Do I need to learn music theory to play the guitar?

Music theory can be intimidating for many people who are just starting their music journey. We can think of music as any other language and ask the same question. Do I need to study French grammar to learn the language? When we are brought up in a language, this one becomes our second nature. The rules of the language are internalised without the need for any theory. In other words, the speaker can use perfect grammar without even knowing what the word grammar is. We may even argue whether a native speaker who is aware of the grammatical rules has any advantage whatsoever over one who doesn’t. This is a bit different when it comes to written language.

Music is very similar in this regard. We are all familiar with acclaimed musicians who have mastered an instrument without knowing any music theory. As we explained about languages, not having a formal framework does not mean that the speaker ignores how to use the rules (he or she may be completely oblivious to such a thing). However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t benefit from music theory. In fact, we encourage everyone who is learning the instrument to study some theory. What is fundamental is understanding which approach to take. This is purely determined by the students’ backgrounds and goals. Someone who wants to become a strict classical guitar player will have different theoretical needs than a student who is learning to play country music. Both of them may need to learn the same foundational concepts, but each style will have a different basis that has to be addressed from the start. This will become more obvious later down the line when the theory will serve to shed light on the features and subtleties of the style. Understanding the theory will help you to internalise the music that you are playing. An immediate advantage of this would be the impact that it has on memorisation. Since you will be able to comprehend how the music is written, you will be more likely to work things out by ear (with the help of the theory that you have learnt!). Consequently, it would become more difficult for you to forget things, as you will be able to put the pieces together. All this means that your progress will be faster. Visual learners usually welcome music notation, as it seems easy to absorb for them.

Let’s not forget that music has been the subject of analysis for hundreds of years and has been studied along with arithmetic, geometry, and astronomy through the Middle Ages as a fundamental engine of the Quadrivium. There is beauty in the act of learning music itself, as it is a fascinating universe that has inspired some of the greatest works of humanity. It may sound like it is too much when you are just starting on the guitar, but we can guarantee that you will be surprised by how satisfying and important it can be for your music journey.

If you are considering taking guitar lessons in London or online, call us at 07749 775974 or email us at info@musicspacelondon.com.