Hi Folks.

I found an interesting looking device, that I think might help me with my music theory understanding. Can somebody who is comfortable with music theory take a look at it and just give a brief opinion, if it is indeed a cool tool or junk.

http://www.harmonicwheel.com/harmonic-wheel.php


Thank you in advance!

Misha.

Personally, I think it tries to cram too much into one tool.

But... If it works for you, excellent!

I agree with David in that looks very complicated with so much data.

The real question is how much music theory do you know now? Are you familiar with the circle of 5ths, sometimes called the circle of 4ths?

https://www.circleoffifths.com/

Transition chord?

http://www.upwardworship.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/Transition_Chords.15203414.pdf

Chord substitution:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chord_substitution

Things like this are easier to learn and visualize then harmonic wheel IMHO.

David, Mario,
Thank you for replies!

Mario, I am familiar with some things (circle of fifth etc,)
But this device seems so do so much more. It is busy, but not over complicated. I think I can handle it. Basically I want an opinion from somebody who can see the philosophy behind it and tell me if it missing something essential/fundamental.

I like it, because it is compact and seems have straight forward visual approach to in-key, modulation/transposition lookup and other good things all in one place... It is not very cheap, but not expensive either. Before I buy it, just want to get unbiased opinion if it is indeed cool tool or just a toy.

If somebody can suggest something similar and compact or software that can do all of the things this Harmonic Wheel can do in single device or single interface, I would appreciate that.

Thank you.

Misha.

I should understand everything here but at first glance it does seem OVERLY complicated, to the point I think it would get in the way of learning the basics. I could be wrong; it’s hard to see on my phone.

A computer?

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

The only real complaint is that it tries to do too much.

But since that's what you want, it sounds like it's perfect for you.

David,
My visual memory is much better trained (work related) than standard "school" way.
This Harmonic Wheel has an appealing visual concept to me. The "complexity" of it does not scare me. I just wanted an opinion if some essential/fundamental chunk is missing from it.

Let me put it another way. If you are at hardware store buying a screwdriver with interchangeable bits that is appealing to you (shape of the handle, craftsmanship, etc) and if it comes only with flat bit, most likely you will end up with buying a Phillips bit... But in this example of the screwdriver, I rather get the one that has a common double sided bit: Phillips on one side and flat on the other. Same idea here

P.S. David, sorry could not resist. Here is a photo of my favorite screwdriver

I tried that screwdriver. Kobalt is Lowe’s brand. The metal in the shaft holding the bits is soft. It can jam.

Matt,
Probably magnetic lock mechanism is better, however so far it has not failed me. I must admit, it is used for light duty tasks, not disassembling tractors from 1930s that had been sleeping on lawn for decades

I bought the magic circle. I think the guy from Spain who made it has a good sense of design. It looks complicated, but really it is not. On one of his videos he explains the usage and it is straight forward, just got to get used to "interface".

It would make sense to have something similar- theory based integrated to BIAB ->chord builder.
Pipeline's ChordPicker is a good alternative start, but ideally BIAB's own chord picker should be enhanced.

Maybe one day...

I prefer 3 chords and the truth.... and occasionally a minor 6th. I don't think about the theory of what I'm doing but it's there as the underlying foundation of everything I do in a musical sense.

I enjoy pondering the depths of music theory.... it's cool stuff and can come in handy, but depending on the kind of music you're writing, it might not be very useful to you. It isn't for me, in that, I don't refer to the rules of the road often.

Back in high school, I took 2 years of a class called .... of all things... Music Theory. The teacher in year one was an ex nun who knew her stuff about music and the theory thereof. She retired and a new teacher came in for the second year. Fresh out of college and, well, the 5 people in the class (that included me) got bored rather quickly. All that aside, music theory is cool stuff and helps you in so many ways.... yep, even if you're writing 3 chords and the truth kind of songs.

Herb,
That is very true. I like doing most things "by ear", but sometimes I like to take a peak of what theory has to say about it

There are fantastic video series of Leonard Bernstein music lectures on youtube. Sometimes I would just watch them as a meditation. He makes complex things easy to grasp. He was an amazing teacher.

P.S. I think Harmonic wheel is interesting tool which packs quite a bit of info and is designed well. Shall see if it helps me

I had a very short career as a beginner guitar teacher. The plan was for me to take new students, introduce them to the instrument, basic technique, and teach them open chords--get them ready for more advanced (and more expensive) lessons.

One guy approached me--a grown man in his thirties, probably. I told him what I was qualified to do and that by the end of his lessons, he'd know about 28 chords. We set up his first lesson and I prepared, but he called and cancelled. Turns out one of his friends had told him all you needed to know were three chords to play most songs. I couldn't change his mind (not that I tried too hard) and he never came in.

What I wish I had said to him was: "Did your friend tell you they are not always the same three chords?"

At least he called and cancelled.

I had dabbled with the idea of teaching guitar. Folks would hear me play and ask if I'd teach them or their kids.... I did one or two lessons as a favor.... but ultimately, I don't have the patience to do that.

I have a lot of patience--especially with the willing. And I had a good lesson plan that was very student-centric. But it is a hard business to build, and I had no patience for that.

Ok, funny guitar student story.

My autistic nephew was taking guitar lessons. The day before his lesson my sister (his mom) told him he could have a break by playing each one of his practice pieces once. It made for a very short home practice.

Well, the next day was his lesson. He told the instructor he played each piece once (yesterday) so he didn't have to play them during the lesson today. His mom said it was ok.

Needless to say, that was his last lesson.

...Deb