"I don't want this to evolve into an arguement, so I will keep this brief and not get upset when you decide to tell me I'm wrong, but this annoys me. I have written classical compositions in the past, and I do a lot of work with symphonic/progressive black metal, which involves layering a lot of instruments together in the same way, but I know next to nothing about music theory. Not that I haven't tried, but I've forgotten it more than once, mostly because it's something that never gets used when I'm working. I don't think you need an encyclopedic knowledge of musical theory in order to be a "good" musician, and in a lot of cases I think it detracts from the art."
I think you're absolutely right. I work with a hit songwriter on a regular basis who doesn't really know any real theory. I won't go into detail about his experience, but he often wrote for brass instruments and strings (he toured the world with permanent brass and/or string sections at different times). He would have people either write the parts out for him or have a cowriter do it. The beatles didn't know theory, neither do many artists I enjoy. Theory will only detract from the art, however, if you allow it to. Some great artists know it, some do not. It's up to writers to be able to do their best work regardless. Music Theory is a system for organizing what you're already hearing in a way that expands the musician's aural and written ability. It simply does not work for some people. Different strokes for different folks.
I said everyone should learn to read music...that's because I've worked with and met hundreds of guitarists in my life, and very few play their leads IN TIME! lol. learning by tablature, for example, will not help develope a guitarist's concept of playing in time. some guitarists use a metronome--but only to develope speed. it's kind of silly when you can play your fast runs with good timing, but the meat and potatoes of your solo isn't syncopated with the tune. lol.
As for theory, anyone who is serious should learn it to. If you don't like it, you don't have to use it. You can be great with out it, but who knows---you might be greatER with it! You won't know until you have given it shot. It seems you have, and you would rather go without. No one is stopping you.
"This is probably going to sound a little weird considering I have two A-levels in sound engineering and production, but I also refuse to work as a studio artist, because to me this is the equivilent to selling out, ie: playing music you aren't interested in or passionate amount with the sole purpose of financial gain. Where is the love? "
I love music.
but 90% of every genre sucks, meaning I can find something captivating in at least 10% of every genre. I've learned a lot from really diverse listening. I get a rush out of trying to be creative and come up with the best possible licks for the setting, and using what little I have to enhance the music as much as possible.
I used to only like metal, until something went "click" and all of a suddent I was into hip hop, electronic stuff, funk, R&B, country, pop ---just about everything---as opposed to progressive, hard rock, and jazz only. I'd be thrilled an honoured to play on a recording of any style (as long as the musicians are good), regardless of payment. The best guitarists I've ever heard are session cats.
"To me playing music has always been about self-expression and writing music that I have passion in rather than whether I can sell a lot of copies of it."
Same.
Money didn't drive me to practice 8 hours a day to learn yngwie's licks when I was 14! I just enjoyed doing it. (btw that's not a style I do a whole lot of now, but it's fun to whip out that stuff occaisionally--like the vid)
"I'm part of the whole "if people like it, great, if they don't, to hell with them" crowd. Maybe this is why I will never be a millionaire?" "
I agree.I think artists should be open enough for improvement (through producers etc), without compromising artistic vision. It sounds like you'd agree.
"I do agree with your kirk hammet comparison though, and it annoys me how many people think that aimless shred makes you an amazing guitarist. Personally I think the best genre for playing guitar solos in is power metal, truly epic stuff, I'm not into these solos that really don't go anywhere."
As someone who enjoys the "flagship" guitar styles equally, I don't even consider Hammet a shredder---he's too sloppy hehe. But as you said, solos that go nowhere stink. I seriously think he has only ever detracted from the song, save for once or twice. Some powermetal lead players are pretty good...the guy in Blind Guardian does some interesting things that really enhance the music. Dragonforce has a good lead player as well--but they do too many guitar/synth battles. That just doesn't do it for me, lol. I don't mind Sonata's guitarist, either.
My favourite guys are all session players, jazz/fusion/some hybrid guitarists, or wacky stuff like bumblefoot and mattias eklundh.
