Music Theory for Guitar

[robithinker]

In an effort to deepen my understanding of the guitar I would like to study some music theory relating thereto. It has always seemed a bit more complicated that the general theory I've studied in the past. Anyone have any suggestions? Either books you've read or publications/websites that address this topic well.

[apettit]

I don't quite understand your question. Theory is a very broad topic, and every style differs considerably with the next. Do you have a specific genre, you would like to know about, or what?

[robithinker]

I was referring to theory in terms of scale modality and chord building as they relate to guitar. Sorry for the confusion.

[apettit]

okay, i can try to help you. i believe that music theory on the guitar is actually more basic than that of your general training (i am not sure what that is, though) the guitar repertoire usually centers around a few keys: c, e, a, d, their parallel minors, and their closely related keys. modulations usually don't stray to far from home (stay within the tonic, subdominant, dominant, and submediant regions), with the composer's consideration to difficulty, and timboral characteristics. the most common occurrence of a non-guitar key would be in a transcription (especially bach, who cycles through keys with ease). if i were you, i would practice your major and minor scales, in as many positions as possible (try segovia and carlevaro's publications), learn their fingerings, but also experiment with many of your own, like shifting on different fingers, shifting on open strings, etc...also, you should know the different harmonic regions in your sleep (especially the one listed above: I, IV, V, vi, etc..) practice this by playing chord progressions and buildings your own chord voicings. finally, analyze the hell out of all your favorite pieces. and listen to recordings after doing so, so that you can feel the relationships between the different harmonies and modes... that should get you on the right track! and remember, the music is the most important part, not the technique or the theory.
good luck and happy studying!

[deb]

"The Guitarist's theory guide", by Robert Lilienfeld and Basil Cimino

"Basic elements of music theory for the guitar, supplement 2, classic guitar technique", by Aaron Shearer

[guitarz11]

Hi there
Too bad you are not in the area, I could teach you this stuff. You may want to call the colleges and find a guitar teacher that has a REALLY good theory founation. You should talk to the teachers first before commiting to lessons. I have found that few guitar players have a real thorough theory backround. and some of THEM even make arrangements. YIKES !!!