Zero Zero,

As a lifelong music student, I've paid much, much, money for lessons - and unfortunately, I don't have a natural musical ear for harmony - melody and rhythm yes, but not harmony.

As I approach 50, I have had one music teacher (the gentleman that publishes the VGEdiciones.com series - Enrique Vargas) who is an absolutely amazing musical analyst (as you can see if you take a look at his books and transcriptions) open my eyes to the level of analysis you describe. Though a flamenco specialist, he has an extensive background in jazz also, and has played with some of the greats.

For years, I thought that 'learning songs' was the thing to do - and I did not progress in learning and applying theory in the context of those songs.


Now, everybody learns differently - but I will say that studying with this great teacher has brought me EXACTLY to the place you are in your thinking and the 'complication' of soloing and understanding the harmony WITH RESPECT TO THE MELODY AND TONAL CENTER.

I'm not sure if this has been so hard for me (and maybe you too) because:

a.) I studied only guitar - and as a positional instrument makes it too easy to play songs without understanding these concepts

b.) I did NOT major or minor in music

c.) I had guitar teachers that were unaware of the importance of this view of harmony/melody

...probably a combination of the above.

But I will say that the point you're making is definitely NOT clearly and directly taught in any of the music theory books I've studied...and I've collected many, many of these books.

I don't think anyone here is disagreeing with your analysis, but I'm not sure they may not think this level of analysis is even necessary.

How about you Ray and Alan - is this level of analysis even important to you ?

Would also love to hear feedback on this one from some of our great musicians and players out there.


Last edited by Joe V; 01/18/15 03:19 AM.