How do I get started with music theory and learning an instrument like piano or guitar?

Answer 1

As my peers state, going into guitar with the desire to learn basic chords, as well as building on a foundation of music theory can be very overwhelming, although the way you dive into this discipline can change your entire experience.

Beginners should dive into learning basic chords and notes on the fretboard. Learning the basic chords and the notes within the first few frets of the guitar will form a great foundation that you can apply throughout the entire guitar.

1. this will provide familiarity and as a guitarist you will observe the same notes anchoring their respective chords

As you continue your practice and develop your techniques more, understanding theory will give you a universal understanding of the music you are playing. Continuously being conscious of the chords and notes you are playing and their relation respective to theory("What scale is this in?") will emphasize your capabilities as a musician.

1. You will understand the scales your favorite songs are located in. For further pursuits, you may grow the skills to add or expand the riffs of songs you already love.
2. You can grow to learn by listening - observing the pitch of notes and their orders, after experience and understanding, finding those scales and those exact notes will come naturally.

I like to expand my theory knowledge along side my technical skills by playing scales and listing each note in my head - this has increased my understanding and familiarity with the guitar and has made this practice transferable to instruments like the piano - though, respectively, an entirely different instrument requiring it's own philosophies.

Answer 2

I think it depends who you are. For most students, music theory can feel daunting, complicated and irrelevant. If that's you, especially at the beginning, don't worry about it. For guitar, learn to play the basic chord shapes or the CAGED system as you need to for whatever songs you want to learn. If you can play C, G, F and Am, you can play about a thousand songs. As you get those down and learn more songs, learn about 7, 9 and sus chords. Focus on what notes are present in those chords. For piano, if you're learning from sheet music or from play along videos. Sheet music requires an understanding of accidentals, keys, meter and other musical notations. Not the most beginner friendly in my opinion. I'd start by playing songs you like. If you're enjoying what you're playing, it's going to build curiosity to start learning the theory behind your favorite songs.

Now if you are a person that really wants to understand things and playing music is secondary to that, I'd start off with the physics behind music. Watch videos on things like the overtone series, harmony, pitch, tuning systems, etc.

Answer 3

Getting started with instruments like the Piano and Guitar are fairly easy. When you start instead of learning melody lines, try learning chords.

Often times songs have chord charts available online for free. if you learn a couple basic chords like G C Em and D. You can then play most songs.

Doing this will help you build strength in your fingers for guitar. Also the benefit of doing this gets you up and started very fast.

Once you learn the chords, start using a metronome to help with rhythm. Most times people will forgive making a mistake in the shaping of a chord if your timing is good. So do your best to keep with the tempo of the song.

Answer 4

Great question! I will be answering this assuming you want to learn guitar.

1. Get comfortable and familiar with the instrument. Learn about the different parts of the guitar: frets, strings, tuners, and the amp if you are playing an electric guitar. Get comfortable holding it properly, and learn how to tune it.
2. Learn the basics of music theory: notes, the musical alphabet, scales, intervals, and chords.
3. Learning essential chords and rhythm. Open and basic chords, strumming patterns, simple/ beginner songs.

Answer 5

Starting with music theory and an instrument like piano or guitar might feel like a lot at first, but I promise it’s easier once you break it down. Here’s where I suggest you start:

1. Get familiar with the basics of music theory: Learn things like scales, chords, and time signatures. These are the building blocks for everything else in music, and once you understand them, everything else falls into place.
2. Pick one instrument to focus on: If you’re new to music, start with just one instrument, whether it’s piano, guitar, or whatever sparks your interest. We’ll start simple with basic chords and easy songs to get you going.
3. Practice a little bit each day: Consistency is key, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes a day. It’s all about building good habits. I’ll help you set up a practice routine that works for you, so it feels manageable and not overwhelming.
4. We’ll make it work for your learning style: Whether you learn best by seeing things or doing them, we’ll figure out what works for you. For example, if you’re more of a visual learner, I’ll show you with diagrams or color-coded sheets. If you like to dive in, we’ll get right into playing.
5. Be patient with yourself: Learning music is a process, and it’s totally fine to make mistakes. It’s all part of the learning journey. Let’s take it step by step, and before you know it, you’ll be playing with confidence!

If you’re ready to dive in and learn, I’m here to help you every step of the way. Let’s make learning music fun and stress-free!