Theory Binge.

[I heart Ska]

Ok, I admit it.

I don't know theory. Anything. Not a thing.

I've been playing for nearly 2 years, but only seriously for about 9 months, using my Ibanez GSR200. i have recently decided to treat myself to a nice Fender jazz....on one condition.

I learn theory.

So, I got 6 weeks of pure nothing (bar the wickerman Festival, hell yeah!), so Im going on a theory binge.

So all im asking really, can anyone reccomend a good way or materials to learn theory?

PS. It will also help as Im taking higher music in my last school year.

[Spazzout22]

Get a book on it, I think that's the best way. Also browse through the lessons on theory.

[Machines]

I find theory to be tiresome and initially unrewarding. It only comes to fruition when you learn to incorporate what you have learnt into something you play. Be it in a band or just playing to yourself.

[I heart Ska]

Well, I already play in a band now, but we mostly do covers (yeah, cardinal sin, but we mainly play parties or where everyone is too drunk.)

But now my mates want a ska bassist. Ive always loved the sound, but when it comes to writing the 'lines.....I need theory.



Can anyone reccomend a good book then?

[Spazzout22]

If you want super hardcore theory: Harmony and Voice Leading, 3rd Ed. Edward Aldwell and Carl Schachter. Thats the one I learned out of for college. It assumes you have a basic understanding of intervals.

[gaslight]

There are loads of books, it makes it hard to recommend just one for a person. I learnt theory from bass teachers initially and books later, I learn theory at uni but of all the ways I've learnt it I find the big lecture room environment the least useful.

If you're going to be dedicated to learning theory you should definitely work on your music reading as well, if you aren't already.

A book like Serious Electric Bass by Joel Di Bartolo (search on Amazon) would be a good place to start, good theory books will last you for a very long time.

Music In Theory & Practice (Volume II) by Benward & Saker is also very comprehensive.

[slack]

Just search the internet. There's tons of theory websites. Start with the major scale and intervals.

[PainKiller8191]

www.cyberfretbass.com

[Killer Fridge]

http://www.musictheory.net

= your saviour :thumb:

[Jude]

If you have the chance, taking a class in it, at college for example, would be good.

[ebe9]

Bass Guitar For Dummies makes a very good intro to theory

[darrell]

If you want super hardcore theory: Harmony and Voice Leading, 3rd Ed. Edward Aldwell and Carl Schachter. Thats the one I learned out of for college. It assumes you have a basic understanding of intervals.

Hey... I use the same book. Very good stuff, but it's not an easy read for theory. If you are a complete n00b to theory, you may want another book. This is the one book I'm keeping when I'm out of college... it's an awesome resource.

[NastyNate]

There's a book called Walking Bass Lines, I'm pretty sure that's it. There are a few of them, the first one is pretty basic and not bad to start out on.

[Cullie]

http://www.musictheory.net
= your saviour

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No matter what instrument you play, this website helps a lot.