The Acoustic Guitar Forum

Go Back   The Acoustic Guitar Forum > General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion > PLAY and Write

Reply
 
Thread Tools
  #1  
Old 12-30-2017, 06:44 AM
joeguam joeguam is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,755
Default Best YouTube videos to learn (guitar) music theory?

A friend asked me for some YouTube recommendations to learn music theory. He plays guitar, but I don’t think it has to be limited to just this one instrument right?

I told him about Justin Sandercoe’s website, but does anyone have any good videos that they’ve come across? Would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.
__________________
AGF rules say I must tell you that I'm a KoAloha Ukulele sponsored artist.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12-30-2017, 12:05 PM
ChrisN ChrisN is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Seattle Area
Posts: 1,508
Default

I think Steve Stine is great - he youtubes under Guitarzoom, himself, and likely another, but he's worth a look. Very cogent explanations of concepts. Here's one example, but he covers everything elsewhere:

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12-30-2017, 12:27 PM
Gmountain Gmountain is offline
Charter Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Florida Central East Coast
Posts: 2,395
Default

I have a real hard time with theory. I think if a person has an affinity or math, theory will come much easier.

I read it, but for me, I need a live person to explain it to me.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12-30-2017, 02:44 PM
Misifus Misifus is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mineral Wells, Texas
Posts: 3,178
Default

A guy named Pebber Brown has a very clear and easy to understand music theory video on YouTube. Although he is a longtime guitar player, he explains why theory is easier to understand on keyboard.

This is one video I keep cued up on one of my computers. It simply makes theory make sense.
__________________
-Raf
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12-30-2017, 03:34 PM
Rev Roy's Avatar
Rev Roy Rev Roy is offline
Resident Guitar Hack
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Northwest Oklahoma
Posts: 7,167
Default

Tony P. occasionally teaches a very good online course on this topic called “Fretboard Wizard.” Focused on music theory specifically for guitar use. It’s a 6 week course that you have to sign up and pay for...but well worth it. Keep an eye out for it.

Meanwhile, here’s one of his free vids that briefly touches on some of the same stuff.

__________________
2021 Edmonds OM-28RS - Sunburst (Adi/Old Growth Honduran)
2014 Walker Clark Fork (Adi/Honduran Rosewood)…incoming

FOR SALE: 2023 Martin 000-15SM 12 fret w/ K&K mini

Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12-30-2017, 03:36 PM
joeguam joeguam is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,755
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Misifus View Post
A guy named Pebber Brown has a very clear and easy to understand music theory video on YouTube. Although he is a longtime guitar player, he explains why theory is easier to understand on keyboard.

This is one video I keep cued up on one of my computers. It simply makes theory make sense.

Is this the video you’re talking about?
__________________
AGF rules say I must tell you that I'm a KoAloha Ukulele sponsored artist.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 01-03-2018, 01:42 PM
jbell jbell is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 85
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisN View Post
I think Steve Stine is great - he youtubes under Guitarzoom, himself, and likely another, but he's worth a look. Very cogent explanations of concepts. Here's one example, but he covers everything elsewhere:
Chris, thanks for the tip. I checked out Stine's first two videos and am hooked. Best explanation of theory I've come across. Plan on working my way through the whole series. He gives me the proverbial light bulb over the head.

Last edited by Kerbie; 01-04-2018 at 11:24 AM. Reason: Fixed quote
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 01-03-2018, 01:56 PM
jbeecham jbeecham is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 312
Default

Michael New is good.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNB...rnvwcVRD5fS8aA

jerry
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 01-03-2018, 02:11 PM
jaymarsch jaymarsch is offline
Charter Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: North of the Golden Gate, South of the Redwoods, East of the Pacific and West of the Sierras
Posts: 10,571
Default

+1 on Tony Polecastro’s materials and his Fretboard Wizard.

Best,
Jayne
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 01-04-2018, 09:10 AM
vindibona1 vindibona1 is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Chicago- North Burbs, via Mexico City
Posts: 5,219
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gmountain View Post
I have a real hard time with theory. I think if a person has an affinity or math, theory will come much easier.

I read it, but for me, I need a live person to explain it to me.
What you need to begin is a basic roadmap to theory. It's not that hard if you don't get overwhelmed by the term. (IMO) Theory is easier to learn on a keyboard, but easier to apply on a guitar. Now, you can take your guitar experience and reverse-engineer the theory (as I was able to), but there is a progression of things you have to learn. It's all easy if you learn it in the proper sequence. What the keyboard gives you is a linear visualization of notes, something that the guitar does not. On the keyboard you have C thru B and the 5 sharps/flats in between, essentially 12 tones that repeat every octave (assuming you first know what an octave is).

The first thing to learn is ROOT PROGRESSIONS and the "rules" of root progressions. It is helpful to know that every note on the major scale (or any scale for that matter) is assigned a number. CDEFGABC (and their corresponding chords) would would have roots (the bass notes) notated as I II III IV V VI VII VIII. Once you know the root notes of each chord in a key you would learn that "I is often followed by IV or V, sometime VI, less often II or III". So, in the key of C you would know that C maj is often followed by F or G, sometimes Am, less often Dm or Em. Using the numbering system as illustrated above, in the key of G, G maj is often followed by C or D, sometimes Em, less often Am or Bm. Each number has a general rule for root progressions.

Next is understanding TRIADS, the three basic notes in each chord. So, in the key of C major, going up the scale of roots, I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII you'd have C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, B diminished.

