I know some people here are very versed in music theory, and probably just as many not so much. How much do you use it? Do you check the circle of 5ths to figure out what harmonica you might use in a particular song? Is music theory something that you would like to learn more about?
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Oh! mind reader!
I was just thinking about how to put it to Luke if he could make a whole long course on music theory. I was wondering things like;
How long did it take all these guys to learn all this stuff? Iām pretty old to learn a whole new language.
What does stuff like Cm7th mean?? Why is it helpful.
Why do guys ask each other stuff like what position did you play that in? What does that actually tell them that just sending them the tabs doesnāt?
Should I really be looking for music theory answers on sites that deal exclusively with Harmonica stuff because every professional harmonica player I know also has a keyboard. What does that tell me?
It is very obvious to me that improvisation and playing by ear is so much easier to do correctly if you donāt hit notes that are not in that scale/key. If you want to know these right and wrong sounds by memory you need to have learnt the scales so they are imbedded in your ram.
I am pretty sure I will never get past playing little ditties and easy stuff if I donāt learn the theory. I am speaking for myself here and fully understand that those far more gifted than me can play by ear, improvise and just sound incredible without ever learning this stuff. But for me if someone wants to make a good course I will sign up asap. Not saying there isnāt one out there, I just feel that tech moves so fast there are better ways or porting the information every day. No AI thanks.
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Thereās a lot more I want to know. The problem I have is that what I do know is so useful I donāt have that āstuckā feeling that makes me want to take the time to do it.
One exception is transposing at sight. I used to be better at it. It would be useful and sometimes I do feel stuck. Maybe Iāll out it in the plan for 2026.
As for circle of 5ths, I find that difficult to think through. Instead I do that work in intervals. 12th position, 4th up from harp key. 2nd position, 4th down. 3rd, whole step up. 5th, minor third up. Etcā¦I find it much easier.
I think the most important music theory to know is ā¦ah hell I canāt pick.
But if I had to pick something I learned with intention and intuit the rest, itās be chord names, chord tones, and scales.
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I always thought I would hate the theory, but as I began to learn it, it has become fascinating to me.
The harmonica launched me into learning how to play piano, and now I am hopelessly hooked on musical notes playing in my head all day.
Iāve made simple songs out of several different scales. My early mornings and evenings consist largely of playing these songs over and over, and over, and over, and overā¦
Again 
I suppose the day I can play them all perfectly on the harmonica and piano, I will move on, but Iām pretty sure that could take awhile, if ever.
For me the circle of fifths has been magical. My most recent song is called:
Circle Jerk 
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@davidkachalon I donāt use the circle of 5ths, except as a mouse padš
I generally donāt think you can have too much of it, as long as you keep it in itās proper place and donāt confuse ātheorizing musicā with āplaying musicā which is the tension I was trying to articulate here:
@toogdog Most of the Music Theory that it sounds like youāre wanting to understand isnāt harmonica-centric. Thatās one of the beauties of it - it transcends individual instruments.
Iāve heard good things about Rick Beatoās course. If I were you I might be inclined to check that one out?
Understanding things like chords, scales, and modes will be foundational in helping to understand positions and why people say āwhat position were you playing that in?ā 
GO FOR IT!! 
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If you play for the joy of it, whatās wrong with ditties? Youāve accomplished everything! And why would you want to get past it? At some point it might be a good idea to stop and enjoy what you have - now. If you play, you canāt help but progress. Just play and enjoy. Thatās from 60 years of performing with major symphony orchestras all over the world, and you know what? Iām right where you are. Itās just ditties. Somehow I think you already knew this. - Cousin Corky
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Thank You Corky, ājust play and enjoyā nice to hear that from a professional. Thatās pretty much where Iām at and where I want to be.
I havenāt done much theory or taken any courses; Iām just trying to be happy and hoping that by continuing to just play, I will improve.
Iām grateful to this site and to @Luke and others who contribute meaningfully to it, that Iāve found a creative outlet through the harmonica. It feels like the world is getting more and more crazy, arenāt we lucky to be able to find joy in making music.
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I barely passed music theory 101 and only had a very rudimentary understanding (that anyone can learn in one week) and never made it beyond that. I was essentially kicked out of a composition class in the first couple days because of my lack of music theory and inabilities and strange way of approaching writing. In 1975 I was asked compose a work for the San Francisco Symphony. I said no (because I didnāt have the knowledge). They wouldnāt accept that answer. So I composed a work for SF which I performed to 6,000 people. Then I started getting commissions from all over (Grant Park, National Symphony at Kennedy Center, Lancaster) and I would say ānoā and they would insist - and I finally agreed. Iāve composed countless chamber music works and 6 symphonic works. All the classical people tell me; āNo one is writing music like you.ā Of course, because I have no idea what the heck Iām doing!! Mozart (Iām not comparing myself to Mozart) was asked all kinds of questions by his students. And they said; āBut the things you are advising me to do, you didnāt do.ā He responded; āThatās right. But I didnāt ask.ā And you should know that you will absolutely progress just by playing. If you are interested in learning something because it adds to your joy, you should do it. Playing fast can be fun and exciting but itās only necessary if thatās what you want. You are correct. Itās all about the joy. Otherwise whatās the purpose, to show someone how smart or good we are? LOL! Anyway, this got me going. LOL! Luke is the man to guide you. - Cousin Corky
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Hey Corky,
I donāt know if you saw this, but your piece with Ozawa was played last summer at the Southeast Asia Harmonica Festival.
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I didnāt know that. I just finished a symohony concert tonight in southeast Illinois. 
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Nice! When does Chicago get some love? Would love to come see.
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And almost 60 years of doing symphonic blues no orchestra has ever responded to an inquiry from me. They have to discover it on their own. Get excited about it enough to give me a call. So itās invitation only in reality. Corky
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