Nassim Nicholas Taleb on the Theory of Theory

Tuesday Quotes are short explorations of music, life, and the daily endeavor of practicing classical guitar. Find more here. Enjoy!

“Theory is too theoretical for humans.” 

Nassim Nicholas Taleb

The words “music theory” can evoke a wide range of responses in guitarists. Some folks spark up and get curious. Others feel reverent, as if standing before an ancient text of wisdom.

And others feel confused and overwhelmed.

So it leads to the logical question: Do we need to learn music theory?

And this question is valid. But it’s not the only question. Follow-up questions are: When? and Why?

Music theory is all about context. It gives language to the relationships between notes and chords.

And the more advanced and mature we become as musicians, the more we can appreciate and use these contexts.

However, at the beginning of the musical journey, music theory can be TMI (too much information).

When we first learn to drive a car, we don’t need to know how fuel injection or disc brakes work. It’s not necessary, and we won’t use the information.

Instead, we focus on the skills used in driving. We keep our attention on what is practical for the current stage of learning.

Later, we can enrich our understanding as we navigate more complex paths. Or not, as we choose.

It’s the same in music. Music theory is a conceptual construct. We create this to better understand how music is put together. And as we advance, we can learn to use what we know to make musical decisions.

Music theory can help us shape our phrasing and expression. It can help us memorize music more quickly.

But music theory alone does not make a musician. First, we need our fingers to do what we tell them. And this takes intentional physical practice.

Scott Young, in his book, Ultralearning, writes: As the saying goes, “In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. But in practice, there is.”

So should we study music theory? Yes, eventually. But as well as, not instead of, physical practice.