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I'm looking for advice on how to expand upon my limited music theory. I already know a little bit, did Grade 5 theory back when I was a kid and i use the Camelot wheel theory for DJing, albeit without really following the music theory behind it. I play brass instruments pretty well, am a decent sight-reader and given a bit of time I can learn, memorise and play piano; my latest piece learned being Debussy's Claire de Lune.
I do feel a bit like an unthinking automaton though. I'm learning the notes and when to play them, that's all, and I feel a bit detached.
What I would like to know is if there are any resources out there, specifically for piano/keys and paid or otherwise, that help you learn to identify chords/chord progressions from their sound. Something like "that's an augmented 6th, and it would sound awesome if it resolved into a root position V via the 6/4 cadential" (I got most of that from Google, I don't know what it means)
I guess the ultimate aim is to be able to just riff along to any old thing rather than just have a memorised repertoire of a few crowd favourites. I've been watching a lot of Rick Beato's videos and he seems to be where I want to be in terms of knowing how to place chords together, how to improvise with modal scales, etc. but there's a large bit missing between what I currently know and what need to know to make the most of his videos.
Seems like you need to learn more theory, and there is a lot of it on the internet for free, start with what you know and branch out. When you understand the basic theory behind the realtionships between notes and chords then start playing around. Once you start experimenting with the theory on e.g a piano, you'll pretty quickly start to recognise chords and progressions you've heard. A little but of music history doesn't hurt either, partly so you understand why certain music sounds the way it does.
I'm sorry I'll be of no help, but this is a very interesting post for me as I'm a late guitar learner, 10 months in.
I've only just scratched the surface of theory and tbh it scares the **** out of me, I haven't a clue really, but hoping it'll sink in eventually.
In my humble opinion ear training would be the one most important thing to master improvised solo work.
Have you considered piano lessons?
I played saxophone in another life and quite often sat in on jazz jam sessions with varying degrees of success.
Hopefully more will chip in with less waffle and more info.
Maybe learn some Jazz....that's a good way to add to theory and understand changes etc.
If you're that level on piano then I'd recommend The Jazz Piano book by Mark Levine and maybe also The Jazz Theory Book (same author) too.
That should keep you busy for a year or too!
I’m a late guitar learner, 10 months in.
For guitar, Justin Sandercoe did a theory workbook which was (IMHO) excellent.
It seems it has been revised / superseded. It it is as good as the original, it would be worth a look
https://www.justinguitar.com/categories/practical-fast-fun-music-theory
It sounds to me like it is particularly harmony you are interested in learning. I came across this website with a quick look, although I haven't used it so can't vouch for it. It certainly seems to cover harmony, intervals, cadences, ear training, scales, modes - to some extent anyway. Might be worth a look to see if it fits what you are looking for, as a start anyway.
https://www.daveconservatoire.org/
Edit - There is also a section on improvisation with a bloke called Harry the Piano!
That Dave Conservatoire site looks like it's going to keep me occupied for a while.
I've also ordered the two Mark Levine books. Thanks very much.
I guess the ultimate aim is to be able to just riff along to any old thing rather than just have a memorised repertoire of a few crowd favourites.
Most of the musicians I know who can just pick up and play, without just playing the obvious, this skill doesn't come so much from theory. More often the theory comes later, "that bit sounded good, what were we actually playing there?"