Learning music theory might seem like an impossible task or a waste of time for some people. Others think of it as an investment in their hobby or profession.
If you’re looking for a way to start learning music theory for guitar, we’ve got you covered. This post sheds light on why you should learn music theory and what is the best way to learn music theory for guitar.
Let’s get started!
*If you need some guidance in buying the best guitar strings for fingerpicking or indie rock, we’ve got you covered too, be sure to check it out too!
Why You Should Learn Music Theory as a Guitarist
You don’t need to know music theory to learn to play an instrument like the guitar. Actually, so many great guitarists know nothing about music theory.
Why bother learning music theory when you can just read tablature?
Tablature only tells you what to do on the guitar and where to put your hands on your guitar’s neck, but it doesn’t tell you why you’re using your hands like this and what notes or rhythm you’re playing.
This is when music theory comes in handy. Knowing music theory actually helps you to be a better guitarist. It’ll speed up your learning journey to play the guitar.
Music theory is essential when it comes to making music. It provides you with the skills needed for improvising, composing, and manipulating chords.
So, if you want to take your guitar skills to the next level, you should learn music theory. If you only want to be able to play your favorite songs, then it’s not a necessity.
However, it’ll be more fun playing guitar when you know music theory. You’ll be able to play more effortlessly because you’ll have a better understanding of the basic chord structures which relieve you from memorizing all the chords, their names, and all of their variations.
You should learn music theory after you get comfortable playing a few songs. It’s better to start playing on your guitar first and have fun with it before jumping into music theory.
And if you already know how to play guitar and you’re skilled, what are you waiting for?
What Is the Best Way to Learn Music Theory for Guitar?
Luckily, we live now in an era where everything is available through the internet. So, we listed the best ways to learn guitar theory from the convenience of your home.
Online Courses
Here are our favorite online music theory for guitar courses:
1. Music Theory Bootcamp
Music Bootcamp, provided by Pickup Music, is taught by Dr. Quentin Angus, an amazing jazz guitarist and composer who is considered one of the best jazz instructors in the world.
The Bootcamp is designed specifically for guitar, so you can apply everything you learn on your guitar with daily guided practice. Best of all, you don’t really need any prior knowledge of theory before applying for this course.
This course consists of five levels starting at the very basics. Each level consists of 14 days, but you can still take things at your own pace, which is the best thing about online courses.
If you commit to this course, you might finish all the levels in about 4 months. In this Bootcamp, you’ll learn the same concepts that are taught at some of the leading music colleges.
You have to choose a Pickup Music membership plan to access this Bootcamp and other lessons. It’s affordable and definitely worth the money.
2. Fretboard Theory Video Pro Pack
Fretboard Theory Video Pro Pack is the perfect choice for intermediate guitar players who want to up their game.
Pro Pack teaches you music theory for guitar with an emphasis on the fretboard. The course includes over 39 hours of video instructions, and it’s divided into two levels, each consisting of 10 chapters.
You’ll not be scratching the surface of music theory with this course. Instead, you’ll be learning everything you need to know to master your favorite players’ styles.
This course isn’t for beginners!
3. Takelessons Live
Takelessons Live allows you to learn guitar online from the convenience of your home but with the help of world-class teachers interacting with you live. This is recommended for people who don’t like self-learning programs.
By getting your membership, you’ll have access to hundreds of live classes teaching about any guitar-related subjects. You’ll also have access to their library of on-demand videos and articles.
The classes are taught in real-time and are available every day. In these classes, you can ask live questions and get instant feedback.
There’s also the possibility to practice with other guitar learners, which you may find motivating. It’s up to you to have your camera or microphone on; you won’t be put on display unwillingly.
Takelessons Live is a great alternative for in-person classes as it’s more affordable and flexible.
Books and Articles
Some various books and articles can provide amazing help in learning music theory for guitar. Here are our recommendations:
1. Hub Guitar
Hub Guitar offers great articles and courses for learning guitar in general. Their online music theory course for guitar is amazing.
The course is completely free, and the articles offer detailed instructions for applying music theory to guitar. They even have quizzes to test your understanding!
2. Peter Vogl’s The Guitarist’s Music Theory Book
This is a great book for learning guitar-related music theory if you’re a beginner guitarist. It also works for intermediate and advanced players.
The book includes online audio examples to help you with your learning. It has an ear learning segment as well so you can improve your listening skills.
If you want to learn everything about music theory for guitar and are willing to take it seriously, this book is a must for you.
3. Berklee Online
Berklee Online offers everything from handbook downloads to online courses. They provide Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, certificate programs, and courses.
It’s a good choice for those wanting to advance academically in music.
Wrap-Up
We’ve listed different ways you can learn music theory for guitar as we’re well aware that not all people learn the same way. We recommend you try them all and choose what is best for you.
