Natural Scale
BigBear wrote:
I've always liked knowing how things work and music is no exception. Since I retook up the guitar I decided to really delve into it this time. So along with my previous musically experience and a goodly amount free time I have taken my music theory to a point where I actually understand it and even more important remember it and can even explain it to other people.
The fact that other people actually understand my explanations is just a fluke of nature. Go figure.
Keep Playing
Ric
After reading this my head is so big I can't get my shirt on.Ric- you're so smart! What are you doing hanging out with us?:lol:
I've always liked knowing how things work and music is no exception. Since I retook up the guitar I decided to really delve into it this time. So along with my previous musically experience and a goodly amount free time I have taken my music theory to a point where I actually understand it and even more important remember it and can even explain it to other people.
The fact that other people actually understand my explanations is just a fluke of nature. Go figure.
Keep Playing
Ric
Andy - I hear ya there. However, I've discovered that the more I know about music and how to apply it to the guitar the more I have at my disposal to jam with and the easier it becomes.
I truly believe that a lot of people get frustrated eventually and put down the guitar because there is this myth that guitar players shouldn't or don't need to learn music. That it somehow stifles you, why is it that when you learn any other instrument you learn music as a matter of course. I find that the more I learn the more creative I get, not the other way around. I now have a lot more "tools in my toolbox" as it were, to use.
Now, when I get together to jam with my friends they are amazed at how I have progressed and the things I know. I have moved from being the student to being the teacher, which has really inspired me to reach even further and has inspired them also.
Jam On
Ric
I truly believe that a lot of people get frustrated eventually and put down the guitar because there is this myth that guitar players shouldn't or don't need to learn music. That it somehow stifles you, why is it that when you learn any other instrument you learn music as a matter of course. I find that the more I learn the more creative I get, not the other way around. I now have a lot more "tools in my toolbox" as it were, to use.
Now, when I get together to jam with my friends they are amazed at how I have progressed and the things I know. I have moved from being the student to being the teacher, which has really inspired me to reach even further and has inspired them also.
Jam On
Ric
Yeah, we all do, that's why after I cook my brain for a while on learning new stuff I like to just play the stuff I already know and just enjoy and remember why it is that I picked up a guitar in the first place.
Keep Playing
Ric
Keep Playing
Ric
Ric- I don't want to kiss your backside too hard but having guys like you on this forum, and there are others certainly, really amplifies the value of our membership, even for the non-paying crowd. 
Plus your knowledge, and ability to explain it clearly, tells the rest of us that understanding music theory is really within the grasp of anyone if they get motivated enough to learn it. I think the days of guitarists avoiding theory because "that stuff is for the keyboard crowd" are over!
My guitar skills and knowledge have skyrocketed since joining TARGET and participating in this forum. Even my wife, my harshest critic (go figure!), has commented that I'm playing music she has never heard me try before! From her that's huge compliment!
Thanks again for all your valuable contributions!
Plus your knowledge, and ability to explain it clearly, tells the rest of us that understanding music theory is really within the grasp of anyone if they get motivated enough to learn it. I think the days of guitarists avoiding theory because "that stuff is for the keyboard crowd" are over!
My guitar skills and knowledge have skyrocketed since joining TARGET and participating in this forum. Even my wife, my harshest critic (go figure!), has commented that I'm playing music she has never heard me try before! From her that's huge compliment!
Thanks again for all your valuable contributions!
This thread reminds me of a question my old guitar teacher once posed to me he asked "Did I want to be a guitarist or a musician?' Being a bit confused I asked him to elaborate and explain in words of two syllables or less...
His explanation was simply almost anyone can pick up a guitar and play recognisable tunes by copying someone and if lucky play by ear whereas a musician can pick up a guitar and pick up a sheet of music and play straight off also a musician is more likely to get work if they can just join in straightaway and play knowing the key etc etc Most top session guitarists will be able to sight read I bet, its part of the trade.
His explanation was simply almost anyone can pick up a guitar and play recognisable tunes by copying someone and if lucky play by ear whereas a musician can pick up a guitar and pick up a sheet of music and play straight off also a musician is more likely to get work if they can just join in straightaway and play knowing the key etc etc Most top session guitarists will be able to sight read I bet, its part of the trade.