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[Volta]

Topic for the songwriters of the board.

I was just reading an earlier thread about a thoery question and basically, it just goes over my head cause i've never taken the time to explore it. Personally, I've never needed it, I don't get writers block and I always rely on intuition when writing songs. However, I have been toying with the idea of learning something about it, just to continue and improve my overall musical development.

So what's the advantages of learning about some theory? Is it not restricting atall? How does everyone else write with regards to this? Just wandering if anyone had any input.

Cheers

[Jimmygoodein]

theory is just a way to understand what you write and play. Theory can help you create new and exciting ideas, such as odd chords and and it will let you understand how they work. It's also good for communicating with other musicians.

[Addi]

imho its definitely worth learning theory, it's also worth learning about music history.

knowing theory doesnt limit you at all. While its true you can do perfectly good music without understanding any theory i think its important to have a frame of reference for everything you are making and that music history/music theory is always very good for that.

Long story short: learn it, cant hurt.

[empty-words]

Theory is really usefull if your trying to wright something over the top of something. you can ask the chord progression and work around that, you would also create more interesting rythms(sp). From my experiance musicians with even a little theory knowlege are better musicians than none.

Music theory is overwhelming.


But yeah, as above..

[Hogisbald]

Theory? What's that?

[Mick Maverik]

Originally Posted by Jimmygoodein

theory is just a way to understand what you write and play. Theory can help you create new and exciting ideas, such as odd chords and and it will let you understand how they work. It's also good for communicating with other musicians.

I agree with most of this, but I think people who aren't musically trained are more adventurous, more likely to explore uncharted territory. I've personally got on just fine using my ear and intuition, and a little luck. Listening to a vasy array of music and a little raw talent can take you just as far - if not further - as learning all your theory. But I agree that it can help you develop a deeper understanding of what you are doing.

Andy

[Jimmygoodein]

definetely.

theory is good, but in the end, its your ear that matters

Originally Posted by YouthGoneWild

people who aren't musically trained are more adventurous,

By 'musically' I assume you're referring to theory, but the meaning of 'adventurous' is hazy.

[Mick Maverik]

Originally Posted by AmbientMood

By 'musically' I assume you're referring to theory, but the meaning of 'adventurous' is hazy.

Yes, and what I was meaning was, people who have learned music theory from the start, tend to stick to what they know, whereas Joe Bloggs who picked everything up by ear will probably be more likely to try things out of the box, if you know what I mean? But yes, you do have a valid point.

Andy