Guitar Music Theory versus Can I Just Play?
Usually, someone picks up a guitar because some guitar lick caught their attention, and they want to learn to play “just like famous guitarist’s name.” As their interest in the instrument grows, the lick is not enough to satisfy an expanding passion, and a dedicated guitarist is stuck asking, “What’s next?”
This is where the debate arises: some guitarists say, “learn guitar theory, take some lessons,” others say, “you don’t need theory to be a guitarist, just keep playing.” A mix of the two is probably the best way to go at this point in your guitar playing world.
Regardless of the type of guitar you play, having some understanding of music theory and chord progressions are helpful in jam sessions, putting together a band and for expanding your playing options. Many colleges and community colleges offer low cost music theory courses, and there are some great books designed specifically for guitarists that give excellent overviews of music theory, while still being clear and understandable to someone with little or no formal music exposure.
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