I know this gets asked a lot, but I’ve loved instrumental music for as long as I can remember. Back in high school, I took one music class and picked the saxophone. I didn’t put much effort into it, so when they taught music theory—reading notes and all that—I just never got it.
Now, I’ve always been more of a memorization kind of person. So I’m wondering… is it possible to get good at guitar just by memorizing songs? Can you develop your own style just by feeling your way around?
One of my favorite guitarists is Chuck Loeb. He’s not crazy technical like old-school jazz players, but his style is smooth and unique.
I found two versions of the same song: one player is super talented and improvises, while the other just follows the sheet music. The best way I can describe it—the first guy is fluent, like someone who speaks without awkward pauses, while the other is just reading words off a page.
I know I should probably learn the basics first, but here are the two videos. Let me know what you think:
Terry said:
Most people start out knowing nothing about music at all.
Yeah, I think I worded that wrong. It’s like trying to run before you even know how to walk. I just feel like music theory is overwhelming and kills my motivation. I learn best by memorizing positions and patterns, rather than understanding all the theory behind them. Someone once told me I learn things ‘like a woman’ (not sure what that means, but I guess they meant I rely more on intuition).
@Casey
What have you tried learning theory from? Sometimes it’s just explained in a way that makes it seem harder than it really is. The basics aren’t that complicated, and I think skipping them completely will hold you back.
@Casey
Do you mean you learn shapes instead of note names? I’m like that too. I only know the notes on the E and A strings right away. For the others, I have to think for a second. But I can still get around by knowing scale shapes and trusting my ear.
Most people start guitar by looking up tabs and memorizing finger positions. The problem? After years of doing this, they can’t improvise, can’t play without tabs, and struggle to remember songs if they don’t practice them regularly.
@Kaius
I get what you’re saying, but honestly, I just want to play some of my favorite jazz tunes without too much effort. I know I’ll never be a pro, but if I can play like a decent lounge guitarist, that’s enough for me.
@Casey
If you’re aiming for jazz, you’re going to have to learn at least some theory. Even the simplest jazz musicians know what a ii-V-I progression is. If you just wanted to play basic rock, you could get away with skipping theory, but jazz is different.
@Casey
Learning the basics of scales and chords doesn’t take long. It’ll make everything easier in the long run. You don’t need deep theory to play most pop or jazz, but a little goes a long way.
@Casey
Jeff Beck didn’t know music theory, and he was one of the greatest guitarists ever. Some people just learn by ear. But if you ever play with other musicians, knowing some theory will help you communicate.