Does Dave Mustaine Use Theory? - Q&A #29

Does Dave Use Theory? - Q&A #29
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#QA

[@ShredmasterScott]

Dave may not have any formal training in theory but I'm sure he has his own way of thinking about what he's doing muhahaha. In other words he know's Dave theory

[@alistairclifton1286]

I have a suspicion that he might owe his soul to someone...muahahaha. Shredmaster Scot, love ya man.

[@antnmrtn]

Hey yo... I also subscribe to your channel too 😆 Muahahahaha

[@JoseGarcia-eadgbe]

Read his book..he talks about this. Good Stuff 💬🀄️🎴

[@bonesandrolls6402]

Paco de Lucia was the most famous and best flamenco guitar in the world... And, as far as I know, he didn't know music theory, and he didn't know read music on the pentagram....

[@bonesandrolls6402]

But if I would have time I would be very interested in seeling my soul to Shred to be a masterpiece composer🤘 happy new year every rockera

[@Theosis78]

"The world is dominated by the doers, not the learners." 🤤 Now that's a moment!

[@vtraderc7593]

theres a difference between knowing what sounds cool and knowing why it sounds cool

[@johngregory7329]

Hello Kiko, You are a great teacher. You explain everything in such a way that it makes it very interesting. I am a 69 year old bass player & what keeps me young is always trying to learn new songs and music . Rock & Metal & Blues can be so interesting. I hope you & everyone in the band & crew have a safe & Happy New Year. Love your channel, your the best. Thanks again. Signed John Gregory/Zepbass from Munster Indiana. U.S.A.

[@Mr.Scary5150]

Keep this young free spirit forever sir! Hugs and guitar bends from Brazil ❤️

[@irmasil3]

I have studied classical guitar and completed my studies a long time ago. Sometimes people are getting so caught up with classical theory. Here are some interesting facts: Classical (western) music theory doesn't apply in a huge part of music around the world, where other musical theories do (Eastern, Japan India, Flamenco, microtonal nomad violin etc...) The list is endless. Some of the best Metal riffs, solos, phrases etc...were written from people who didn't know theory, HOWEVER the results were astounding, exciting, deliberating and fresh...To quote one Marty Friedman: "Who on earth is gonna boss you around, not to play a major over a minor progression?? Fuck' em..." Also, most improvised Jazz is based on...well, improvisation, spontaneous playing. The "Jazz theory" usually comes afterwards :) Theory is a way to explain why a phrase sounds as it sounds (and cannot always cover all tonalities, hence different theories come into play). It DOESN'T make music great. Great music makes music great :) BTW some of the early Megadeth riffs in Killing and Peace sells are all over the place in terms of "theory", but sound killer none the less :)

[@LucasRodrigues-nb1mk]

Perfect comment dude!

[@akidk1499]

True bro As long as you play and create new stuff. You are learning stuff.. Indian and Japanese music that are modal and insanely theoretical are actually very melody oriented and are easy to approach without theory.

[@BlackWhiteCloud]

I agree.

[@BlackWhiteCloud]

After reading a lot of KZbin comments I finally found the words to express this (other guy wrote it but I'm taking it now as well): Music theory is descriptive, a kind of taxonomy, not prescriptive.

[@brianbergmusic5288]

Music theory is *not* a rule book. It's a language (at least in most circumstances). If you (a guitarist) want to communicate a jazz tune you wrote to another musician (especially someone playing a different instrument like, say, a the keys)... then you need to at least let him know where the 2-5-1 (or whatever) begins (what key, man)? Even if you simply play the chord progression and then the keyboardist listens, you may have communicated everything the keyboard-cat needs to understand whats this going on. Well, until you get to a moment where he interrupts the flow and asks: "half diminished or dominant, bro?" Thrash... what's this theory you're blabbering about? Functionally illiterate shredders make hits. That being said, the only reason I geek out about music theory is so that I can name the cool stuff that I love listening to. Take, for instance, the Mixolydian flat-6 scale. I even wrote a tune with it before I knew the name of that scale. I even have memorize of music that I especially like that use that scale. I felt like I had a friend that I did NOT know the name of, but later did. It's awesome to have an organized spice rack. However, I didn't start learning and memorizing mixolydian-flat-6 arpeggios on the guitar until after I understood the concept. Point is... it has to be USEFUL! [edit] As an aside note. I would not call myself a jazz guitarist, but I am aware of SOME of the rules of improvisation. In jazz, you can technically play whatever you want, but if you want to play a GOOD solo, you should be at least aware of THE CHANGES. Playing the changes means that you should be adept with chord-scales. If you emphasize the notes of the chord changes, you will be more in sync with the music and the other musicians. That being said, that's jazz, and this is a channel of a metal guitarist.

