How to apply music theory

[Guest]

Okay so I know music theory and I understand it, but any time I pick a guitar and try actually Appling it I can’t I get lost and forget what I learned then I watch a video of someone talking about music theory then I’m like oh right I remember then I try writing something then I can’t because I play the most basic things and all the information I leaned I forget about then eight after I remember. I just want to be musical and actually go far with music theory, I want to understand how to write a song and make it musical, any tips would be great on how to apply it thanks guys

 

[Jak Angelescu]

Hey there Lachlan! I totally understand your situation, as I have had this struggle many times before. Just the other day I thought I had lesson 24 and all of its glory down well enough to move on. Then Papa G helped me out with some theory things I was confused about and pretty much opened up Pandora’s box for me. I went back and had so much more to apply.
My biggest thought, is that you obviously don’t know the theory ENOUGH. Like me, I thought I had lesson 24 down to a science, but I didn’t. You may know all your theory, but if you haven’t spent time applying as you move along your knowledge is kind of pointless. It’s like saying you know how math works and its principles but can’t actually solve an equation. The good thing is, is that there are many ways to remedy this. It sounds like you’ve become a culprit of the infamous “bit off more than I can chew sybdrome.”
Start with C major. Learn its key, the Roman numeral chords with it, and learn the seven different modes and pentatonic shapes you can play. Then learn licks. Then try writing a simple solo. Blues are such an easy way to get familiar with theory. I spent 3 months on lesson 24 and in that lesson, Papa G teaches you things you can do and how to apply what he taught you.

 

[idssdi]

Maybe you try to apply all of it at once. Try to take each concept step by step. And before move on to the next one try and apply that specific concept first. For example learn a scale and the chords you can make out of it. Start applying it so you know it really front to back. When you feel comfortable go to the next concept(harmony intervals etc.)

 

[Josh Wright]

Jak gave great advice and I want to affirm using the blues. The blues uses the pentatonic so if you know the pentatonic to use you can play lead over a blues backing track.

 

[Brian Haner Sr.]

As usual, Jak brings up some great points. Sometimes an overload of theory just gets in the way. Learn ONE concept – like learning the pentatonic scale in C (Am) in all 5 positions. Then spend a couple of weeks just jamming over an A blues jam track. Get comfortable in all 5 positions. Learn how to connect them. Write some cool A blues licks and incorporate those into your playing. Record your favorites so you don’t forget them. Then move on to doing the same thing in other keys. If you ever do a gig (or even jam) with a horn player, they will probably play blues in Bb or Eb. You don’t have to shred in all 12 keys,(unless you want to be a guitar god), but you need to know how to at least get around in all 12 keys so you don’t embarrass yourself.
These things take time! If I spend too much time on theory and not enough time incorporating it into my playing. I lose it. I took this silly little gig at the beach where I can play jazz guitar for 4 hours a night (once a week). I spend the week working on ONE jazz lick in II-V-I Major & one in minor. Then I apply them at least once in EVERY song I play at the gig. It’s amazing how a person falls back into old habits when under pressure. It’s a challenge to apply them consistently in different songs in different keys – and it’s just two licks! My point is that it takes a conscious effort and plan to change the way you play.
Also – I can’t begin to tell you the value of listening to other players. If it’s the blues you’re after – listen to blues players. As many as you can. If you hear a lick you like – steal it! It will get filtered through your brain and end up being different than the original.
As far as writing. Writing should be called “re-writing” because that’s what it is. You just keep trying different things until you stumble onto something that doesn’t suck. Then build on that. The more you write, the less things will suck. But in the beginning, 99% of what you write will suck. Stick with it until you come up with something you like. Writing music is the HARDEST thing to do in music. Much harder than playing guitar – which is why there are 10,000 shredders and a handful of great writers.
One step at a time.
Cheers!
PG

 

[Jak Angelescu]

Another great word of advice from Papa G… but what else is new