Hey guys, just a few days ago I was still pounding down the knowledge about how to use the DAW I'm using and learning how to use all of the various effects and synths that are out there. Now that I'm getting closer to actually writing songs I'm starting to question my assumption that I'll be able to just start writing the leads to great songs without at least glancing over music theory. Do you guys consider music theory important to the production of ear-catching leads? If so, what resource would you recommend most? I'm trying to start out making The Polish Ambassador/ Ratatat music and then perhaps moving on to trance, hiphop, and maybe some light electro/indie rock.
I've seen someone recommend "Writing Music for Hit Songs" in another thread.
Is learning basic music theory essential to writing good leads? If so, what is the best resource?
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- KVRAF
- 2217 posts since 15 Jul, 2003
imo, no
writing leads can be accomplished w/o the least bit of knowledge of theory
knowledge of scales and modes may actually inhibit the process
but when it comes time to provide chords or harmony or reharmonization to a lead, then some theory may be useful.
imo, the genres you're interested in don't require a lot of theory
writing leads can be accomplished w/o the least bit of knowledge of theory
knowledge of scales and modes may actually inhibit the process
but when it comes time to provide chords or harmony or reharmonization to a lead, then some theory may be useful.
imo, the genres you're interested in don't require a lot of theory
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- KVRer
- 12 posts since 19 Jan, 2010 from New York City
I'd also say no, and I studied in college. When I write, I write by ear, and that usually takes me 90 to 100% of the way there. Sometimes when something isn't working, or has become boring, I can identify how and why with my knowledge of theory. But your process might be completely different than mine. If you've got a set of ears, you can make music. Jump in.
Not that I'd discourage you from study. The more you know, the more tools you have, the better. But you're not barred from creating good material until you've read a music theory book. Especially if you're doing a ratatat kind of thing. Your ears alone might take you as far as you'd like to go. If you discover you are running out of gas, you can consider formal study later.
Not that I'd discourage you from study. The more you know, the more tools you have, the better. But you're not barred from creating good material until you've read a music theory book. Especially if you're doing a ratatat kind of thing. Your ears alone might take you as far as you'd like to go. If you discover you are running out of gas, you can consider formal study later.
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- KVRist
- 236 posts since 5 Jul, 2007
I would also say no you dont need music theory to write good leads.
What I think you need is a passion for music, and the ability to hear what would sound great, and be inspired by the layers you have already created.
What I think you need is a passion for music, and the ability to hear what would sound great, and be inspired by the layers you have already created.
"This concept of Wuv confuses and Infuriates us!"
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- KVRAF
- 8237 posts since 22 Sep, 2008 from Windsor. UK
cybertron wrote:I would also say no you dont need music theory to write good leads.
What I think you need is a passion for music, and the ability to hear what would sound great, and be inspired by the layers you have already created.
that about sums it up
and also pissing about with note placement in a piano roll can result in unusual and unexpected wins.
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- KVRist
- 140 posts since 20 May, 2005
To me, the goal of studying music is improving your musical ear. Harmonically, melodically, rhythmically, etc. When you know certain things and understand the music better (and more of the potential possibilities), you will hear music better, and learn more and more from what you listen to. So i think if it's approached like this, rather than just knowing a lot of information in your mind, then obviously you will become more musical. So you will be a better judge of your own melodies, and learn to take an initial musical idea and develop it well, rather than ruin it. 
You definitely shouldn't wait to start making music. But i would suggest to slowly (but surely) gather more information about music. And obviously spend a lot of time listening carefully to music, etc.
You definitely shouldn't wait to start making music. But i would suggest to slowly (but surely) gather more information about music. And obviously spend a lot of time listening carefully to music, etc.
Sam
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- KVRist
- 364 posts since 15 Aug, 2009
Ultimately music is only as good or as bad as it sounds, but I don't think learning a bit of theory hurts, so long as one can know when to use theory and when to break from theory.shanew711 wrote:Do you guys consider music theory important to the production of ear-catching leads? If so, what resource would you recommend most?
A couple of free music theory links I'd recommend would be:
http://www.dolmetsch.com/introduction.htm
Or a free 126 page PDF: http://www.changes98.com/New/Changes.pdf
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- KVRAF
- 2217 posts since 15 Jul, 2003
This reminds me of The Beatles at the BBC CD set. The Beatles were a remarkable cover band in their early career covering a rather amazing range of popular music really well and then they started writing a few of their own.To me, the goal of studying music is improving your musical ear. Harmonically, melodically, rhythmically, etc. When you know certain things and understand the music better (and more of the potential possibilities), you will hear music better, and learn more and more from what you listen to. So i think if it's approached like this, rather than just knowing a lot of information in your mind, then obviously you will become more musical. So you will be a better judge of your own melodies, and learn to take an initial musical idea and develop it well
Anybody who has spent even 2 or 3 years listening to a lot of music -- -which is common at certain age -- has become familiar at least unconsciously with most of the constructs of modern popular music from say 1940- present. That can be refined and brought to more conscious awareness with focused listening and a little harmony and theory -- almost more as a langugage to describe and explain the constructs than create them.