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.

Hi, I’m Allen Mathews.

I started as a folk guitarist, then fell in love with classical guitar in my 20’s. Despite a lot of practice and schooling, I still couldn’t get my music to flow well. I struggled with excess tension. My music sounded forced. And my hands and body were often sore. I got frustrated, and couldn’t see the way forward. Then, over the next decade, I studied with two other stellar teachers – one focused on the technical movements, and one on the musical (he was a concert pianist). In time, I came to discover a new set of formulas and movements. These brought new life and vitality to my practice. Now I help guitarists find more comfort and flow in their music, so they play more beautifully.
Click here for a sample formula.

This is the ideal starting position for me. As a relative beginner with no teacher this is helping me enormously in developing good technique and not falling into bad habits. I no longer feel (A) That it's a struggle to learn a new piece and (B) That I am alone in my endeavors. My advice is to try The Woodshed program. It is fantastic and will not only bring up your playing but his explanations of musical concepts as you go along put things into perspective.

~ John Andersson

-John Andersson

I came on board three months ago and I’m loving it more than ever. I have maintained my practice pattern. I’m sticking wholeheartedly with the program as written. That makes it easy to see what I NEED to work on rather than just playing the shiny places I’ve gone beyond…..I’ve learned to focus 100% on what I’m doing that very minute….I’m developing strength in my left hand...I spend time with the videos in the evenings and always find something more to help me. I’m not looking for info anywhere else. Everything I need is right here in The Woodshed. You say “Jump” and I say “How high.” I’m so grateful I found you. You speak in a language I understand.

~ Gloria Mader

-Gloria Mader