[@lmactapout]

Dave’s music theory is built into his ear. He knows what it should sound like. Probably just doesn’t know why.

[@toemasmeems]

I’d like to add he probably doesn’t care why something sounds a certain way, he just goes out a DO IT💪💪

[@snap-off5383]

That's how neural networks, work. AI has no idea how its figuring out the correct handwriting translation, it just does it. Same with savants, they can't explain how they figure the thing out, the neural network just spits out the right answer.

[@slushbox3443]

And that's why dave is such a badass

[@ogulcanyolcu8714]

@@slushbox3443 he doesn't write Rush or Dream Theater stuff. What is it so badass about power chords filled with little leads? Yes it's always great to listen to his stuff but nothing too complicated.

[@slushbox3443]

@@ogulcanyolcu8714 you're totally right he doesn't play dream theater or rush style. I love thrash metal !! Dave Mustaine is one of the best that there is at particular genre of music. That's why he's such a bad ass.

[@brucecampbellx]

I could listen to Kiko answer questions all day.. although I wouldnt wish that on him. Just a great dude.

[@brickaddict1964]

“Properly” Learning songs is all about muscle memory!

[@honigdachs.]

Dave surely uses theory, just not in an academic way. Clearly he's familiar with certain scale shapes, chord functions etc. and he's able to use them effectively. He doesn't necessarily understand them in an academic way and probably couldn't tell you what it's called or why it works the way it does, but he finds his way around it in his own way and does it on purpose. So even though he doesn't "know" the theory, he's able to deliberately utilize it in some capacity. That can still be seen as using theory.

[@nerothos]

I mean, it's probably as simple as him growing up surrounded by those types of sounds leading to those types of structures feeling "correct" to him. Obviously everyone is influenced by whatever theory behind the music they listen to, but what's the point of making that disctinction, really? He's composing by ear. Your ear is inspired solely by whatever you've heard before.

[@honigdachs.]

@@nerothos The point is to not create this artificial distinction between "theory" and "no theory". Many people think that learning theory is this incredibly difficult thing, and also something that will completely take away the "feel" or spontaneity out of making music etc. While in reality, if you're making music by ear, chances are you're actually already using some theory that's known to you. There's nothing particularly admirable in getting results out of aimlessly fumbling around, and I think that there's a certain fear or "knowing stuff" which is totally unnecessary. We shouldn't be thinking about theory as this other thing that has nothing to do with what we're doing, because it isn't.

[@RafaelCDet]

People always love to claim this "Oh X artist knew theory, they just didn't know the names for what they were doing but they definitely knew theory!". You can definitely analyse Dave's music with theory. That does not mean that Dave would've composed music the same way if he knew theory. Music theory a lot of the times is taught in prescriptive terms, rather than descriptive. So in retrospect, you can analyse Hangar 18 as "oh this chord progression so and so, it's in this mode because so and so degrees of the scale are sharp and blablaba". But we could've ended up with a whole different song if Dave had sat with his guitar in his bedroom and thought to himself "alright let's compose a song in D minor, we'll start with the Dm chord, raise the nth degree of the scale, then go on so and so chords while keeping the D tonic static with the bass in the background and yadayadayada". I mean it's a really fucking amazing chord progression, and Dave didn't write it looking at a bunch of books - he probably was just completely drunk, fucking around with his guitar in Ron McGovney's garage, and ended up playing this chord progression by accident. Let's be honest here: some people are afraid to learn theory because they think it will kill their creativity. Other people want to learn theory because they think it will help with creativity. Deep down, everyone knows that you either are BORN a composer or you're not. Theory does not matter. It's that simple.

