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I've been putting off learning Music Theory for around 4 years now. I started my first piano and theory lesson 2007 and never went back. Every book I read confused me because I thought I could get by without learning it. In the years of producing my music has never sounded good. A musician I speak to advised me on a couple of resources that have really helped me grasp theory. In around 4 days I went from not being able to read or write on a stave to being able to do that, as well as understanding scales, modes, accidentals, and a few other things I've forgot from the top of my head.

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The book that I found really easy to understand is: The Complete Idiots Guide to Music Theory. I can't compare it to other books, but if you struggle with learning music theory as I did it's defiantly a very easy book to understand. I do have some other books, but they were all too formal and confusing to understand for a total beginner. The book is accessible online if you look hard enough.

Another place I found useful was http://musictheory.net. They have screen cast type tutorials that I use alongside the book. I also use the site to go back to topics when I need a little help or guidance to understand something I've already learnt. They also have an iPhone app so you can continue to study, and practice, when you're out and about, or in bed.

This YouTube channel is also brilliant ... http://www.youtube.com/user/PianoLessonscom. Sometimes you need someone to speak through a topic to grasp it, like a teacher. This dude does a good job at doing that.

Edit: I forgot to mention this dude, he's also really good at explaining and has lots of videos on Music Theory: http://www.youtube.com/user/Lypur

And finally, lots and lots of practice. I never thought I'd ever understand music theory, but I proved myself wrong. I've been hard at studying for 8 - 12 hours a day, ontop of playing with the iPhone app and flicking through videos on topics I've not yet got to in the book. That way, when I approach the topic in the book I have a head start on what I'm reading.

I hope that helps others who are in my shoes. Feel free to contribute if you have any other useful resources.

These are cool! They're quite a bit more serious than the resources linked so could be followed upon by people that feel they're ready for focused learning. (edited as my original post seemed quite blunt )

Music Theory for Computer Musicians

Composition for Computer Musicians

Harmony for Computer Musicians

Glad to see people sharing knowledge like this. I'd love to go back to my theory classes and relearn everything. I need to brush up.

Turnipish Thoughts wrote:(edited as my original post seemed quite blunt )

I'm a little offended about why you would respond with a blunt reply.

Why would someone be blunt about another human sharing knowledge with other humans who might be looking for a good place to start on a music related topic on a music related forum where the topic in subject is likely to be skipped because a percentage of humans on this music related forum have no interest in developing their skills as real musicians?

They're quite a bit more serious

No, the're in a different context. You wouldn't read those books if you're a budding guitarist, or pianist. You learn the foundations of music theory before moving into more specific areas of music theory, such as the examples you posted above.

I, along with others, appreciate sharing resources, but there is no need to be a prick about it.

Big up man
il get stuck into these later

Nice one on the links, will use them!

GV1 wrote:

Turnipish Thoughts wrote:(edited as my original post seemed quite blunt )

I'm a little offended about why you would respond with a blunt reply.

Why would someone be blunt about another human sharing knowledge with other humans who might be looking for a good place to start on a music related topic on a music related forum where the topic in subject is likely to be skipped because a percentage of humans on this music related forum have no interest in developing their skills as real musicians?

They're quite a bit more serious

No, they're in a different context. You wouldn't read those books if you're a budding guitarist, or pianist. You learn the foundations of music theory before moving into more specific areas of music theory, such as the examples you posted above.

I, along with others, appreciate sharing resources, but there is no need to be a prick about it.

I meant blunt because all i said was "Read these" and then posted the links. I was in a rush when i posted it and quickly linked them up and shot off. Coming back later I read it and noticed it seemed a bit vague.

They are not in a different context. They are actually extremely thorough and dense books on the subject. They start very simple but quickly become more serious than "The Complete Idiots Guide to music theory" which is what I was referring to.

Stating that 'you wouldn't read these books if you were a budding guitarist or pianist' is extremely presumptuous as they are very popular books on the subject of music theory and teach theory, as theory, within the paradigm of electronic music production (something very relevant to an electronic music related forum).

You seem predisposed to defensive talk, I don't understand why. I take myself to be very helpful on these boards and have spent a long time posting lots of information and writing up lots of very long and in depth information about music theory and production, search my posts. I'ts never ever my intention to rouse anyones emotions so I'm sorry for inadvertently coming across that way.

I respect what you're doing and was only adding my bit of input to your aims.

the books i used in school were 'foundations of music and musicianship by damschroder and tonal harmony v6 by kostka. they're both really informative and have workbooks should you be so inclined. tonal harmony also goes into atonal music in the second half which we did not cover in my class. maybe i'll take it next year but doubt it.