How do I... actually start to learn theory? *Self-taught guitarist seeks help*

vaticancameos

I’ll try and keep this short and not waffle too much... 

I’ve been playing guitar for 15 years, I’d consider myself to be a proficient, certainly above average Blues-Rock/Rock guitarist, I can cut a jam and solo around pentatonic scales/minor blues scales easily and know my way around that kind of style. 

However, I’ve never know the ‘how’ or the ‘why’ behind what I’m doing and am a complete theory novice. I’ve got to the point where I’m in a huge rut and I want to learn how I can progress properly and how to move away from where I’m stuck. 

I’ve looked at lots of YouTube videos and they help, but don’t particularly give a great understanding. 

Are there any books, online courses, tips that any of you music theorists have? I want to learn! I want to know what minor 5ths and major 3rds are and why they sound cool! 

Thanks in advance for anyone’s time!

mart

You could try this for a start:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ES265HS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

viz

Honestly I’d just get the ABRSM theory books, grades 1 to 8. It’s for classical musicians and you may think some of it doesn’t apply to you but it will give you the thorough grounding you’re looking for. 

viz

For example:

https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Abrsm-Music-Theory-Books/263845639120?hash=item3d6e6cf3d0%3Ag%3AEicAAOSwqj5bXfmX&LH_Auction=1&_sacat=0&_nkw=abrsm+theory+books&_from=R40&rt=nc

vaticancameos

mart said:

You could try this for a start:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ES265HS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks but the link doesn’t lead anywhere? 

viz said:

For example:

https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Abrsm-Music-Theory-Books/263845639120?hash=item3d6e6cf3d0%3Ag%3AEicAAOSwqj5bXfmX&LH_Auction=1&_sacat=0&_nkw=abrsm+theory+books&_from=R40&rt=nc

Yeah that might be a good idea, I think it’s something I could really get into

Lestratcaster

Besides from getting a tutor the London College of Music theory handbooks are good. Or the AB guide to music theory.

mart

vaticancameos said:

mart said:

You could try this for a start:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ES265HS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks but the link doesn’t lead anywhere? 
...

Strange. It’s a book called Harmony and Theory: a comprehensive source for all musicians, and is by Keith Wyatt and Carl Schroeder. Somebody recommended it on here a while back and I’ve found I think s pretty good intro to the basics.