[@JawJX]

tldr: just make music your own way and be famous so you wont get questioned

[@JobForAMaxboy]

I don't agree. I think "using" theory implies that he understands it. Any musician worth anything uses it in the most literal sense, because as long as you don't sound shit, you're implementing theory. But understanding it is completely different, in my opinion

[@axj7540]

People who don't need theory to create, I call it GIFTED.

[@JerryTheVeganRockstar]

I heard one theory teacher say “theory is how you describe what you just played (by feel) 😃

[@rockysullivan4097]

Amazing musician and a great great teacher

[@angusorvid8840]

Not only a great player, but he can play Chick Corea's piano parts on guitar perfectly. Kiko knows his stuff.

[@Valggasu]

Even without knowing the theory dave marked his name in the history of music forever, much more than thousands of theory masters

[@RandyJohnson777]

This is brilliant on so many levels. 🤘😎🤘 Thank you for raising Great thoughts!!!

[@Minecraftia42]

I love how the editing of your Q and A's is getting better. Not sure if it was intentional but it was cool how imminent threat played in the background when you were talking about the tornado of souls solo!

[@jeffhall5888]

I love this guy. Dave has to be extremely pleased with Kiko's contribution to the band. Happy New Year Sir!

[@RoadTripEddie]

Another great video from one of the very best. Thanks for all you do. It is always so much appreciated. Love ya

[@RidiculousFlightSimmers]

Kiko, I love all these videos.... great info! Thank you!

[@frankmcnail3918]

I love this channel and Kiko’s spirit. His willingness to share and to help us is second to none. Plus, his delivery/demeanor, coupled with his motivating drive as it relates to learning, to understanding the details, to life in general and just positive/happy LIVING, simply makes Kiko one of the most inspirational and awesome guitarists out there!! Oh, aaaand he can play his a$s off, which only helps with his awesomeness!! Thank you Kiko and please keep the videos coming when you have time. Hope to see you again on tour soon!🤘🏻💯🤘🏻

[@ristoniskala]

Thanks for the great videos! My favourites are the backstage clips. Happy New Year!

[@gibsonexplorer8777]

Kiko is so down to earth it's a breath of fresh air I know I have met alot of supper awesome Rocker pro's like Cozy Powell who were real not phoneys and Kiko is definitely one of them!! God bless him and all that talent too!

[@groovecicle]

Huh, that’s actually really interesting … that makes sense !! Thank you for posting this, Kiko. Hope your Christmas was cool. :) ❤️

[@peteminecraft0]

Kiko, your comment about Dave is on every rock and metal tabloid. I think Dave is very talented and despite not using theory his work is awesome. Happy new year to you, your family and the Megadeth's past, present and future line up and family!

[@travisbartley58]

When you play tablature you are actually learning some theory whether you realize it or not.

[@jeffkerr807]

Apparently tablature was created because of Eddie Vanhalen. To explain things he was doing that couldn't be written in notation

[@travisbartley58]

@@jeffkerr807 Cliff Burton was like the EVH of Bass I had to buy the Kill EM All bass book to learn

[@tomaszs.potocki9925]

That was great, Kiko, sir. Thank you!

[@panagiotiskaroutas6859]

Thank you very much for your Q and A are always very interesting! have a great new year too!

[@Jimmyd_Rocktalk]

Thanks Kiko!… love the videos!… Rock on from Winnipeg Manitoba Canada.

[@LuisAlvarez-lh9wz]

Excellent video Kiko, thanks a lot it makes me feel that am not so wrong on my playing. Greettings from Chile.

[@DavidSanchez-rs5bw]

Some excellent answers here indicative of a good teacher and learner. Very refreshing!

[@benpowersguitar]

Great Q&A, some wonderful advice in there. Thanks Kiko.

[@alejandrocano88]

thank you very useful, i love this channel!

[@Gymsus]

Amazing stuff man. Wise words. Totaly agree that the information in itself has no value at all, if you cant understand, use & apply it in the proper settings for you. And the thing is, that progress comes when the challenges are just in the right spot for you, in your situation. Its all so relative. Got my sub sor sure! :)

[@ricardoruizlezama9491]

Muy inspirador, Kiko. ¡Gracias!

