Is knowing music theory important?? (Page 1 of 2)

Those without a good grasp of theory are destined to wallow in mediocrity. Learning why instead of just when to play a note will open doors that trial and error or copying others cannot. Just my opinion. There are some natural born players out there to whom it just makes sense when they pick it up.

Russel says it one way ... I will attempt to say it another ... you been playing for 18 months and you actually ask that kind of question ? The fact you are asking that kind of question means that you are the kind of person who will benefit from learning it ... I wish I had all the resources available from the net as you young people do now ... it was so hard and time consuming learning from the odd one or two that you met to learn ... now its all here .. go for it .

Check this link.

http://www.chordie.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=9212

You're welcome. I bought it on others recommendations so the thanks goes to jerome and southpaw. The book is well worth it.

Music theory is important but a good ear and creativity is more important. You should look at theory as a tool for your creativity!

A fantastic book I recently picked up, explains basic CAGED theory chords and scales in a super easy to read and understand format. For US $14, I promise you can't go wrong

Fretboard Logic SE (special edition, volumes 1 & 2 combined) by Bill Edwards

http://www.amazon.com/Fretboard-Logic-S … amp;sr=8-1

Music Theory is extremely important, and will open many doors. Some people see it as a set of rules or guidelines, but I see it more as a tool.

As an art teacher and musician I think it is vital to know all the colours on your palette before starting a painting but a masterpiece can only happen when you understand how colours relate to eachother and how to mix them well. Your personality will shine effortlessly through whichever medium you chose -music or art - if you immerse yourself fully in the language of that medium. Music theory is much easier to learn than you think and very rewarding.
-Forgive my waffle...yes I play Jazz.

Learning basic music theory will help you communiate with other players. For instance you are playing a song in the key of "A" the singer says that is to high drop it to "G" theory lets you know what he is telling you to do. It also explains why you use the chords and or scales that you do. It kinda puts everybody talking the same talk.

Respectfully,
Lespaul

well man i'm in the same boat. i've been playing for about 2 years, most of which i could even read chords, just played what sounded good...and that works for a little while but a little down the road not knowing theory is like hitting a brick wall goin a buck twenty. trust me on this. now i'm scrambling trying to learn enough to get by, learn it as early as possible.

I think theory is important as it becomes practical.  I have sight read a lot of charts.  I knew what chords to play and how to make them based on the theory behind spelling the chord.  I was able to use substitutes at the appropriate times and in appropriate places because of an understanding of the chords.

For example, as a guitarist, when I see Em7b5, I also think Gm6, C9 ( no root).
When I see, Bb7+11, I also think Bb7b5, or F7+11 or F7b5.  I have a range of possiblities for playing depending on where I am at the current moment on the guitar neck and what the bass player is going to play.

At one point megs I'd agree with you, I had no desire to learn music theory. Didnt think I needed it. They offered it at the school I went to and I thought the same as you, it comes from the heart and soul. But now I know 15 yr olds who learned theory and play with more soul then anyone I know. Just my opinion