Music Theory for the Self-Taught Musician: Level 1: The Basics

by Will Metz

Overview

It is well known that many musicians, from amateurs to famous professionals, are largely and sometimes exclusively self-taught. Most of the time, these musicians tend to put music theory aside, but there comes a time when many become curious about this science and understand its utility and potential. Unfortunately, they often get discouraged and think it’s too late to learn theory, that they needed to start early, and of course, know how to read. Fortunately, this turns out to be completely untrue.

Most self-taught musicians will also turn to books and realize many are written for specialists and those who can already read music. They talk about scales and how to write chords on a staff, but if you are not sure what a note is and it takes you twenty minutes to figure out where a C is, it just adds to the frustration. Yet a late start in learning theory has no impact on the quality of musician you can become and your future ability to understand it.

It is not too late! Author Will Metz also felt this frustration, which is why he wrote this book. It was originally written for his "former self," who not too long ago was desperate to learn theory in a way that would finally be clear, coherent, and understandable, while not having to read notes. This is the book he wishes he had back then! There are many people who share this feeling, and his main goal is to provide help and clarity. This book is based on simple, day-to-day common sense, and if you know your alphabet and can count to seven, you will understand theory. You may actually find it surprisingly easy, and it will considerably improve your playing and appreciation for music.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781493056118
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	07/01/2022
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.45(d)

About the Author

Will Metz is a French-American guitarist and author. He graduated with a master’s degree in civil engineering, in Paris, at age twenty-two, but he knew engineering was not his calling. After one year in the US playing music for fun, he decided to become a professional musician. He entered the Music Academy International in France (his first “formal” music education) and realized his engineering studies had provided him with a big advantage in understanding music theory and explaining it to his peers, most of whom were also self-taught. Before the end of the school year, he wrote his first book (La Théorie musicale pour les autodidactes), which was published in France. He is a professional touring musician and educator in Colorado and has taught theory and guitar in several schools around the state, including Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Table of Contents

Notes for the English version 4

Preface 5

Introduction 10

Chapter 1 The Raw Materials of Music

Notes 19

Rhythm 35

Chapter 2 Melody: Horizontal-Organization of Notes

Scales 75

Modes 127

Chapter 3 Polyphony: Vertical Organization of Notes

Harmonic intervals 159

Triads 165

Tetrads 181

Extended chords and chord nomenclature 197

Conclusion 205

Exercises 207

Bonus

Additional scales 216

Quartal and quintal harmony 217

Acknowledgments 218

Postface 219