[SpookG]

I think this is digressing more into a who knows the most theory than a real discussion on what music theory is. Music Theory is an attempt to explain why music works. A very technical, scientific look at music, and that is all it is. I don’t consider it a real working explanation, as it is doesn’t seem to convey the reasoning why music can so powerfully convey thoughts and emotions, which is in essence what music truly is, an expression of emotion beyond words.

A lot of what I have read is surface level retention of a theory class someone has sat in, and although I commend you on your knowledge, you are all missing the point, which is music theory is only part of what is music. The other critical ingredient is tension. Tension is a far more important aspect of music that gets overlooked by scales and modes because tension is much more abstract and well, you just KNOW.

I feel the same way about music theory as I do about people who just “play” an instrument. When it comes down to it, stripped down, you can get someone and drill them long enough and they can play some of the most difficult piano pieces ever written. Then ask them to write something and they can’t. I don’t believe you can understand music by just learning theory.

Classical music and trance operate on the same basic principles, but one has far more theory involved than the other, yet a classical piece can move you just as well as a trance song, so then theory must not to be the critical player involved. What makes movie soundtracks powerful? Have someone want to charge into battle? Dance their brains out at a rave?

Many electronic artists don’t know much theory, but yet can create powerful and moving pieces. Why is that? A DJ set is the purest form of tension. The “composition” is made up of complete songs, so by putting together a good set all you are concentrating on is the proper build up and release of tension. You can hear periodic rise and falls, just like a classical piece. Theory explains what music is, but without tension you would only have a bunch of notes.

Here is a good example…

Play any scale but leave out the last note. Something feels incomplete, and you are willed to finish it. You are waiting for it to finish and it hasn’t yet. You get this weird feeling inside... Finally hit the final note. That was the build up and release of tension.

Or listen to that one solo, you know, where the band stops and the soloist hangs on that note forever.. Theory isn't what is making that impact you, tension is..

I hope I have made at least some sense... It is generally hard for me to discuss music and have people understand me... plus it has been a very long night.