Music Theory - A bit of stigma, a lot of freedom
Throughout my life as a musician I’ve never much dedicated myself to learning music theory. It always seemed to me that I just needed to know enough to put together a melody or chord progression by noodling around on the guitar or keyboard, but along the way, like every musician, I’ve picked up tidbits here and there. Of course, there’s a very basic level of theory required in order to play anything. But after that is the point where it becomes enabling for the songwriter.
Learning some musical theory may be seem like a pain in the ass and a dry job, but it liberates you by expanding your capabilities as a songwriter. It may allow you to capture the melody in your head with your instrument, or even allow you to come up with melodies that never even entered the realm of your imagination. Either way, it’s worth at least going through some tutorials and making yourself a better composer.
Leave a Reply