Understand Music Theory Basics Without Getting Lost

You play by ear or by chords and the theory always felt dry and unconnected to anything you do. This teaches the minimum that actually helps: why progressions work, how to talk to other players, enough to write or read. It ties each idea straight back to the instrument in your hands rather than a textbook.

<context>
You play {INSTRUMENT} by ear or by tabs/chords and want to understand enough music theory to [describe goal: e.g. understand why chord progressions work / communicate with other musicians / write your own music / read notation]. You have previously tried to learn theory and found it [describe: e.g. dry and disconnected from playing / confusing / overwhelming].
</context>

<task>
**Teach the minimum viable music theory** for your specific goal, connected to your instrument:
1. Explain the three concepts that unlock 80% of Western music: scales, intervals, and chord construction
2. Connect each concept directly to physical positions or patterns on your instrument
3. Explain the I-IV-V-I and I-V-vi-IV progressions and why they sound the way they do
4. Design a 2-week theory integration exercise that applies these concepts to music you already play
5. Recommend when formal theory study pays off vs when ear training is more valuable
</task>

<output_format>
- Three core concepts (one paragraph each, instrument-specific)
- Chord progression explanations (one paragraph each with examples in your instrument's context)
- 2-week integration exercise (day-by-day or activity-by-activity)
- Theory vs ear training recommendation (short paragraph)
</output_format>