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wizfan
05-06-2016, 01:12 AM
I never learned proper music theory as a kid. However, I'm very interested to learn about it now. Fellow ETS users, which are, in your opinion, the best free resources (websites, videos, ebooks) for someone to get started?

I would like this thread to be about general discussions on various aspects of music theory. Discuss your favorite techniques on composition, instrumentation, harmony, melody etc.

Also, is this the correct subforum to post this, or should it be moved to Artistic Expression or something?

Substance242
05-06-2016, 03:41 AM
This (http://www.fffilm.name/search/label/skladatel) is very good, but in Czech language, describing music theory basics from "IT dude" perspective and revealing how simple it really is when you use numbers for notes. :-)
Greek (https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=cs&tl=el&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fffilm.name%2Fsearch%2Flabel%2F skladatel&edit-text=) or English (https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=cs&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fffilm.name%2Fsearch%2Flabel%2F skladatel) Google translation (start from bottom, and I am sorry I don't have something similar in English...).

Jinsai
05-10-2016, 12:04 PM
might be best to have thrown this into one of the two "how to make music" threads, but since it would still be a bit off topic (and probably not go on for too long) I'll just throw in my two cents. Music theory, as a general topic, is a potential rabbit-hole. You can get REALLY fucking deep, and some people are drawn to that. You can also use it as a basic crutch to hammer out musical ideas. Some people only want to know enough theory so that they can play along and be in the correct basic key. Some people want to go around strategically planning phrase modulations to accent odd time signature shifts with hovering isorhythmic plot points.

What I'm saying is your mileage may vary, and depending on what you're going for, the most helpful resources will differ. Start at the most basic though. Music theory is divided into two main areas: time and pitch. Understand simple timing (common 4/4 time and simple triple 3/4), how the rhythmic division is broken up and why. Learn your basic terminology well, and be sure you understand it before diving deeper. Understand basic keys and how to identify them. Major and minor scales. Be able to quickly determine the basic key of a song. Memorize and be able to quickly name the minor/major equivalent. If someone tells you a song is in Gminor, you should be able to immediately be able to play along. Know the circle of fifths, and why it's important.

If you're working with a keyboard-type interface, purchase Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist (in 60 exercises). Open it at least once a day. Practice practice practice, and do drills where you test yourself. Make flashcards if that helps. Just remember why you wanted to learn theory in the first place, and stay on target. Knowledge should only empower your original goals. If you're getting bogged down by theory in a way where it may be hampering your creative direction, take a step back. But no harm can come from improving your sight reading, knowledge of terminology, and technical proficiency skills.

Good luck!