Zakk Wylde shared his perspective on how music theory becomes instinctive over time, referencing John McLaughlin’s insight about not consciously thinking about theory while soloing.
For most guitarists, learning music theory is recognized as a valuable skill, even though it’s not a requirement for success, as history has shown. While some guitarists dedicate time to mastering theory, others continue to play based on intuition. There’s also a smaller group who, as noted by the Captain of Andertons Music Co. in a recent interview with Zakk Wylde, argue that theory could limit creativity.
Zakk Wylde responded by sharing advice from John McLaughlin, explaining how after a while, applying music theory becomes second nature. He recalled McLaughlin’s words (transcribed by Ultimate Guitar):
“It’s just like John McLaughlin always said, ‘You learn all your theory, and you learn everything like that.’ But even John McLaughlin said, ‘When I’m soloing, I’m not even thinking [about theory].'”
Wylde compared it to speaking, saying: “It’s just like when you’re talking; you don’t think about grammar when you’re speaking. You just learn the language, and then you speak. It just naturally comes out.”
In addition to his legendary guitar skills, Zakk Wylde is also proficient on the piano. When asked if playing instruments other than the guitar came easily to him, Wylde responded:
“Most guitar players have picked up a bass, you know? But bass playing is different. Certain things sound great when you’re playing along to the main guitar riff to double it. It just sounds more powerful sometimes. But then, there are other times when you write bass lines to a riff. To me, that’s real bass playing.”
He continued, “I think if you play guitar, you try out other stringed instruments, whether it’s the mandolin, banjo, bass, or whatever. The piano is a whole different thing. But, no, I think it’s like anything — you take the time, sit with it, learn, and practice a bit, and you’ll get better.”
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