Following that you have basic embellishments, 7th, minor 7ths. After that you have secondary embellishments; 9ths, 13th, b5ths, etc. And that all blends into poly-chordal things where two (or more) chords are played on top of each other for unique sounds and textures.

On the melodic side you have scales, modes and intervals. Then there are some rules of voice leading, which are typically followed rather loosely, if at all.

Getting back to guitar, the problem is that, because we can use positions and patterns there is often a disconnect between the actual music/theory and what we're playing and hearing. You can play any number of chords and almost magically the ones that sound the best often follow the rules of theory, root progressions and voice leading. We know how to finger chords and strum. We know how to link chords together, and know it sounds good. What's lacking is an understand of how the rules apply to those things that sound good. It's not so hard. Trust me. After playing years of guitar I took my first music theory class in college and remember the first time the professor put stuff up on the board and recall thinking "Oh...that's what they call that".

So again, don't get overwhelmed. Most of what we guitarists use consciously from a theory standpoint can be learned in a few weeks or months- if we already have song playing experience. Those that have no musical experience will have a more difficult time because without it, it's all ether until they have time to gain musical experience.

Dismounting soap box.
__________________
Assuming is not knowing. Knowing is NOT the same as understanding. There is a difference between compassion and wisdom, however compassion cannot supplant wisdom, and wisdom can not occur without understanding. facts don't care about your feelings and FEELINGS ALONE MAKE FOR TERRIBLE, often irreversible DECISIONS
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 01-04-2018, 10:47 AM
ChrisN ChrisN is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Seattle Area
Posts: 1,508
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by vindibona1 View Post

Dismounting soap box.
Thanks for taking the time to present that info. Partially digested, and saved for later consumption.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 01-04-2018, 11:59 AM
buzzardwhiskey buzzardwhiskey is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,450
Default

I've basically given up on understanding music theory in any real sense. I have hundreds of dollars in books and five college degrees, but I just haven't found a way to "get it".
__________________
Website: http://www.buzzardwhiskey.com
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 01-13-2018, 09:21 PM
Treyson Treyson is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: York. PA
Posts: 52
Default

If overwhelmed with all the theory and need a break or a laugh check out Dustin @ Howtorockacampfire on YouTube
__________________
Bruce
Taylor 214ce DLX FS
Taylor GS Mini Mahogany
Takamine EAN10C
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 01-13-2018, 09:31 PM
Treyson Treyson is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: York. PA
Posts: 52
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by vindibona1 View Post
What you need to begin is a basic roadmap to theory. It's not that hard if you don't get overwhelmed by the term. (IMO) Theory is easier to learn on a keyboard, but easier to apply on a guitar. Now, you can take your guitar experience and reverse-engineer the theory (as I was able to), but there is a progression of things you have to learn. It's all easy if you learn it in the proper sequence. What the keyboard gives you is a linear visualization of notes, something that the guitar does not. On the keyboard you have C thru B and the 5 sharps/flats in between, essentially 12 tones that repeat every octave (assuming you first know what an octave is).

The first thing to learn is ROOT PROGRESSIONS and the "rules" of root progressions. It is helpful to know that every note on the major scale (or any scale for that matter) is assigned a number. CDEFGABC (and their corresponding chords) would would have roots (the bass notes) notated as I II III IV V VI VII VIII. Once you know the root notes of each chord in a key you would learn that "I is often followed by IV or V, sometime VI, less often II or III". So, in the key of C you would know that C maj is often followed by F or G, sometimes Am, less often Dm or Em. Using the numbering system as illustrated above, in the key of G, G maj is often followed by C or D, sometimes Em, less often Am or Bm. Each number has a general rule for root progressions.

Next is understanding TRIADS, the three basic notes in each chord. So, in the key of C major, going up the scale of roots, I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII you'd have C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, B diminished.

Following that you have basic embellishments, 7th, minor 7ths. After that you have secondary embellishments; 9ths, 13th, b5ths, etc. And that all blends into poly-chordal things where two (or more) chords are played on top of each other for unique sounds and textures.

On the melodic side you have scales, modes and intervals. Then there are some rules of voice leading, which are typically followed rather loosely, if at all.

Getting back to guitar, the problem is that, because we can use positions and patterns there is often a disconnect between the actual music/theory and what we're playing and hearing. You can play any number of chords and almost magically the ones that sound the best often follow the rules of theory, root progressions and voice leading. We know how to finger chords and strum. We know how to link chords together, and know it sounds good. What's lacking is an understand of how the rules apply to those things that sound good. It's not so hard. Trust me. After playing years of guitar I took my first music theory class in college and remember the first time the professor put stuff up on the board and recall thinking "Oh...that's what they call that".

So again, don't get overwhelmed. Most of what we guitarists use consciously from a theory standpoint can be learned in a few weeks or months- if we already have song playing experience. Those that have no musical experience will have a more difficult time because without it, it's all ether until they have time to gain musical experience.

Dismounting soap box.
After watching and reading and doing it again numerous times I can finally figure it out. Mind you its slow and usually requires a pencil and piece of paper
__________________
Bruce
Taylor 214ce DLX FS
Taylor GS Mini Mahogany
Takamine EAN10C
Reply With Quote
Reply

  The Acoustic Guitar Forum > General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion > PLAY and Write

Thread Tools





All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:21 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright ©2000 - 2022, The Acoustic Guitar Forum
vB Ad Management by =RedTyger=