What to know about learning music theory

If you are trying to learn music theory there are a few basics that you absolutely must know. You really need to know the keys and the circle of fifths first. When I was Teaching Music Theory I used to have all the students write out the circle of fifths in every lesson, until they could do it quickly and correctly every single time. knowing this makes such a difference to the overall musicianship, and if you know it well then you don’t make mistakes with scales or with harmony. Once you know the cycle of fifths, then a good knowledge of intervals is also very important. If you know intervals and keys, then you’ll have some hope of understanding harmony and chords.