Do all musicians know music theory?

Most musicians know music theory and you can kind of see it in the way they put together their songs especially if they're professionals like instrumentalists or technicians.
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Do you have to know music theory to be a musician?

So when asking if you need music theory, the short answer is yes. However, having a basic understanding of music theory will help you drastically when you sit down to produce music. Music theory is something that many music producers find challenging, even myself.
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Do professional musicians know music theory?

While it is true that some professional musicians forge successful careers without being able to read a note of score, they will usually still have a good working knowledge of music theory, and how it practically applies to their instrument.
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What musicians didnt know music theory?

10 Great Musicians Who Didn't Even Study Music Theory
  1. Elton John. This list would not be complete without listing the great Sir Elton John. ...
  2. Louis Armstrong. Armstrong is a legend of Jazz music and known as one of the forefathers of the genre. ...
  3. Jack White. ...
  4. Prince. ...
  5. David Bowie. ...
  6. Keith Moon. ...
  7. Noel Gallagher. ...
  8. Eric Clapton.
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Does all music follow music theory?

Well, yes. Anything you know about music at all can in some sense be called musical theory.
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Music Theory Lecture - What Every Pro Musician Needs To Know



Is music theory hard?

Is music theory hard? Although some aspects of Music Theory are fairly complex, there isn't anything inherently difficult or hard to understand. Having experience with singing or playing an instrument is certainly helpful to learning and understanding how Music Theory works.
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Can I teach myself music theory?

The good news is that you don't need an expensive teacher or classical conservatory to learn it. You can pick up the important parts of music theory by learning on your own and applying the concepts to your everyday music practice.
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Do rock stars know music theory?

The fact is that most rock musicians know theory. They just don't have the technical terms for what they're doing. They learn things by trail and error (not always a bad thing) and then go about applying to their music.
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Did Jimi Hendrix know music theory?

In short, Jimi Hendrix was a musical genius, had perfect pitch and was a true pioneer in sparking many genres of music. Most of us are not. Yes, it is true that Jimi Hendrix, or perhaps another of your favourite guitar players, never formally studied music theory.
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Did the Beatles know music theory?

TIL the Beatles did not know how to read music and George Harrison once said that he thought if he learned music theory it would ruin his ability to write songs.
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Does music theory make you less creative?

Music theory won't sabotage creativity, so long as you abide by a particular conception of what "theory" actually is. Note that this particular conception (which I ascribe to) differs from what some accept to be good theory.
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Does music theory really matter?

That's how music theory can help you. It provides insight into why certain music sounds good (or doesn't). It helps you understand the sounds you already know, by giving names to them, explaining how they're constructed, and by giving you a systematic way of thinking about music.
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Could the Beatles read sheet music?

The Beatles

“None of us could read music… None of us can write it.” John Lennon admitted this about the band in a 1980 Playboy interview, “but as pure musicians, as inspired humans to make the noise, they [Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr] are as good as anybody.”
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Can you make music with no experience?

The One and Only Thing You Need to Make Music

A digital audio workstation (DAW) is really all you need, which is a software used for recording, editing, and producing music. You can actually download a free DAW to your computer or phone right now and have absolutely everything you need to start on your first track.
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How long does it take to master music theory?

To understand and apply music theory, it takes around 6-12 months to learn basic rudiments, and then approximately 3-4 years after that to learn intermediate and advanced concepts. Enrolling in a music school, taking an online course, or investing in private lessons will help speed up the process.
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Could Michael Jackson read music?

Jackson couldn't read or write music at all. Contrary to received wisdom, he could play instruments a bit – he's credited as playing keyboard, synthesizer, guitar, drums and percussion on 'HIStory' – but none proficiently.
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Can Elvis read music?

While he couldn't read or write music and had no formal lessons, he was a natural musician and played everything by ear. He could often hear a song, pick up an instrument, and play. He often played an instrument in his recordings, and always produced his own music.
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Do most guitarists read music?

Guitarists that play or write pop music primarily rely on knowing chords and maybe some theoretical knowledge. Though some of these guitarists may read music well, they are definitely in the minority. Blues, funk and country guitarists generally don't need to read music.
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Did James Hetfield know music theory?

James Hetfield, Metallica's singer, songwriter and of course, guitar player has made reference to his lack of formal knowledge of music theory many a time in interviews and elsewhere.
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Is Eric Clapton self-taught?

Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Prince – three of the all-time greats – all claim to be self-taught guitarists. Even John Lennon and Paul McCartney were largely self-taught musicians.
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Should I learn piano before theory?

Do I need to learn music theory to play the piano? You do not need to learn music theory to play the piano. Many people, both young and old, can learn the piano without needing to learn music theory. Music theory is just one part of learning how to play music, but it is not essential to any beginning hobbyist.
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Can you learn music theory without playing an instrument?

Can you learn music theory without playing an instrument? You can definitely learn music theory while not playing an instrument. Music theory is the study of how to compose and write music. It is about how music works, not necessarily how to play an instrument.
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How important is music theory?

Music theory is helpful for every kind of music major. It allows composers to analyze the work of other composers so they can develop their own style. It allows music education majors to read the score and figure out where the brass section has an incorrect note written.
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Why can't I understand music theory?

Music theory is difficult to grasp because it uses visual methods to describe what we hear. That's a big problem for music theorists because our brains interpret music hundreds of times faster than it takes to explain it. This is why music is powerful.
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What level is grade 5 music theory?

Music theory exams are available in 8 "grades", and grade 5 is an intermediate level. A pass at this level shows that you have a good understanding of music notation, scales, keys, time, intervals, transposition, basic harmony, chords, general knowledge about orchestral instruments, and composition.
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