Where to start with music theory

[DunCe180]

Ive been playin guitar and bass since I was like 8 (im 16 now), but ive never really gotten into music theory. I know some of the basics, like root nooting... and I also know the name of the notes on the first five frets on each string (im still working on that I guess you could say). Theory just seems like homework to me and have never really had the time or energy to really get into it. So, since summer break is coming up for me, id like to try to get into it. The thing is, I dont know where to start, and how to stay focused. Id like to eventually join a band (playing bass) but I dont think id be able to because of my lack of theory. So, if anyone can guide me toward the right direction, id be much appreceited :)

[Spazzout22]

I would say, the very first thing to do is to learn the names of the notes on your bass. If you don't know where notes are, how can you hope to play with anyone?

next i'd learn your major and minor finger patterns, and also the names of the notes within those scales. Although, honestly, knowing the patterns is about 20000 times more useful than knowing the notes. But if you know the patterns and the notes, it's like 20500 times as useful ^_^

[gaslight]

If you learn this stuff more or less in order, it'll take you from basic theory through to more complicated stuff. It isn't stuff you'd do in a week though, there's plenty of work and exercises for every bullet point so don't think you need to rush it or anything. You could spend ages on this stuff.

* The notes on the fretboard (every fret, every string).
* The major scale.
* The three minor scales (natural, harmonic, melodic).
* The modes of the major scale.
* The major pentatonic, the minor pentatonic, dominant pentatonic, blues scales.
* Harmonising the major scale in triads, then seventh chords.
* Harmonising the natural minor scale in triads, then seventh chords.
* The modes of the melodic minor.
* The modes of the harmonic minor.
* Harmonising the melodic minor in triads, then in seventh chords.
* Harmonising the harmonic minor in triads, then in seventh chords.
* Both diminished scales (wholetone/halftone and halftone/wholetone), wholetone scale.

It's ideal to understand all the stuff on the fretboard as well as on paper, it makes it easier to learn to read music if you do it in tandem with learning what you're reading, and it's good mental exercise for theory because people have a tendency to learn patterns without actually learning what they're doing. Some of the bullet points are more complicated than others and involve plenty of work/practise.

If you get all that down over a few months or whatever, you'll be doing really well and know much more than just basic theory.

Just knowing the first 7 bullet points there is plenty to function well in a jam or a band.

[~kc~]

go to my site, http://www.fretbyfret.co.uk

theres a few lessons on there in the beginners section that will help you get started. I would recommend the lesson on major scale harmony written by a friend of mine.

[EADG]

Great ideas in here.. I don't have that much to add, except this: don't just learn theory, learn how to use it. If you're going to learn scales, play them. If you're going to learn intervals, learn what shapes they are on your bass. If you're not going to use it, there isn't much point in learning it. But that's my experience.


I would check out www.musictheory.net and go through the lessons.. you don't have to learn them all, but go as far as you can. You can use the quizzes to rate yourself as well.

[kingcold435]

Disclaimer: I am a rookie so I don't wanna come across like I know everything here. Keep in mind the very little I do know comes from seeing/hearing/feeling it first-hand.

Anyway, as everyone is saying, learn scales. They help train your ear to recognize patterns in a song. I can even recognize simple patterns thanks to the scales, even a week in. Not in everything, mind you, but some stuff. One thing: You'll hear a lot of pentatonic and blues out there...just sometimes they flip the scales around.

[DunCe180]

Thnx guys, alot of good info, I really appreceite the feedback :) . Only one last question, is there some sort of site that lists the scales in tab I can print out. I searched google but could only find tabs for normal guitar.

[EADG]

Thnx guys, alot of good info, I really appreceite the feedback :) . Only one last question, is there some sort of site that lists the scales in tab I can print out. I searched google but could only find tabs for normal guitar.


Those will works fine if you just disregard the high B and E strings