assistance, I'm sure. Thanks to all.