Is music theory universal?

Question

I'm currently 17 years old and want to dedicate myself to music. I've listened to different styles of music now: jazz, funk,groove also classical (Bob acri>any pop Idol in 2018). 2 weeks ago I bought myself a Guitar and a Piano and played/learned songs and trained my hands for each instrument. Question comes now: I want to learn the music theory of the guitar first but can I apply that knowledge to the piano (once I learned most of the important things). Like Barre chords can't be played on the piano right? Is music theory universal for any instrument?

Answer 1

Hi there, I think I can help answer your question. Yes, Music Theory is universal on any instrument within Western Music practices. Your theory knowledge will translate to other instruments, though specific shapes, patterns, and techniques may not (for example like you said, barre chords are a specific technique/shape on guitar and won't translate to other non-string instruments).

That being said, a C major scale is a C major scale on any instrument. Where to put your hands and how to play those notes will differ from instrument to instrument, but I would argue that learning and applying music theory knowledge will ONLY help you, never hinder you.

Hope that helps!

-Nic

Answer 2

Music theory is not a universal thing. The problem here is what do you think music theory is? In a broad sense, music theory is a study of harmonic and non-harmonic notes and rhythms. But that could be categorized by genre. There may be universal rules that apply to all instruments in the genre, but there may also be specific rules to specific instruments. So depending what kind of music you want to study will depend on the type of theory you should study.

A barre chord is a technique of fingering chords on a stringed instrument like a guitar. The arrangement of notes can be played on a keyboard, but then it will never be called a barre chord on a piano.

Answer 3

I think I can help further expand the already great answer you've seen.

Barre chords CAN be played on Piano - in a way. In the key of E, you would play open 5ths - like E-B, A-E, and B-F#. These can simulate the rhythmic sound of barre chords on the guitar.