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Ask HN: Tools to learn music theory?

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Re: Ask HN: Tools to learn music theory?

#61

Post by bondarchuk »

Read: Harry Partch - Genesis of a Music. Or: Meyer - The Musician’s Arithmetic.

They explain music based on fundamental acoustic/aural/sonic principles, instead of all the accumulated cruft of western music theory. You first have to understand that the ratio of 3:2 is, after the octave, the maximum consonance that two tones can have, before you can treat it as a "perfect fifth" which is so-and-so many steps on the piano keyboard. They explain that "modulation" is the process of treating identical tones in different senses to go from a context in which one sense is dominant, to a context in which the other sense is dominant.

This is the kind of stuff that you'll probably pick up anyway from standard western music theory, but putting the aural logic front and center is what really made things click for me.

Re: Ask HN: Tools to learn music theory?

#62

Post by capableweb »

kinghtown wrote: post #40
unwind wrote: post #38

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That makes sense, but [1] lists 119 songs were Michael Jackson is the writer or co-writer. So reducing him to a vocalist [2] in this context makes little sense to me. [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Songs_written_by_Mich... [2]: I'm not trying to say that being a vocalist is somehow "worse" than being a songwriter, just that removing a skill he clearly had (writing songs) is weird.

When artists buy songs they are given a credit for legal purposes (and I suppose vanity, too)

Do you have any sources for the claim that the songs written, composed and co-produced by Jackson were actually just bought?

Most of the songs I went through from Jackson where he appear to be a writer, as the history of him writing and producing the song. Of course, he got plenty of help. But I don't think it's fair to reduce him as using ghost-writers/producers for his songs, people seem to be properly credited.

Re: Ask HN: Tools to learn music theory?

#66

Post by wigster »

tarsinge wrote: post #44

For years I made the error of learning music theory without enough ear training. You have to hear and feel the theory, it's not only intellectual. Then I found 2 exercises are all I needed for playing and composing music by ear: - Functional intervals / scale degrees: https://tonesavvy.com/music-practice-exercise/220/functional... . If you start tone deaf like me checked "Fixed Key", learn all the intervals, then res…

wow - i am terrible at that. i play guitar, keyboards and sing (ok) but i cannot do that.

nice util tho. must practice more...

Re: Ask HN: Tools to learn music theory?

#67

Post by ergonaught »

wallstprog wrote: post #10

You might want to give Rick Beato a try: https://rickbeato.com/ He does interesting YouTube videos on music topics, but also sells theory and ear-training courses online.

I've followed Rick for years, love his content, he's very engaging and knowledgeable and all the things, but when it comes to teaching, most of the time I find him incomprehensible even when I do already know what he's teaching/demonstrating.

Something in his approach and the way my brain works just short circuit.

Re: Ask HN: Tools to learn music theory?

#68

Post by nickd2001 »

Depends why you want to learn the theory. If you play an instrument enough, you'll pick up lots of theory, probably enough for an average amateur, naturally, just by learning lots of pieces. Piano is better for this than most I believe as its easy to see what's going on and play chords (vs say, wind instrument that plays just 1 note at a time). If you wanna be a really good amateur (presumably not a pro, as people normally has to start as a kid to do that), or, want some knowledge to help with jazz improv, then I'd say aim for ABRSM Grade 5 theory, possibly do grade 3 or 4 first. If you google My Music theory, there's a ton of free stuff on that website. you can do ABRSM exams online. Good way of checking your knowledge and getting a certificate of proof :). I know some people say you don't need to study theory for jazz improv. Personally, cos I don't play piano or guitar, I found studying theory helps fill in gaps of knowledge eg on chords

Re: Ask HN: Tools to learn music theory?

#70

Post by raincole »

tarsinge wrote: post #44

For years I made the error of learning music theory without enough ear training. You have to hear and feel the theory, it's not only intellectual. Then I found 2 exercises are all I needed for playing and composing music by ear: - Functional intervals / scale degrees: https://tonesavvy.com/music-practice-exercise/220/functional... . If you start tone deaf like me checked "Fixed Key", learn all the intervals, then res…

Tonesavvy looks like an ugly clone of https://tonedear.com/ear-training/intervals
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