Learning To play the keyboard and music theory

[scottel]

Hi, ive been producing for about 4 years now and even though i have my head around the technical aspect of it and have had numerous tracks signed, ive done all this with little knowledge on music theory and more on hearing a riff in my head and jotting it down and working out the chords around it by trial and error as apposed to knowledge,

However i would like to be able to improve my music theory knowledge and keyboard skills so i can improve my production melodically in the long run


Any tips, Tutorials, vids, PDFs or books you guys can reccomend to get me on the right path?,

thanks alot

[Download SOphist]

i'd argue that knowledge comes from trial and error. not exclusively, but if you don't try, it's not knowledge: it's information you've gathered. so, you're in a right path. a possyible one.

best way to improve your keyboard skills is, IMVHO:
1. buy a piano (even if it's a digital one): weighted keys and lack of presets / tasty-synth-parameters makes you focus on expression, articulation and proper technique. it's also easier to practice tedious exercises when you don't have the distraction of choosing yet another preset / effect or adjusting the cutoff of the filter.

2. get a teacher. a good one. it costs, but it pays. it will also save you lots of precious time and will mitigate the diletant factor often involved in these things.

3.preservere. it takes time and dedication.

4.read about the subject, but only after your practice. practice always comes first. and last. if you're just beginning, any kind of introductory book would work, i'd suppose. i myself have used and enjoyed mark levine's and jamey aebersold's books.
best of lucks!

[tibah]

Learn basic scales for a start. Learn how scales are related to each other (circle of fifths). For a starter, a way to create chords yourself:

Take a note, lets says C. Now lets say you want the c major chord. For a major chord you will have to add the key, 4 semitones above the route note. So in this case its C, count up 4 semitones, its E. Now to finish the chord, you need the fifth above, which is 7 semitones above the route note. So take C, 4 semitones up, E, and 7 semitones up, its G. For C minor, the 2nd note wouldnt be 4 semitones up, but 3 semitones, so the chord would be C, Eb, G. This is one thing I learned, somewhere.

This are 2 main things I learned myself in basics.

A useful link:
http://looknohands.com/chordhouse/piano/

There are also plugins like Chordspace & Tonespace, both freeware for you to learn more about chords. Harmony Improvisator on the other site the best commercial plugin imo.

If you take it serious, go for a real teacher that will help you much more proper. I learned everything myself. Sometimes just with having some chord tool open, or taking midis from my favorite tracks and try to play them. (What is a pain sometimes, as most pianorolls are aligend vertical)

I know all this stuff, and I dont have a track signed, so maybe dont change anything, dont get stucked to rules and keep doing your noodling

[scottel]

thanks for the halp i will check out that site and the site later , great advise guys,

Appriciated

[ThaddeusStevens]

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However i would like to be able to improve my music theory knowledge and keyboard skills so i can improve my production melodically in the long run


Any tips, Tutorials, vids, PDFs or books you guys can reccomend to get me on the right path?,

thanks alot

Continue to work with the piano keyboard-My experience-if I may humbly share that-was to study classical music-Learning scales-all of the keys, major and minor-then beginning harmony-

couple of good books here-helps if a tutor is available but if not-keep pounding away

Robert Ottman-Rudiments of Music-good at developing theory at the fundamental level out to the nth degree-take what you need and leave the rest-be aware 98% of all musicians out there today -even the best-would not be able to recite everything out of this book. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/013706 ... e=&seller= (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0137067402/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=)

Ottman's Elementary Harmony is the next step in this progression-again take what you can from it

If all of the above burn out your neurons move over to these
Harmony and voice leading by
Edward Aldwell-the second edition is not to pricey
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/ ... ition=used (http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/015531517X/ref=sr_1_5_olp?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1283658953&sr=1-5&condition=used)

More later

[tekboi]

I'm in the same boat. I've been making music for about 5 years now. I have figured out alot of things on my own. But i'm still not at the level I want to be.

I have purchased the "Learn and Master the Piano" dvd set. I am having a hard time with it because I absolutely hate standardized learning.

[tapper mike]

Take lessons it won't kill you.

A teacher will be able to help you work thru techniques and sit over you and catch you when you make a mistake to help correct it. A DVD can't do that.
When you take lessons you know you have to attain X in one week and you need to stick to learning it. With a DVD you can watch it not watch it practice it not practice it.

[tekboi]

very true my friend.

[scottel]

great advise will deffo look into purchasing those books

appriciated

[Winstontaneous]

Good suggestions. I've played bass for about 25 years, taking piano lessons for the last year has helped me fill in the gaps of my knowledge.

I also suggest figuring out music (by other artists) by ear--it's a great way to develop your knowledge/skills. IMO Thelonious Monk tunes are great for this. Take "Blue Monk"--not too technically demanding, based on variations on a simple theme, but the way he puts it all together is brilliant!

[VoodooDoctor]

i second getting a teacher. i know its not always an option money and time wise... but you might check out a local community college to take a piano and or music theory class. i found it soo hard to hold my self accountable to the dvds or books. its easier when you have something to hold you accountable.
good luck. im in the same boat as you. just no time with starting a new real estate company...
~brendan