Hey guys-- I wanted to get some opinions to help speed up the learning curve in developing a good foundation in music theory (as it relates to piano/keyboard in my case).
1st, I learned the basic names of different notes (C, C#, etc.) and the layout of the keyboard.
Next, I learned the basic C major chord. From that I was able to construct other major chords and get a feel for that.
Minor chords were a short step from learning majors, and I can now play major/minor chords by instinct.
That's as far as I've gotten.
Whenever I'm learning something new, I small-chunk it and take it piece by piece until I'm good at it. So, my question for you is: What are the basic steps to developing a solid foundation in theory?
1st, the layout. 2nd, playing major chords. Next, learn minor chords. I know the list gets much longer.. What would you consider the baby steps to be along the way to the point you are now?
The steps to mastering theory
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JumpingJackFlash JumpingJackFlash https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=44005
- KVRian
- 1227 posts since 10 Oct, 2004
Next step: Read my Introduction to Music Theory 
Seriously though, I'd say look at the whole scale first; major and minor. Try to play them all.
Then, learn about key signatures, clefs, and time signatures.
Learn about intervals.
Look at chord inversions.
Look at seventh chords.
Look at diminished and augmented chords.
Look at cadences.
Look at non-harmony notes.
Look at other aspects of notation.
Look at other scales, modes and chords.
Look at part-writing.
Look at diatonic harmony.
Look at chromatic harmony.
Look at orchestration.
By then, you should be pretty good!
Seriously though, I'd say look at the whole scale first; major and minor. Try to play them all.
Then, learn about key signatures, clefs, and time signatures.
Learn about intervals.
Look at chord inversions.
Look at seventh chords.
Look at diminished and augmented chords.
Look at cadences.
Look at non-harmony notes.
Look at other aspects of notation.
Look at other scales, modes and chords.
Look at part-writing.
Look at diatonic harmony.
Look at chromatic harmony.
Look at orchestration.
By then, you should be pretty good!
Unfamiliar words can be looked up in my Glossary of musical terms.
Also check out my Introduction to Music Theory.
Also check out my Introduction to Music Theory.
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- Banned
- 252 posts since 2 Apr, 2005 from United Kingdom.
Right, just spent a good 10 minutes researching and learning those JumpingJack, what now?.. your list is pathetic! I think I'll pop to my local recording studio and take up a freelance job. I'm finished.
Thought this was supposed to be hard?. Pah!
p.s. Thanks for this, awesome resource and just checked out your link too, very insightful, I've bookmarked it.
Cheers.
Thought this was supposed to be hard?. Pah!
p.s. Thanks for this, awesome resource and just checked out your link too, very insightful, I've bookmarked it.
Cheers.
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JumpingJackFlash JumpingJackFlash https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=44005
- KVRian
- 1227 posts since 10 Oct, 2004
xsub, I can't figure out whether you're taking the piss or not, and if so, out of what.
The original question asked about "developing a good foundation in music theory (as it relates to piano/keyboard in my case)". Nothing to do with studio technology, which is a completely different kettle of fish. My list was obviously not meant to be exhaustive.
For someone who is just learning major and minor chords, getting through even half of what I posted is going to take substantially longer than 10 minutes. Plus of course, simply reading it isn't enough, one needs to practise and relate everything together.
The original question asked about "developing a good foundation in music theory (as it relates to piano/keyboard in my case)". Nothing to do with studio technology, which is a completely different kettle of fish. My list was obviously not meant to be exhaustive.
For someone who is just learning major and minor chords, getting through even half of what I posted is going to take substantially longer than 10 minutes. Plus of course, simply reading it isn't enough, one needs to practise and relate everything together.
Unfamiliar words can be looked up in my Glossary of musical terms.
Also check out my Introduction to Music Theory.
Also check out my Introduction to Music Theory.
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- KVRAF
- 1665 posts since 22 Oct, 2004 from Schmocation
Check this one out for some basic theory: http://www.iep.utm.edu/h/humor.htm
The "incongruity theory" goes some way to explain xsub's comment, I think.
The "incongruity theory" goes some way to explain xsub's comment, I think.