My Guitar Journey: From Chords to Theory

After years of playing guitar through chord sheets and tablature, I've decided to dive deep into the theoretical side of music. This blog documents my journey from being a "by ear" player to understanding the mathematical and theoretical foundations of music.

The Journey So Far

I started like many guitarists - learning basic chords, following tablature, and playing my favorite songs. Over the years, I've built up a solid foundation:

  • Mastered essential open and barre chords
  • Developed finger-picking techniques
  • Learned dozens of songs by heart
  • Built up calluses and muscle memory
  • Experimented with different playing styles

Why Theory Now?

While I could play many songs and even improvise within familiar patterns, I felt like I was hitting a ceiling. Questions kept arising:

  • Why do certain chord progressions sound so good together?
  • How do musicians know which scales to use for solos?
  • What's the relationship between modes and emotions in music?
  • How can I create more interesting chord voicings?

These questions led me to realize that understanding music theory isn't just about academic knowledge - it's about unlocking new possibilities in my playing.

Current Focus

I'm currently exploring:

  • The Circle of Fifths and its practical applications
  • Scale construction and modes
  • Chord theory and extended harmonies
  • Key signatures and modulation
  • Rhythm and time signatures
  • Ear training and interval recognition

Learning Resources

I'm using a combination of:

  • Online courses and video tutorials
  • Traditional music theory textbooks
  • Guitar-specific theory workbooks
  • Ear training apps
  • Regular practice with a metronome
  • Jamming with other musicians

Goals

Through this deeper understanding of theory, I aim to:

  1. Compose my own music with intention
  2. Improvise more confidently
  3. Communicate better with other musicians
  4. Understand why my favorite songs work
  5. Break out of common playing patterns

Join the Journey

Whether you're a seasoned player curious about theory, or a beginner wanting to understand the "why" behind the music, I hope you'll find value in following my journey. I'll be sharing my insights, struggles, and breakthroughs as I connect the dots between practical playing and theoretical understanding.

Let's explore the fascinating world of music theory together!