A Word About Music Theory For Beginners

[CohenProductions]

If you're considering studying musical theory or learning how to play an instrument to help your production, read this hub. I'll debunk some long-held myths about the topic and help you weigh the benefits of having musical know-how.

[seveneleven247]

Thanks for another interesting article! It's very true that theory is not the end-all in music production, but I do think some producers could do a little more research on pitch.

[bandcoach]

Damn, theory is a luxury!

Who'd a thunk it??

Theory is a tool, like anything else.

Using a mixing console is based on theory - is that theory a luxury? no way, otherwise you make expensive mistakes, if only in time wasted in doing it again and again until it works because you finally work out through experimenting what you could have known by reading about the theory behind operating it........

Using a daw is based on a theory of recording and sampling - are either of those theories a luxury? no way, again expensive mistakes to be made if you don't pay attention to the theory behind how it is supposed to work, if only in time wasted in doing it again and again until it works because you finally work out through experimenting what you could have known by reading about the theory behind operating it.......

Music theory is about what works and why, not about anything else - if you get hung up on it, as you seem to have done, then it becomes a hindrance, rather than part of your compositional toolkit....

[DJR]

Your article is shit!

That is all.

[CohenProductions]

My article says nothing to disagree with you, bandcoach; You actually prove my point. Using a daw and mixing ARE essential parts of production, but they don't require music theory in the sense that I was using it. We might be using the term in two different ways. When I say music theory/musical knowledge I'm talking strictly about the science of chords, melodies, harmonies and scales. I think you're definition of music theory includes other things like recording, mixing, sampling and mastering. I'm not going to argue your definition is wrong because music theory is such an unspecific, generalizing word. But to me, its just about notes and how they can combine to create pleasing sound. You don't necessarily need to know a major scale to use a daw or mix a song. But you DO need to know how to use a daw or mix a song to be a competent producer. That's the main point of the article.

I agree with what you wrote, I just don't put recording theory and sampling theory under the umbrella of music theory. In my mind, they're separate. I should have been clearer about what I meant by music theory because it is, I'll admit, a vague and general term.

[DJR]

They are analogies, he isn't saying operating a mixer requires music theory.

Whether you like it not you are using music theory anytime you put your fingers on keyboard.

It would be like saying you don't need knowledge of synthesis when sound designing, Yeah, it can be done, but why restrict your self when the information is widely available for free?

It's just laziness!

Your article seems like an attempt at excusing ignorance.

[CohenProductions]

Sorry if you feel that way, but that's definitely not my message. That's the last thing I wanna do and at the end of the article I say that I suggest learning theory. You said, "Why restrict yourself when the information is widely available for free?". I couldn't agree more. This article was aimed more at those "music theory or die" mentalities. I wanted to explain that there is much more to being a producer than just knowing music theory and you can be successful without it. Not saying you should pass up learning, just saying it's not the end of the world if you don't.

But understanding theory is undoubtedly advantageous. I think you and I would agree on that.

[bandcoach]

Actually, my point does not reinforce yours, it was not about the musical uses of those resources and tools, but the actual uses - if you understand how it is supposed to work, you can do much more with it than if you don't and spend less time playing the guessing and experimenting game.

Same is true for Music theory, a tool to be used and abused in the construction of music, not to use as a straight jacket which is what your article starts out implying that it is.......

[deRaNged 4 Phuk'dup]

If you know what sounds good and apply it, you're "using music theory" even if you don't know the "by the book termanology" of what you're doing. It's good to know these things in certain environments(ex. playing in a band or orchestra)so that you're all for lack of better wording speaking the same language.

But if you're sitting in front of an MPC...or even a Motif to make your tracks, it doesn't matter if you know the name of that chord you're playing and that transition you did if they're done correctly.

That's not saying "no" to theory, you're unknowingly applying it, that's saying for alot of people, the proper termanologies that come with picking up a book to learn music theory aren't needed. Still cool to walk off a stage and be told that thing you do with your guitar is called "legato", but in the middle of the jam session you just did when you didn't know what it was called you still hit it on the nail, then there is no problem.

[DJR]

Sorry if you feel that way, but that's definitely not my message. That's the last thing I wanna do and at the end of the article I say that I suggest learning theory. You said, "Why restrict yourself when the information is widely available for free?". I couldn't agree more. This article was aimed more at those "music theory or die" mentalities. I wanted to explain that there is much more to being a producer than just knowing music theory and you can be successful without it. Not saying you should pass up learning, just saying it's not the end of the world if you don't.

But understanding theory is undoubtedly advantageous. I think you and I would agree on that.

You are right there is much more to be a producer than Music theory but each part is equally as important as the other, Including theory. It really depends on how you define producer though.

I am by no means an expert on the subject but my logic tells me this, why choose trial and error over detailed scientific guide that has been proven and practiced for generations?

It would be like saying reading the manuals is a luxury. It's not it's just a sensible thing to do.

---------- Post added at 10:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:42 AM ----------

If you know what sounds good and apply it, you're "using music theory" even if you don't know the "by the book termanology" of what you're doing. It's good to know these things in certain environments(ex. playing in a band or orchestra)so that you're all for lack of better wording speaking the same language.

But if you're sitting in front of an MPC...or even a Motif to make your tracks, it doesn't matter if you know the name of that chord you're playing and that transition you did if they're done correctly.

That's not saying "no" to theory, you're unknowingly applying it, that's saying for alot of people, the proper termanologies that come with picking up a book to learn music theory aren't needed. Still cool to walk off a stage and be told that thing you do with your guitar is called "legato", but in the middle of the jam session you just did when you didn't know what it was called you still hit it on the nail, then there is no problem.

I get what your saying, but the OP was talking about a producer not a musician. That's Why I think it depends on how the person defines the word producer.

Using my understanding of the word, I can't see how a producer would be able to operate in a studio without basic knowledge of music theory. How would they be able to offer instruction to say, a singer, or session musician, or the artist that is paying for your services?

It just seems sensible to aquire this knowledge if your serious about this stuff. Not saying it can't be done without it, it just makes sense.

Plus It's free!