March 9, 2009

which instrument is best to learn music theory with?

icabod crane asked:


Is piano better to learn music theory with or is guitar? And where can I find a teacher who will teach me the instrument and music theory without going to college.

Beginner Piano

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Comments on which instrument is best to learn music theory with?

March 12, 2009

danny @ 9:40 am

Beginners Piano

classic guitar

tumbleweed1954 @ 8:04 pm

Learn Piano Lesson

I say piano.

March 15, 2009

sleepybuckets @ 8:46 pm

Learn Piano Songs

the piano was easiest for me, but I already played by ear so…it may depend on the person.

a teacher you hire can teach you to play but college gave me a really thorough and comprehensive view of theory.

March 18, 2009

blapath @ 7:52 pm

Brambach Piano

I assume the oldest musical instruments are bone flutes and percussion instruments. Maybe history of music can be traced through them.

March 19, 2009

sepolavi @ 5:02 pm

Piano Chords Scales

BOTH INSTRUMENT!

theory is like the "chemicals and formulas" of music

guitar and piano is like "testubes and beakers"…

buy some books… self study, if you don't want to go to college.

March 22, 2009

Raje @ 6:57 pm

March 23, 2009

Asphire @ 5:37 pm

Learn Piano Lessons

Oh definitely the PIANO! It is, what I call the "gateway instrument". U can get music theory from studying both instruments, since knowledge of music theory is basic to playing all instruments-well. I really think u ought to do both in your spare time. I've personally never played the guitar, but want to one day. It's nice for contemporary music while vocalizing. For example, it's always nice to have a guitar, i'd imagine, to sing along my favorite songs that are rock/pop. But for piano, I'd prefer to play classical usually because it gives most discipline and that fresh feeling after playing. U can get a book on music theory and tons of websites aid in that as well.

March 27, 2009

T @ 12:25 am

How to Learn the Piano

Definitely the piano.

March 29, 2009

Dr. Rock @ 1:18 pm

Learn Classical Piano

I'm a guitarist, but I would say piano.

Here's why:

On guitar, you can only use four fingers to play a chord, and at most you can only play a chord with six notes. On piano you can use ten fingers to play a chord and play a chord with ten notes.

On guitar, you have to use both hands to play a note, whereas on piano you only need one finger. This is important because it means you can play more notes faster. Run your finger across a piano and you'll hear 88 notes in one second. You could never do that on a guitar, even if you're the world's fastest guitarist.

On guitar you generally are only going to be able to play one melody at a time. Some very talented guitarists can play two at a time with finger tapping, but they are the exception and not the rule. Pianists on the other hand do that all the time.

It's very difficult to play the major scale on a guitar if you're just learning to play. Any beginner can play the major scale on a piano: Just play the white keys one after another from a root note.

But then again, cool people play guitar because piano lessons are for little girls. So guitar is still better.

March 30, 2009

Joy @ 4:00 am

April 2, 2009

jesse t @ 8:48 am

Brambach Piano

Most definitely, piano is the best because the notes are easy to recognize. Also, the patterns of music (scales, triads, intervals etc.) are easier to see and understand when laid out in an even and linear way. Patterns and concepts are much harder to grasp when the notes themselves are broken up at certain intervals like with guitar and other stringed instruments, or nonsensically laid out like with brass, woodwinds and other breathing instruments.
Syme T Hopkins

April 4, 2009

Fart Fire Gal @ 2:47 pm

April 5, 2009

radioflyer @ 2:35 pm

Piano Chords Diagrams

Hands down, the piano is the best instrument to learn music theory. Go to any university and to get a music degree of any kind, you will have to be at least somewhat knowledgable in piano. The reason is this: the piano is the most visually logical of all instruments, and it is more readily playable than guitar, and it is easier to produce clear tones even without experience. As for music theory, almost all decent piano teachers have a broad background in this and would be happy to teach you all about the circle of fifths, counterpoint, chords, and all that happy stuff. Good luck.

Piano Practice Suggestions

Piano. If you major in music anyways, you'll probably need to take piano as a se conday instrument anyways. Plus it helps you understand chords and stuff like that easier, since you can play them.

April 7, 2009

Kelley G @ 12:58 pm

Teach Yourself to Play Piano

Piano. Every music major in college is required to take basic piano. You can visualize and understand the theory better with a keyboard, not matter what instrument you usually play. Most piano teachers aren't teaching theory, but there are some out there. Ask lots of questions when you interview a possible teacher. Be clear from the start that theory is your first priority.

Sir James @ 10:46 pm

Beginners Piano

definitely piano

April 11, 2009

katieo_09 @ 8:22 am

Teach Yourself to Play Piano

I'd say definitely Piano, but it basically goes by what you feel most comfortable with.

April 13, 2009

Moosey @ 1:04 am

Piano Scales

Piano is the best to learn music theory with. though there are all kinds of different imstruments you can learn different theories for. Piano has the best basics and fundamentals in music theory. I have been taking piano lessons since i was four, and could probably tell you more than an average high school band participant could about music theory before i even got into 6th grade. however, there are things you don't learn on the piano, like sfz (sforzando) for example. but piano is the insrtument with the most on it. plus, if you learn piano, you can tune other instruments, know what a note should sound like by ear and have perfect pitch. and if you want to get involved in teaching music, or performing professionally, you will probably be required to learn piano anyway.
i'm not sure how to find a piano teacher outside of school, but it would be more benificial to learn inside school, so you don't have to pay any extra fees.

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