Musical Terminology?

[cwhit412]

So, as many of you know I review albums. However, my knowledge of musical terms is very limited. I'm not totally sure how to specify genres correctly, how to describe elements of a song, and even hear the bass in a song. For stuff such as the new MCS stuff, I can't even tell if it's guitar or synth (during the chorus of disappear). So, any descriptions of any of this stuff would be great. Just like a little definition of the genre (bands of the genre) or term would be great.

[kbi the crowing]

take a theory class?

[cwhit412]

take a theory class?

I mean, I play an instrument. I can read music, and I understand the sophistications within music. It's more of the exact terminology I'm not sure of..

[fanberlinboy]

Well, as far as distinguishing between guitar and synth, a good example would be (let's use Motion City Soundtrack) the intro to Time Turned Fragile (the main part you hear is synth) and the entire intro of When You're Around is played on guitar. As far as genres... genres are so hard to pin down. The best advice I'd give you is just listen to a lot of music, I guess. Maybe look stuff up on wikipedia or something if you really want to know.

[cwhit412]

Well, as far as distinguishing between guitar and synth, a good example would be (let's use Motion City Soundtrack) the intro to Time Turned Fragile (the main part you hear is synth) and the entire intro of When You're Around is played on guitar. As far as genres... genres are so hard to pin down. The best advice I'd give you is just listen to a lot of music, I guess. Maybe look stuff up on wikipedia or something if you really want to know.

I'm talking more about the very subtle synth, like the chorus of disappear. You hear in the background something that could be low synth, or something. That's more of what I'm talking about. or it could be all bass. That's more of the stuff i'm trying to figure out. The very subtle parts.

[maxvsmaradona]

Disappear's chorus has synth, but it's mixed in kinda low, so more of the guitar shines through

[Deadbolt23]

Just use wikipedia. You'll get more information there.

[ryanhorizons]

thats pretty poor, if you "review" albums and dont know whats being played. congratulation youre an idiot

[oddwithoutend]

Every time you listen to a new band, go to that band's wikipedia page for genre information. Soon enough you'll develop an understanding that allows you to easily categorize bands within their respective genre(s). Also, think about what other bands they sound like.

Read other reviews all the time, and pay careful attention to the information you wish to learn more about (i.e. distinguishing synth from guitar). Remember synthesizers can recreate the sound of a wide variety of instruments. It's sometimes very difficult to tell the difference.

[oddwithoutend]

thats pretty poor, if you "review" albums and dont know whats being played. congratulation youre an idiot
Discerning guitar from synthesizer is not a very important aspect of album reviewing.

[cwhit412]

Discerning guitar from synthesizer is not a very important aspect of album reviewing.

My reviews aren't horrible, but they can definitely be improved. That being why I want to increase my musical knowledge.

[And Hours Pass]

thats pretty poor, if you "review" albums and dont know whats being played. congratulation youre an idiot
1 - agreed
2 - if that avatar is sarah chalke (which I think it is), it's incredible.

[Broclee]

Every time you listen to a new band, go to that band's wikipedia page for genre information. Soon enough you'll develop an understanding that allows you to easily categorize bands within their respective genre(s). Also, think about what other bands they sound like.

Read other reviews all the time, and pay careful attention to the information you wish to learn more about (i.e. distinguishing synth from guitar). Remember synthesizers can recreate the sound of a wide variety of instruments. It's sometimes very difficult to tell the difference.

This is a great answer, and pretty much is the same advice I'd give.

My reviews aren't horrible, but they can definitely be improved. That being why I want to increase my musical knowledge.

Asking for just "musical terminology" is really really really broad. You say you know how to read music and such, which is great, but at the same time, a lot of time, there are distinctions that are drawn between how to describe "art" music and how to describe "pop" music (both terms used loosely and unwillingly). I'll reiterate that oddwithoutend's advice is definitely the way to go. Wikipedia is a great place to just find a plethora of information, and other reviews can help you build on your descriptors and ways to discuss elements of music.

[cwhit412]

This is a great answer, and pretty much is the same advice I'd give.



Asking for just "musical terminology" is really really really broad. You say you know how to read music and such, which is great, but at the same time, a lot of time, there are distinctions that are drawn between how to describe "art" music and how to describe "pop" music (both terms used loosely and unwillingly). I'll reiterate that oddwithoutend's advice is definitely the way to go. Wikipedia is a great place to just find a plethora of information, and other reviews can help you build on your descriptors and ways to discuss elements of music.

Alright. Thanks for the advice. Perfect comment.

[Burn That Shit]

except wikipedia is wrong a lot of the time.

[Chromefox]

Wait, you don't know how to hear the bass in a song? You can't pick that out?

[Broclee]

except wikipedia is wrong a lot of the time.

:lol:

[Ari Christos]

Read a lot of other reviews from this website, others, wherever. When they mention a specific part of a song, go and listen to that song to grasp an understanding of what their talking about and soon enough you'll start recognizing certain parts in songs and how to describe them.

[re7ard1337]

take a music class, i'd suggest a chorus or something. you can learn how to do certain things without know what they are called if you learn it by yourself, but when you work in a group, things have to be explained. that's how i learned all of my music theory / actual music terminology.

[T-bag]

Just use wikipedia. You'll get more information there.

Wikipedia is Punk. Pretentious discussions about music theory aren't punk.