Originally published at: Play It By Ear Series. Replies here will cross-post to the original lesson page.
Use this thread to ask questions, share experiences, and discuss the topic at hand.
The first Play It By Ear song is available! Join me as I figure out a song in real time and walk you through the process of eliminating possibilities to find the correct chords and key.
The song was chosen at random and is “Who Can It Be Now” by Men At Work. Don’t get stuck on whether or not you like the song itself. If you learn the process, you can figure out any song on your own. These videos are just to illustrate the concept, not to catalog every song ever made.
The next Play It By Ear is done. I just have to upload and publish it - probably sometime next week.
Let me know what you think!
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Very eye opening! I would say my own approach is “sloppy” in comparison and what feels like throwing darts at a song to figure out the diatonic tones. Then seeing the home chord from that and then figuring out the progression. This was a good lesson for me in presenting a more structured approach and in looking to distinguish between major and minor and also the use of bass note clues as well. All very applicable tools for ear training! I learned a lot of good tips here to apply and help me along. Mahalo nui, Brad!
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There is no one correct way. There is certainly a time and a place for the “spray and pray” approach!
What I outline in the videos is just the method that seems most accessible in a teaching format. Hopefully everyone can take what is useful to them, leave the rest, and find an approach that works for them.
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New Play It By Ear video posted! Watch now
In this one we look at a Backstreet Boys hit from the 90s. (Remember, you don’t have to love these songs! We’re working through the process of learning them by ear. Learn the concept, then use it to figure out the songs that make your heart sing.)
New video up! Let’s figure out “Summer Breeze” by Seals & Croft. Watch now!