[@audi2551]

You are very genuine. Happy new year Kiko.

[@rickyspanish6864]

Wow, Kiko just said some thing that impacted me more than I ever could’ve imagined. The world is dominated by doers not learners! That turns my world upside down. The most important guitar video I have seen yet.

[@navrin8444]

the answer to that first question opened my eyes to apply the things i learned straight away thanks master kiko

[@dettlaff9550]

Kiko you are such an amazing person and a guitar player! love you seeing in megadeth man, can't wait for the new album!

[@pupu6oi74]

great video. very thoughtful answers.

[@drummerw17]

Happy new year to you Kiko and your beautiful Family 👍🎼👍🙏🎸🙏👍🤜💯🤛. From Las Vegas NV.

[@azharkhan8796]

Such a perfect response to learning vs applying in a world of doers. Great advice dear guru. And while Mustain may not know some theory, he has a huge unique sense of imagination that he has shared with generations of fans. The same goes to you. Happy New Year!

[@polarnights7005]

Some good tips. Setting our minds at ease 🙂ty!

[@korky-7349]

Have a Happy New Years Kiko to you and your family 🎊🤘🍾

[@mmv4920]

10:35 life is good!! Dave, Marty, Kiko and all the guys are great musicians.

[@rajarajanperiasamy7474]

Thank you! Makes a lot of sense.

[@superblondeDotOrg]

Astor Piazzolla was an expert in Counterpoint and look at the amazing music he created in the 1980's (1990's?) ! Counterpoint can definitely be used for modern music, including electric guitar music and metal music. The phrase "music theory" is almost always misinterpretted to mean knowing names or spelling of chords ONLY. Music Theory really encompasses being able to write in all species of Counterpoint, just like "Yes I can do Mathematics" means many different types of operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, Algebra, Geometry, even Sudoku. Paul McCartney used Counterpoint technique when he wrote "Yesterday" for The Beatles and the song is considered one of the top guitar songs of all time (whether he wrote the countermelody independently or subconsciously is unknown). Dave Mustaine should learn Counterpoint, all species, and apply it in his writing. He would be very surprised at the result ! Counterpoint does not always need to sound like Bach, it can sound metal too, by reversing the rules (purposely place dissonant intervals on strong beats for example which is the opposite of Bach's style, or using modal counterpoint which is Renaissance style).

[@akidk1499]

You can see Piazzolla in Friedman's Composition Last Lament Black Rose etc Almost 40% of Wall of sound album

[@TheMeJustMe75]

Glad to see these guys talking about this. Satriani has stressed this in several videos. Once I understood Modes, I started incorporating them so I wouldn't forget. I'm not perfect at them and I have to stretch my brain in some cases but it's worth it. I fel I am a different guitar player because of implementing them. I don't feel I can shred yet like Kiko, Dave, Vai, or Satriani but I'm trying.

[@robertsaviano2521]

That makes the most sense Kiko. Who really says how art should be done. It's for everyone and make it your way as long as you can hold a paint brush or an instrument you make your canvas.

[@suedemutant8196]

Great life lesson in this one Kiko👍😃👍 Just re-educated myself and I felt that the school didn't connect the theory with practice. I missed the "learn and apply" bit. I've now finished the school and feel a bit hesitant regarding my skills. On paper I'm ok but in practice..not sure. Might be a "learner and doer" thing also. But I'm somewhere in between that I think.

[@angusorvid8840]

More important than the rules for music is understanding the reasoning behind the rules. When you know the reasoning, you can think of a reason and a way to break them. But I believe in composing freestyle, then ironing out a piece before you transpose it for others. Musicians have to be on the same page, literally and figuratively, to work together. I was in a band with a rhythm guitarist who literally knew nothing. I had to show him every piece of every song. I was patient but it was very frustrating. We had an upcoming git at The Roxy in Los Angeles around '89 and it made it a lot harder to rehearse. We played one more gig after that and the band broke up and I wound up in an instrumental prog three piece and that was so much more enjoyable for me. They were more advanced than I was, but they helped me get better.

[@flavy1000]

I loved your description of Kiss jajaja-- Have a Happy New Year Kiko, for you and your family..please keep this great work.. ..and come to Argentina with Megadeth...again! I hope so...!

