What's the best book resource for learning guitar theory for a beginner. Should he learn music theory first and that poses the same question. I can't really answer myself because I learned music theory at school and I've bought lots of books on guitar (most of which were pretty crap) and ended up in the charity shops. I have just 2 books on music theory by a bloke called Eric Taylor which are OK for reference but not necessarily for learning; I'm not sure. Guitar wise I have Fretboard theory by Desi Sarna (sp?) which I think is excellent and probably my 'go to' resource for all things guitar and I think might be OK for a beginner to more advanced stuff. That's my choice though but there may be much better recommendations out there. I have a few more books for specific guitar methods/styles so not really beginner books.
Would a book on music theory be good to start with or not really necessary because there's enough music theory in most guitar books to cover most of what you need? Maybe because I learned music theory before guitar I should ask who's gone the other way and did they wish they'd done music theory first? I'm sure I pulled on music theory subconsciously but not sure if it was a necessary pre-requisite, and maybe in a way it holds you back.
Ian
Lowering my
expectations has succeeded beyond my wildest dreams.
Comments
Supportact said: [my style is] probably more an accumulation of limitations and bad habits than a 'style'.
Learning the mechanics of technique is different and is instrument specific but music theory is just music theory, that's the way I've always seen and taught it.
Bits and pieces of theory after the rudiments of playing is probably best, as in explaining what's happening with each new song.
I gave lessons a long time ago. I preferred to be called a strumming coach in the end. I saw so point in showing scales other than the diatonic or pentatonic major and related scales if the students only played along to guitar songs of the day.
Its still hard to accept that I'm an "intermediate" player after 30 years, but there will always be something new to learn, develop or relearn!
Almost anything will impress a non-player, and I know that I have far exceeded what I wanted to do at the start.