Music Theory - Moved from Metro

[eppertheleper]

Well, it all really depends on what kind of music you're interested in making. If you want to make techno, you really don't need to know much of anything about music in the classical sense. Since pure techno is a straight 4/4 meter, meaning four beats per measure and a quarter note gets one beat. I'm sure some could be simplified into 2/2 or drawn out into more complex time sigs, but that's pretty much it.

Also, when talking about techno, what key it's in really doesn't make a bit of difference unless you're trying to do something with pianos, strings, or vocals. I don't know if the 303 is set in the key of C or not, but it might be limited to that one key. Frankly it doesn't matter since most of the sounds that come out of the thing could be called a pitch, but only in the widest definition of the term.

Basically, what key it's in means which notes you can play together and have it not sound like crap, and everybody in the orchestra needs to be in the same key or it will. C is pretty much the "easiest" because it has no flats or sharps. These are the black keys on the piano, and are the adjustments that must be made in other keys in order for the notes to, again, avoid sounding like crap.

Oh, I'm blathering, maybe I should have an online theory course here in the forum! I'll get to the point. If you're interested in playing with a group, from a small band up to a full orchestra, then you'll need to take some classes in theory. I haven't ever played with theory software, so I don't know how well it works. I would imagine they've got some good stuff out there.

If you just want to make some techno, then don't worry about it. Just buy Reason and start tinkering.

Oh, and I'm pretty sure there's nothing you can do if you're truly tone deaf. If you just haven't honed your skill, then you can work on it, but people who lack the cognitive ability to differentiate between tones are that way for life.

[theledge]

If you just want to make some techno, then don't worry about it. Just buy Reason and start tinkering.

Doesn't hurt to broaden your horizons a bit though. Maybe not at first, but eventually higher quality, more original techno is the likely result.

[FILTERZ]

Doesn't hurt to broaden your horizons a bit though. Maybe not at first, but eventually higher quality, more original techno is the likely result.

here here

[Aratron]

Doesn't hurt to broaden your horizons a bit though. Maybe not at first, but eventually higher quality, more original techno is the likely result.

yes im not interested in making techno, esp not the way its going with digital/mp3 etc

just want to know the very basics of music, so im gonna look at those sites, hopefully learn something.

[eppertheleper]

Doesn't hurt to broaden your horizons a bit though. Maybe not at first, but eventually higher quality, more original techno is the likely result.

Very true. It can only help, but you'd do better to study rhythm structures than music theory if you're interested in making techno.

Since you're not, then by all means check out the software. I don't know how good it is, but I'm sure there are some decent programs out there that could help. Personally, I would recommend trying to find some classes in your area. The only problem with software is that you can't get immediate answers to your questions. Also, group learning would have to help your comprehension of this subject.

[Aratron]

Very true. It can only help, but you'd do better to study rhythm structures than music theory if you're interested in making techno.

Since you're not, then by all means check out the software. I don't know how good it is, but I'm sure there are some decent programs out there that could help. Personally, I would recommend trying to find some classes in your area. The only problem with software is that you can't get immediate answers to your questions. Also, group learning would have to help your comprehension of this subject.

how can you know if you are tone deaf or not dude. i've been told when i sing i am tone deaf, but i think can distinguish sounds and stuff dude.

[eppertheleper]

I'm afraid the only real answer is probably trial and error. There are some people who are tone deaf and others who just lack musical training, but can learn how to sing on pitch. I think the number of people who are truly tone deaf is pretty small. Yup, just found this article I remembered hearing on NPR several years ago (http://www.npr.org/programs/atc/feat...tonedeaf.html). Most tone deafness is due to physical trauma, illness, or deformity. If you don't have those, then the chances of you being truly tone deaf are pretty slim (The woman in the article was the first documented case, so there you go).

You might be able to go to an ear, nose, and throat specialist and find out, or they could point you in the right direction. Either that or a vocal instructor, but depending on the musician, some of them can be pretty snooty. If you can find a nice one to work with who isn't condescending, then that's the way to go. They should be able to tell you within a few sessions if there's hope for you or not.

[Aratron]

I'm afraid the only real answer is probably trial and error. There are some people who are tone deaf and others who just lack musical training, but can learn how to sing on pitch. I think the number of people who are truly tone deaf is pretty small. Yup, just found this article I remembered hearing on NPR several years ago (http://www.npr.org/programs/atc/feat...tonedeaf.html). Most tone deafness is due to physical trauma, illness, or deformity. If you don't have those, then the chances of you being truly tone deaf are pretty slim (The woman in the article was the first documented case, so there you go).

You might be able to go to an ear, nose, and throat specialist and find out, or they could point you in the right direction. Either that or a vocal instructor, but depending on the musician, some of them can be pretty snooty. If you can find a nice one to work with who isn't condescending, then that's the way to go. They should be able to tell you within a few sessions if there's hope for you or not.

Unusual responses to sensory stimuli. For example, some people with Asperger syndrome may be hypersensitive to specific sounds, textures or colours. Others may be oblivious to discomfort or pain.

i have aspergers syndrome. also arguably known in Sweden as DAMP (deficits of attention, motor control and perception.)

Erm when i talk i have quite a flat monotone voice, not so much now im adult, but some people notice. and i sing in same way, and i can't dance, and i have found it difficult to learn music in any traditional kind of way (classroom based).