Comments on: In Theory

By: CK

CK — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 16:07:10 +0000

My $0.02 (maybe $0.03) why understanding basic theory is useful:
1) Learning – I think a lot of guitarists learn by ear. Personally, I do most of my learning in the car. Having some basic understanding of theory allows me to listen and identify chords and melodies quicker (i.e. I, V, vi, IV)
2) Writing – Theory helps to answer the question “how do you know what chords sound good together?” I’ve been asked that a bunch of times over the years. Or, alternatively, what might sound “odd”. Not that you have to know theory to write. It just helps to take some of the guess work out.
3) Transposing/modulation – Not that this is difficult on the guitar. But it’s nice to be able to understand how to do it quickly. Vocalists tend to appreciate this. (“This is too high for me, can we try it lower?”)

By: mykele

mykele — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:17:34 +0000

Spoken like a true musician!

By: nate

nate — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:32:48 +0000

such a great point! this is something too many of us have neglected and need to improve upon. EXTREMELY well written Max! keep it up!

By: chantal

chantal — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:14:27 +0000

This article is bomb! As a guitar player myself, I think that people need to know this stuff. You cant just be a guitar player over-night because you learned how to copy an ACDC song. Good thing we have as strong a writer as you to tell people whats up. Thanks! You Rock!

By: Mickey

Mickey — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 03:32:19 +0000

I agree, Max is young but wise beyond his years!

By: mykele

mykele — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:52:09 +0000

Spoken like a true musician!

By: Max

Max — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:33:48 +0000

Hey, thanks for the comments guys, I’m glad the article resonated with you. Keep on improvising new ways to play and interesting ways to write, that’s how you can really push the boundaries of the instrument. Keep on writing, I want to hear what everyone has to say. Peace.

By: natalie

natalie — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:28:15 +0000

you said it! As an advid guitarist I love to read what max has to say, he is both thought provoking and dead on in his theory. Love the website

By: Kent

Kent — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:18:36 +0000

Well thoughtout article. Most of us play and try and emulate our heroes without understanding why.