Resources for learning music theory

Bulgakov · Regular Member Joined: 03 Oct 2017 Posts: 61

Hello,

Among those on the forum who did not major in music, does anyone have recommendations for teaching yourself music theory--either text or online videos or both?

I've come across several texts (Laitz, Benward, Clendinning;) and some strong opinions pro and con, but before I splurge I'd like to get some feedback from folks who have successfully taught themselves--if teaching yourself theory is possible.

Croquethed · Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2017 2:37 am Post subject:

It is possible to some extent. But start simply.

For me, the key that unlocked basic theory was playing blues in minor keys, a 12-bar I-IV-V. So learn your blues scales and just start riffing. It sounded cool and helped me understand how things worked. Then I tackled the blues in major keys. A lot of jazz classics are built on blues if you want to progress beyond. Even if you don't become the next Miles or Monk, you can then pick out an enormous amount of popular music by ear.

Don Herman rev2 · Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2017 5:59 am Post subject:

There are several common college texts so you could grab one of them. The usual difficulty is taking the time to learn. Rich Wiley has some helpful books and exercises. Also Chase Sanborn has a nice, easy-to-read book (I could not reach his website to post a link: chasesanborn.com).
_________________
"After silence, that which best expresses the inexpressible, is music" - Aldous Huxley

Morogan · Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2017 12:38 pm Post subject:

This is probably the best free resource for a music theory text that I've come across.

There is also this PDF from Amy Dunker which links to a lot of material.

I absolutely believe anyone can teach themselves music theory. It's just another language with its own set of symbols, words, and grammar.
_________________
My Gear

Hack001 · Heavyweight Member Joined: 20 Jun 2004 Posts: 1685

https://www.teoria.com/

http://www.musictheory.net/
_________________
Practicing is for the insecure.

Bulgakov · Regular Member Joined: 03 Oct 2017 Posts: 61

Vocabell73 · New Member Joined: 14 Oct 2017 Posts: 2

JoseLindE4 · Heavyweight Member Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 791

Open music theory is fantastic and covers a ton of things.
http://openmusictheory.com/contents.html

David Farrell (https://www.youtube.com/user/dtrane6/videos) covers a lot. There's a bunch there, but he essentially walks through most of Kostka/Payne in a series of short videos.