About Music Theory

Knowing theory in anything means you have a clear understanding of what you are doing. This article will teach you about the facts, benefits, misconceptions, significance and give you expert insight with regard to music theory. To be universally good at music, you must know music theory. You will learn that music theory has nothing to do with talent but with comprehension.

The Facts

Music theory equals all principles and elements that make up any musical composition. It is simply the navigational route to define all music genres. There are only 13 different notes in all of music. From those notes scales are derived, which makes music comprehensive. There are four different types of scales: major, minor, suspended and diminished. From scales chords are created, which consist of three or more notes played at the same time. This creates a choral type sound.

Benefits

The benefit of understanding music theory is equivalent to a coach who can play the game as well as teaching it. Many talented musicians can only play by ear, which restricts them from expanding their career. Knowing music theory gives you the ability to play multiple styles impromptu. You will also have more opportunities to accept diverse engagements.
Today, where there are so many talented musicians, you need every advantage. Having the knowledge of music theory will separate you from the pack.

Significance

The most significant part of music theory is that it's an interchangeable language. It can not be manipulated or redefined. For example, the English alphabet is not the same as the Hebrew or Greek alphabet. But the same notes in music that are used in America are used all over the world. Music is a universal language that stands alone with no government.

Misconceptions

Many people perceive that music theory means you must be able to read sheet music. This is not true. Sheet music is a totally dictated and controlled form of music. Music theory is knowing the system that sheet music was derived from. For example: If you don't know how to play the particulars in sheet music, by knowing theory you can play within the scale and chord structure simply because you know all the fundamentals. Theory is not reading music; it is knowing how to define structually what music you are playing.

Expert Insight

The biggest lesson I learned in 15 years of playing the piano is: Be sure you know all the scales in every key. This will give you the starting point to any song in any key. Don't attempt to learn how to play a song until you have mastered all the scales.
Once you have learned the scales, learn the number system within the scales. Most scales are played along the alphabet, such as the C major scale, (c,d,e,f,g,a,b,c). But the number system is the most popular and universal way to communicate music. For example: All scales and chords are chronicled as 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 in any key. These numbers represent the notes of the scale in accordance to the key you are in. Once you begin playing a song with someone, it's easier for them to yell out 5,or 9 rather than
C sharp major or F sharp minor.