[@flavy1000]

That episode with Dave at Berklee ...and you describing the harmonies and scales..I can imagine..jajaja Great stuff, because it is neither black nor white..you can know theory or not, my experience indicates me, that most of best musicians, don't know about it, and are great...as Dave is...But there are complete musicians, as you are, that can never be blinded by knowledge, and be as creative as well! I hate when theory drives to blockage, we must always fight that !

[@CharlieAlbbBooks]

Hola Kiko, I have found guitarist who were born with the talent, it comes naturally on them, some others try and learn through time, obviously, there's a motivation to do it, some musicians are súper driven and maybe they don't know the rules or theory but the passion makes them create some really amazing stuff, have a Nice, music filled new year's! Long live Megadeth!

[@kamaboko1]

I have a follow up to the "does Dave use music theory" question. When Dave introduces a new song idea to you, and assuming he asks for your input, do you find yourself going into music theory mode as part of your contribution process?

[@gatoslokosforever]

I bet. I am pretty sure Dave gets talented people like Marty or Kiko and he does it to get that kind of input from them.

[@bigbloodaxe]

You truly are an inspiration Kiko ⚱

[@JBarbarosa]

Kiko, thank you very much for your videos. Your one hour video on sweeping has helped me so much. Muitíssimo obrigado 👍🏻 eu vivo na África do Sul e sou professor de guitarra há 26 anos. É muito difícil de encontrar alguém que me possa ajudar com certas áreas de dificuldade, mas você me tem ajudado tanto. Eu estou rapidamente ultrapassando os meus limites. Um grande abraço, obrigado outra vez

[@joshbeer414]

Kiko is the best and his accent is lovely. Great player and person

[@VictorCavalcanteVC]

Depois q vc aprende toda a teoria, faz análises harmônicas, estuda contraponto, composição e percepção, ou seja, após estudar muito e aprender muita teoria, percebe q não precisa, necessariamente, utilizá-la. Em outras palavras, depois de toda essa dedicação, vc pode quebrar as regras. Isso porque em arte não há certo ou errado, mas sim o q agrada e o que não agrada. E mesmo assim essa ideia pode ser ampliada, já q o que agrada a um pode não agradar a outro.

[@raphaelsoares332]

Disse tudo cara. Penso da mesma forma

[@flavioalmeida1705]

Da hora espero um dia chegar nesse nível tbm

[@einarabelc5]

College in a nutshell...waste of time on that sense. Make sure to have a long term plan.

[@VictorCavalcanteVC]

@@einarabelc5 tell that to Steve Morse

[@Matrixchezz]

Acho que tem mesclar a teoria com o feeling do músico.

[@brianrust6139]

Thanks Kiko! I feel better about my progress now. Every metal technique I’ve learned never felt right till I learned to compose my own solos with them. If I just practice the one lick over and over it’s like so what? If I use it in a melodic sense over a song then I learn how to use it properly

[@miked1711]

Hey Kiko, do you live in Finland now? If so, what do you think of the weather and how is your Finnish coming along? Great channel man, keep it up!

[@darylm.stephens9603]

Lol love your description of KISS

[@robertcopedawg]

We need more Kiko's in the world.

[@ValerioGentile]

how many good things you say in your videos Kiko, amazing. I find many similarities with what my maestro tells me. There's a wise man behind your guitar, this is what comes to me from your videos. Thanks a lot

[@MadMax-oh4yw]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, thus music is in the ear of the beholder. It's all about personal opinion/preference. What a song is about matters to some people too.

[@vicjames2743]

Never learned theory. Hasn’t affected my learning nor playing I have been blessed to have a good ear and learn stuff that way

[@krisstieghorst7415]

Yes it's a gift! A blessing 💯👍

[@jamesevans6335]

I've always played by ear

[@j.a.s.m5363]

Kiko Vc eh um orgulho para nós amantes de rock brasileiros!!! Absurdamente competente!!! E ainda por cima humilde!! Parabéns!!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@aryinc]

i think it differs from person to person. I never really got it myself either. just didn't care for it at a certain point and it never stuck as dry theory. it has to make sense to be rememberd and nopt just a name to a chord that i'll barely use in composition. Know some theory but not allot. There is so much theory you can apply right. There are no rights or wrong in composing. there also is no better player then another. You've just got your way and your mind about things. We've also got youtube these days, couldn't be easier to learn things these days. I think tought or not tough, each finds it's way in having a good time with the instrument. you're a awesome person kiko.

