Where should I start?

haarp · 07-06-2010, 06:50 PM

Hi There,

I'm a little confused as to where I should start now that I want to move further into music theory...
I've learned all the 5 positions of the minor pentatonic scale but I feel a little...stuck I guess.

I've read that I really should learn intervals and those basics before moving into scales/modes/arpeggios/etc... but I've heard different things from different people and what is important to me is to understand the formation of these things before I utilize them.

I'm wanting to learn the CAGED system....but right now I feel like I'm going in circles.

So in your opinion, should I learn and understand intervals then go into chords or what? My bigges priority is to learn the right way so I know WHY I'm doing what I'm doing that will help me create more efficiently.

Thanks!

Budda · 07-07-2010, 03:33 AM

Yes, Intervals are important!

Maybe start with the Major Scale, and how you can build Chords from it. This will give you the Basics of Diatonic Theory and Harmony.

And that's the good stuff.......

Budda · 07-07-2010, 03:54 AM

Okay, here's some good stuff. Try to read through these Threads and ASK QUESTIONS on them.

There are a lot of helpful people around here to help. Make use of that resource!

Scales help..!!!

Major Scales

Not getting anywhere?

Keeping Time and Strumming

Beginner Lesson On Theory Please

What Now?

Don't be put off by the "Jazz" title of this Thread. It also has some BASICS in it! Here you go:

Getting in to Jazz

This should keep you busy!
And, in a PRODUCTIVE way!

haarp · 07-07-2010, 12:56 PM

Budda, thanks a lot for the links, I'll make sure to start viewing them asap..

chrisj · 07-08-2010, 01:56 PM

There are basically five areas that you should focus on:

1. Single string applications - major, minor scales and modes, arpeggios, sequences, etc. Basically soloing and technique.

2. Chords - harmony as in triads, 7th, 9th chords, etc. rhythm playing.

3. Reading - I wouldn't forget about this because you will need it in the future for one thing or another.

4. Ear training - Identifying intervals, scales and chords. Transcribing, etc

5. Music Theory - This takes less time than developing your ears and shows you how to use everything else.

You can find an example practice schedule here if you are interested >>>

07-06-2010, 06:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
haarp Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 4	Where should I start? Hi There, I'm a little confused as to where I should start now that I want to move further into music theory... I've learned all the 5 positions of the minor pentatonic scale but I feel a little...stuck I guess. I've read that I really should learn intervals and those basics before moving into scales/modes/arpeggios/etc... but I've heard different things from different people and what is important to me is to understand the formation of these things before I utilize them. I'm wanting to learn the CAGED system....but right now I feel like I'm going in circles. So in your opinion, should I learn and understand intervals then go into chords or what? My bigges priority is to learn the right way so I know WHY I'm doing what I'm doing that will help me create more efficiently. Thanks!

07-08-2010, 01:56 PM	#5 (permalink)
chrisj Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Los Angeles/Tokyo Posts: 35	There are basically five areas that you should focus on: 1. Single string applications - major, minor scales and modes, arpeggios, sequences, etc. Basically soloing and technique. 2. Chords - harmony as in triads, 7th, 9th chords, etc. rhythm playing. 3. Reading - I wouldn't forget about this because you will need it in the future for one thing or another. 4. Ear training - Identifying intervals, scales and chords. Transcribing, etc 5. Music Theory - This takes less time than developing your ears and shows you how to use everything else. You can find an example practice schedule here if you are interested >>> __________________ -CJ chrisjuergensen.com

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07-07-2010, 03:33 AM	#2 (permalink)
Budda Plank Spanker Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 334	Yes, Intervals are important! Maybe start with the Major Scale, and how you can build Chords from it. This will give you the Basics of Diatonic Theory and Harmony. And that's the good stuff.......

07-07-2010, 03:54 AM	#3 (permalink)
Budda Plank Spanker Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 334	Okay, here's some good stuff. Try to read through these Threads and ASK QUESTIONS on them. There are a lot of helpful people around here to help. Make use of that resource! Scales help..!!! Major Scales Not getting anywhere? Keeping Time and Strumming Beginner Lesson On Theory Please What Now? Don't be put off by the "Jazz" title of this Thread. It also has some BASICS in it! Here you go: Getting in to Jazz This should keep you busy! And, in a PRODUCTIVE way!

07-07-2010, 12:56 PM	#4 (permalink)
haarp Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 4	Budda, thanks a lot for the links, I'll make sure to start viewing them asap..