Is learning music theory necessary to playing the guitar? ➜fretwiz.com/
The question of “Do I have to learn music theory?” comes up quite often amongst guitar geeks. I personally get asked this question a lot and I think you will find my answer insightful and energizing.
I believe that you will learn theory when you are ready for it. Another way to say it is that you will ask the right questions when you are ready to learn the answer. So don’t just go on a mission to learn music theory… it is an incredibly expansive topic and you may not have the right context for all of the items presented. Rather, learn some core fundamentals and allow yourself to swing on the learning pendulum… let me explain.
The learning pendulum has two distinct points on it… you can even think of it as a spectrum with one end focused on physical learning (technique), and the other end focused on mental learning (theory). As a guitar player, you will swing back and forth between these two points and that is actually ideal because each end of the spectrum informs the other. Essentially when you are on one side you will learn something that impacts the other developing a new context with each swing of the pendulum.
You absolutely must check out this segment from Acoustic Tuesday where I discuss this concept more. I think it will lead to light bulb moments and a new found vigor for guitar learning. (Not to mention, there is also quite the visual created with Miley Cyrus references and all… just sayin).
To learn even more be sure to check out the free workshop I am releasing on April 23rd, 2018. This free workshop will discuss the core elements you will need to grow all of your future music theory knowledge. I like to call these elements the Foundational Five and they consist of the musical alphabet, major scale construction, the chord matrix, chord tonality, and the CAGED system. This workshop is packed full of light bulb moments and all you have to do is sign up. Just visit fretwiz.com, sign up for the Fretboard Wizard waitlist, and you will be in the loop for this workshop.