[@someoldguy6716]

How important do you think it is to listen to varying types of music? Growing up I only had AM radio, WLS Chicago, they played everything in their rotation. I had to listen to country, soul, motown, pop, jazz, just to get to the rock songs I liked. I think it helped me creatively. Happy New Year to you and yours. Peace

[@metalvenom3462]

Kiko lives! I've been saying that a lot lately, "Learn" how to keep on learning! Have a kick a#& day

[@TheMartinRNR]

Kiko such an Amazing Guitar Player and a very cool and down to earth Guy 🎸

[@fennettproductions4511]

Hi kiko, loved the video!!! I was wondering if you could help explain how to really get into it with a metronome in a q&a? I've always struggled horribly with getting locked into a metronome, and i bet others have too!

[@markgueren9633]

I don’t understand the obsession with understanding why/how musicians compose music. I totally get why Theory is important and can help guide you…… BUT…..an individual is either creative or not.. I know many schooled musicians who can’t play or improvise but can play like a monster off of a chart. I have some basic understanding of theory and I truly enjoy creating music. I can hear where I’m supposed to go when I start composing.. The music tells me where the next note or passage is going to be. The thing that I feel holds me back is lack of technique due to spreading myself thin as a multi instrumentalist… jack of all,master of none kind of thing. Love this series Kiko!! Keep em coming!!

[@juanfredrich1546]

jajajaja...kiko debe ser uno de esos maestros que dejan algo en vos,,,,esos que te dan ganas de seguir.....!!! siempre un gusto escucharlo!!! feliz año!!!

[@Le_Jit]

Very smart advice

[@tonyrobertsguitar]

Kiko…you’re the absolute coolest.

[@MarcelloBarile]

wise words Kiko

[@landonmorgan13]

Thanks Kiko love your videos here from NEW MEXICO USA😎♥️💪

[@RoadTripEddie]

Rock'n in NM also. Cheers from TorC

[@worshipdwellinghouse]

Kiko is a great teacher, not like those academic teachers who tell you to play a certain way, I mean if you think like Kiko it makes you want to be your self.

[@elusive_mg]

this is like with the computer games we get, you need to learn how to have fun with it, if you dont know or dont want to have fun dont play any instruments, DAVE GROHL just plays his guitar and look how far he has come, im having fun with my guitar and that is what i do

[@BoeyChar]

Knowing theory is good for sure but the world wont be blessed with the masterpiece of tornado of souls by dave and marty if they just sit down and talk about aeolian and what not lol.

[@emayfrit]

🔥Great 👍 Lesson Mr. Kiko! Keep On Keeping On....I hope I am around to hear your 101st knees(Years) old Symphony!🔥!

[@emayfrit]

🔥Thats Entirely Correct Mr. Kiko, not the Intellectuals, but the Men of Action that are the Movers and Shakers...again, just reflecting on the lesson...and Thank You Too Much!🔥! I Love to Apply all such Cool Stuff....Follow the Heart and Evolve Intellectually ... Cool 😎 Material!🔥!

[@johnmcminn9455]

Yes Dave Mustaine is a Jazz Head don't let him fool you! Seeing Kiko talk to Tosin Abassi just solidifies that Kiko is a Jazz Head too! I think they understand the rocket science, I really do

[@rhoads3120]

You are such a great person, I can see some frustration in your video, please just be Kiko , you are my idol, I love how you are so happy and have so much fun playing, don’t let the grumpy people get to your, you will always be my buddy, just be the happy Kiko I love,,, don’t let things get on your nerves, some people are just asses !!! Some on purpose 🤪

[@bumpstockbilly4263]

Kiko, Kiko, Puerto-Rico, both are hot and south is Rio, maybe not like Ronnie-Dio, sang alot, but mi amigo, plays like angel's taken wings, fast with class and technique-swings, super-hero of the guitar, trust, a must in this earthly-star....

