Learning theory of music for metal...?

[nemesis_911]

Hey guys...
Any composers here who are, while being musicians in the metal scene, study, or have studied western music to a long extent, and apply what they learnt in their music...?
Well, we all probably study scales, modes, etc... but no, not just that...
As in go out of the way, and study total sheet music stuff....?

I am just curious, as I find it quite fascinating, that a lot of rock/metal musicians throughout the world don't really bother learning music to that extent to compose, but yet, make equally musically challenging and technical music compared to the musicians who do study and apply the music theory they learnt to their music.

[nemesis_911]

Hope that makes sense...

[Horgh]

I am just curious, as I find it quite fascinating, that a lot of rock/metal musicians throughout the world don't really bother learning music to that extent to compose, but yet, make equally musically challenging and technical music compared to the musicians who do study and apply the music theory they learnt to their music.

How do you expect to prove this statement one way or another?

I studied the subject fairly in depth when I was much younger, though I've forgotten more than I remember now. Playing a higher number of notes per second does not make the music more technical or challenging, anymore than learning advanced western music theory makes you a better composer. Technical/challenging is all relative anyway. The method of composition, types of modes, scales, harmonies and melodies used - these are the differences that give each musical genre its unique sound and meaning.  Learning theory doesn't make you a superior composer, it may just help to better arrange the musical thoughts that are already in your mind (and that you either have or you don't). Most advanced theory concepts are rendered functionally useless due to some characteristics of metal (distortion, etc), that tend to muddy the sound or completely lose the purpose of using those concepts. I'm sure that listening to well composed music can no doubt help stimulate creative ideas in metal though.

[nemesis_911]

How do you expect to prove this statement one way or another?

Oh sorry... I think I kinda messed up what I typed there...

What I was trying to say was...
Some people who don't learn theory... just figure out most of the modes, scales, triads, etc... depending on just their total feel and not know what it is, and apply it to their music... while the other party depend on their knowledge in music first, and then apply their feeling to it...

[Horgh]

Oh sorry... I think I kinda messed up what I typed there...

What I was trying to say was...
Some people who don't learn theory... just figure out most of the modes, scales, triads, etc... depending on just their total feel and not know what it is, and apply it to their music... while the other party depend on their knowledge in music first, and then apply their feeling to it...

Then you sort of already answered the question you raised. Let's face it, some people are more musically inclined than others. They can compose some good stuff without needing to be taught much. However, there is an extent to which that works. Most of the virtuoso guitarists (metal or otherwise) that I know of already do know a fair bit of theory and apply that to their work, according to their own interviews. Others are from a classical guitar background. They may already have the ideas in their head, and knowing the theory just helps them to better arrange it.

On the other hand, if you're NOT very good at expressing yourself musically, knowing some theory might help you become better at it. Theory or no theory as far as I'm concerned it's still something that comes from within.

[nemesis_911]

On the other hand, if you're NOT very good at expressing yourself musically, knowing some theory might help you become better at it. Theory or no theory as far as I'm concerned it's still something that comes from within.

Agreed....

[pharoah in the catacombs]

Theory or no theory as far as I'm concerned it's still something that comes from within.

True. It differs from individual to individual. If i deny the fact of studying the pen,paper and sheet stand, another may argue to prove me wrong, vice-versa as well. Knowing the theoretical part helps to store one's ideas in an orderly manner indeed. I agree with your view.

[pageblackmore]

well i think music is all about expressing urself..whether u know or dont know theory it just comes out.....learning theory is important because you will know what u are doing..but at the same time i have seen a lot of people who know a hell of a lot about theory but they are confussed coz "they dont like to go out of the scale". it limits the creativity in a way. as far as iam concerned feeling or the musicality comes first and then comes the theory or the technique.