How you play the guitar...

[gumbomadness]

dont make too big a deal about theory. yes, its complicated, yes its VERY in-depth.
But yes, it is a necessity.
Just take it one step at a time.
In the end, when you know some theory, and by theory i mean, chord names, key sigs, chord construction, > > > modes, > > > chord substitution >> more... life becomes beautiful.
The guitar no longer becomes a tree stump that makes noises. You no longer have to "search" for that note, or for that chord that makes your bridge..or struggle to improvize, or to get that riff down,and it doesnt make you a robot either. Theory helps you understand MANY other music styles, and more importantly lets you incorporate them into your own work. The goal for any musician is to be able to read their instrument like a book, and to have the instrument be an extension of them, where they can speak through it.
SPEAK through it. now thats profound.
Start learning now. Get lessons, read a book, play with others, get a guitar chord book, then a book with scales, and a book about theory.
Do something, your only limiting yourself if you dont.

However, if you sing, or write poetry and sing em like lyrics, or have more to contribute than just your guitar work, going by on just chord names is fine. The guitar no longer becomes your only tool for expression, instead, you are like dave, who by no means is an incredible guitarist. But his lyrics! Read them alone, they are poetry. And, he has developed his own style for guitar, his voice, his poems (lyrics, but to me they are more like poems), and together theyre amazing. If you are a singer/song writer theory i think isnt AS essential because your multitasking like a beeotch.

There are ALOT of paths to take with guitar. Just pick the one that will lead you to where you want to go. ..<end long post>

i probably contradicted myself ALOT up there. ::points to post::
Bleh. I dont feel like going back and proofreading.

8)

[Kukini]

great post gumbo!

[MOE.PHISH]

good post mang (gumbo) thanks for your input