Music Existed Long Before the Rules
Let’s start with a fact that most people never really stop to think about: music theory has only existed for a tiny sliver of the time that music itself has been around. Human beings were banging on drums, chanting, wailing from the soul long before anyone decided to put names to scales or label things as “major” or “minor.” Music existed long before the rules.
Theory Is a Language, Not a Law
In my experience, music theory is good to know, but only if you treat it like a language, not a law. It helps you communicate with other musicians. That’s it. It gives you words and symbols to describe what you’re doing so you are not stuck saying, “you know, that thing that goes duh-duh-dunnn” when you are trying to jam with someone. It can be a bridge, not a cage.
My Background in Music Theory
I went to a music school for over a year. I learned to read notation. I learned my scales, and I mapped out the entire fret board, etc. I looked into the modes, learned the theory behind how to chord progressions are made, and understood how the math behind the music worked. With that said, I started to lose interest in becoming too acquainted with music theory. I wanted to keep it as a tool, not as my main skill to create music.
At this point, the only aspect of music theory I enjoy and practice is to maintain a sharp map of the fret board to quickly identify notes and I also enjoy the challenges and theory behind rhythmic patterns in music.
But Here is What Really Matters
The more I played, the more I realized something.
I don’t care about what’s “correct.” I care about what feels right. What sounds good. What hits you in the chest and makes you headbang. That is not something any theory book can teach. That comes from your ears, your hands, your heart, and everything you have lived through.
If you need music theory to understand how to keep a beat or to choose notes that sound good over a chord progression, then that is fine. For me, all those things came naturally and they do for others too, but for some people this is harder and music theory can help them understand and unlock those skills.
Understand the Rules, But Don’t Worship Them
I’m not trying to trash music theory. I would never tell anyone not to learn it. If it helps you, embrace it. Learn it, study it, use it. But in my opinion, avoid becoming a slave to it. Don’t get so wrapped up in doing things “right” that you forget why you picked up the instrument in the first place. That is unless your goal was to become a music theory teacher above anything else.
Theory Is Just One Tool Among Many
For me, theory is just one of the many tools in my arsenal. A helpful one, yes, but a small part of the bigger picture. It doesn’t define me as a musician. It doesn’t shape what I write or how I play. My ears do that. My instincts. My chaos.
Break the Rules and Create what You Like
Music theory is a set of rules. But music, the real kind, is what happens when you break those rules and still make it sound great. We are living in times when everyone is trying to create art that seems to appeal to the largest audiences. if you want to stand out, start making music you like, not music that is supposed to sell more.
Final Thoughts
So, is music theory necessary? Tyrant says, it’s not that simple.
I would say useful, not necessary. Some of the greatest composers of all time never learned it. In fact, two of my favorite guitarists (Marty Friedman and Nuno Bettencourt) do not rely on it. If you want to communicate ideas with ease and understand rhythms, learn it, but don’t forget that music was made long before it was organized with rules.
– Tyrantshredd