Learn by Ear
How to get started learning music by ear
Below are some tips on how to work on picking up music by ear and not having to rely on sheet music or Youtube all the time
Start with simple melodies: If you're just starting out, it's best to begin with simple melodies that are easy to identify.
Start with nursery rhymes, folk songs, or popular melodies that you've heard many times before.
As you get more comfortable, you can move on to more complex pieces.
Example: Try playing a simple melody of a popular song first by ear, then search up the notes to test yourself if you were right. Use websites like Theorytab DB to see the melody lines. Keep repeating this technique.
Focus on the rhythm: When learning music by ear, it's important to pay attention to the rhythm of the song.
Try to identify the beat and the tempo of the music. Once you've identified the rhythm, it will be easier to figure out the notes.
Play along with recordings: One of the best ways to learn music by ear is to play along with recordings.
Listen to the song, and try to play it on your instrument.
You can slow down the recording if you need to (YouTube has this feature), or loop a section of the song until you get it right.
Learn the chords: Once you've figured out the melody, try to identify the chords that accompany it. This will give you a better understanding of the song's structure and help you improvise.
Example: Try identify the chords first by ear, then search up the chords to test yourself if you were right. Use websites like Theorytab DB or Ultimate Guitar to find the chords.
Practice regularly: Learning music by ear takes time and practice. Try to set aside a regular practice time each day, even if it's just for a few minutes. The more you practice, the easier it will become.
Use a tuner: It's important to stay in tune when learning music by ear. Use a tuner to make sure your instrument is tuned correctly, and check your tuning frequently.
Experiment with different instruments: If you're having trouble figuring out a melody on one instrument, try switching to a different instrument. Sometimes a different perspective can help you hear things you didn't notice before.
Work with your teacher: Work with your teacher to guide you and provide feedback. Your teacher can also help you develop good practice habits and give you new challenges to work on.