[@pikachudabaixada8474]

Kiko legend

[@luigizanellato2959]

I always wrote and played music through feel and my ears. Reading and understanding music theory was something I wanted to learn to better myself. I did well with it, even went to Berklee in Boston. Besides playing in bands and recording, it gave me knowledge to become a music teacher and guitar instructor, it's very fulfilling! As far as writing music goes, I NEVER think of the theory, I just play what feels and sounds good, then arrange it. Theory comes after the art, unless you are in a strict jazz ensemble, or classical music scenario at times lol \m/ Awesome videos Kiko! Thank you. Happy New Year to everyone!

[@alex8449]

That's what James hetfield did with the first 4 albums, he can't read music and doesn't know why he puts his fingers on the guitar a certain way just that it sounds good. Some people just have amazing artistic imaginations it's like people that get on a bike for the first time and ride without having to learn.

[@krisstieghorst7415]

Well said! Theory comes after the art 🎨

[@tspirit1231]

@@alex8449 that’s BS. Artists love to downplay their music theory knowledge because they don’t want to give credit to anything beside themselves

[@alex8449]

@@tspirit1231 no you're BS

[@DemonApple1982]

The residual theme of the questions that I think many always ask is whether music theory helps or not. My own experiences regard music as a language that many of us can speak without explaining. Where I find theory useful is to keep you from getting stuck by filling in the gaps of different parts you've written but need something to go in between. It doesn't make a person any more creative than they already are without that knowledge.

[@edwardelkins8723]

I can play very good melodic rhythm guitar with power chords , mute and sustain, whammy bar ect to keep a song exciting and just play some lead riffs in between bars. It works for me but really isn't like actually knowing the chords. Like a rapper sings cruddy lyrics but it's rhythm band fun so it goes over.

[@AlkisT]

That question applies to everything in life, and the answer applies to everything in life too. The best people at any endeavour are the ones that keep learning and evolving in their craft. You know how you see some lose their ability to work when something new comes along and not only do they not know how to do it/use it but also can't even imagine learning it? Don't be that person.

[@ogulcanyolcu8714]

Victor Wooten had some great words about theory. "You don't use it to create, you use it when you're stuck" You don't hold your guitar and say to yourself "Now I'm gonna write a song in Lydian scale" The songs came out of nowhere, you play gibberish and you start thinking it's a great idea. What makes the difference is depends on the people. You can't play gibberish like Petrucci, Vai, Akerfeldt or Kiko and make songs out of them. You create ideas and perfect it, polish it with theories.

[@mrmonsieur7583]

Heyy Kiko! Thank you for the quality content! Question: have you had a guitar technique give you more trouble than others and how did you manage to get it under your belt? For example I'm a decent alternate picker, but economy picking is really tough for me to do in time. Cheers!

[@aceman1969nlb]

Amen brother. 👍👍

[@FrankTheDoomriderJohansen]

I don't use any theory when I compose.. as you said it is all in the imagination and the instruments are like my paint brush and canvas. I have a vision and then I begin to create the feeling I get from my vision with different instruments and sounds.

[@TheCyberMantis]

Kiko.... flexing his music theory knowledge on the "Tornado Of Souls" solo! Hehehe!

[@ceodashortalicas]

valeuuuu kiko me salvou nessa

[@liviu4804]

Wisdom bombs right here!

[@gersonigor8674]

Dave conhece tanto a teoria q já pula pra prática sem nem perceber, não é a toa que é gênio

[@themixologychannel1928]

Super amazing

[@isaacolivas304]

I just know some basic stuff about theory, but i think the most powerful tools for Dave when he compose are pentatonic-blue scales and cromatics. With that and other tools he has is enough to be such a bad ass. Kiko, in his own tecnical way, is another kind of bad ass and thanks god they make a team =)

[@kiddcomet3563]

My favorite guitarist ✌️

[@metatron333ascension]

Its the trivium of learning. 1) the aggregation/collection of knowledge 2) the understanding of the knowledge 3) the application of the knowledge. You have to do all three. If you just get knowledge but dont understand it its no good. if you understand it and dont apply it its no good.