Music Theory application

[Smaegol]

How long does it take to acquire a solid understanding of music theory (Given that you are learning it everyday and practicing a fair amount as factors) and actually apply it to your guitar playing? I know this is a vague question that will get alot of cliche answers.. but is music theory a very hard thing to learn, or is it something that just is overlooked in the era of tabs and such. I really would like to learn it, but it does seem intimidating..

[Skankerton]

That my friend is the hard part. Unfortuneately its also the most important part too. The application of all the music theory taking up space in my brainpiece just doesnt seem to happen. I dont have an answer as to how long it takes, but hopefully its soon!

[mikey69]

well what aprt of music theory are you refering too. Knowing the acutally notations and such, or more guitar structure like chord formations and scales??

[fatjack]

all depends on your capability to learn and understand

[thejoe]

it helps if you have a little music knowledge prior to picking up the guitar

[grock]

i'd say you can start applying it after day one.

knowing keys and chords in keys. when you can hear what chords are being played, or (just look at what they are playing) you can solo right then and there cuz you know the key.

also rhythm is good cuz you learn the dominant beats and the weak beats and can counter them and stuff. how to invert chords or end on the fifth which begs for the tonic and leads nicely to segue between songs.

a big plus is being able to hear a melody in your head and with a little work write it down on paper and have a hard copy of it. like mozart did.

but really just knowing the key has helped me by far. of course you won't have any luck aplying theory to guitar if you don't know where all the notes are so you have to learn that too.

i could go on for days about the little ways that theory can be applied.

[souna]

true theory can be applied from day one. but one very important thing I beleive is that you should never become a slave to theory because everything can be done you just need to keep an open mind and not try to use only your intelect. so theory very important but as long as what you play sounds cool to you than its cool.
peace

[Matty Boom]

cool

[GuitarGuy610]

Sounds good! My Music Theory For Dummys book should be here in a few days...I am anxious!