I think a point that a lot of people miss or simply don't understand is that the 12 tones/pitches/notes (whatever you choose to call them) that make up our chromatic scale are a man-made creation. That man specifically was a Greek philosopher and mathematician named Pythagoras. He discovered the ratio of frequencies that make up the western musical scale. However, there were some problems with the ratios between the notes and so later, in the 19th century, the equal tempered scale was created (also known as the "well tempered scale" although technically there is a difference between the two). What this means in plain english is that a series of notes played in one key, say C Major, will sound exactly the same in another key, say E Major, except that the overall pitch of the sequence will be higher or lower. But the relative distance between the notes is identical and therefore the feel/sound is exactly the same.
So, my point is that this is not a naturally occurring sequence of tones. There are hundreds if not thousands of tones within these 12 primary tones. Just play a fretless intrument, such as a cello, a violin or a fretless electric guitar/bass and you'll see how difficult it can be to only play one of these 12 tones.
How does this relate to creating music? Simply put, music theory is the instruction manual that teaches you how to use these 12 notes to create music. And since this equal tempered scale is man-made, it's not unlike a synthesizer, in that an instruction manual is required to get the most out of it in the shortest amount of time.
For example, every new synth comes with an instruction manual that tells you how to use it as well as general techniques for sound creation. Sure, you could figure most of it out on your own by just pressing buttons and listening to the results. After awhile you'll start to find certain combinations that work well for you and you'll feel like you have a good handle on the synth. But all you've really done is reinvent the wheel! Wouldn't it have been easier to just read the manual and be shown: This button selects which waveform the oscillator will use, the sine wave sounds like this because blah, blah and the square wave like this because blah, blah, etc. You get the picture.
The bottom line is that if you're a creative person, knowing music theory will definitely not hurt you and will actually help you immensely. However, if you're not innately creative, then music theory won't grant you creativity. Music theory provides you with the tools you need to create great music but it's still up to you to do the creating part. It's no different than expecting the new version of Cubase SX to take your music making to the next level. It can help make it easier but it won't provide the creativity for you, it's just a tool.
Sorry for being so long-winded but I think it's vital that people realize the importance of understanding how music works. Because music is such an amazing and beautiful thing, and the level of joy and solace it can provide for both the composer and the listener is truly astounding.
If you're interested in learning music theory, a really great course that I would highly recommend is offered online through Berklee College of Music (go to www.berkleemusic.com for details). And no I don't work for them, but I am a student.
Ojuzu
So, my point is that this is not a naturally occurring sequence of tones. There are hundreds if not thousands of tones within these 12 primary tones. Just play a fretless intrument, such as a cello, a violin or a fretless electric guitar/bass and you'll see how difficult it can be to only play one of these 12 tones.
How does this relate to creating music? Simply put, music theory is the instruction manual that teaches you how to use these 12 notes to create music. And since this equal tempered scale is man-made, it's not unlike a synthesizer, in that an instruction manual is required to get the most out of it in the shortest amount of time.
For example, every new synth comes with an instruction manual that tells you how to use it as well as general techniques for sound creation. Sure, you could figure most of it out on your own by just pressing buttons and listening to the results. After awhile you'll start to find certain combinations that work well for you and you'll feel like you have a good handle on the synth. But all you've really done is reinvent the wheel! Wouldn't it have been easier to just read the manual and be shown: This button selects which waveform the oscillator will use, the sine wave sounds like this because blah, blah and the square wave like this because blah, blah, etc. You get the picture.
The bottom line is that if you're a creative person, knowing music theory will definitely not hurt you and will actually help you immensely. However, if you're not innately creative, then music theory won't grant you creativity. Music theory provides you with the tools you need to create great music but it's still up to you to do the creating part. It's no different than expecting the new version of Cubase SX to take your music making to the next level. It can help make it easier but it won't provide the creativity for you, it's just a tool.
Sorry for being so long-winded but I think it's vital that people realize the importance of understanding how music works. Because music is such an amazing and beautiful thing, and the level of joy and solace it can provide for both the composer and the listener is truly astounding.
If you're interested in learning music theory, a really great course that I would highly recommend is offered online through Berklee College of Music (go to www.berkleemusic.com for details). And no I don't work for them, but I am a student.
Ojuzu
Last edited:
