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#1
03-23-2018, 04:49 PM
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Figured out my first song by ear ...
I've been playing for quite a while but I've been working on some fundamentals lately (learning some pentatonic scales, theory, etc.) and I think that it has improved my ear. In the past when I wanted to learn a new song I just jumped online and went to Youtube or tab sites but today I decided to try and take a shot at figuring one out all by myself. It was 'The Sins of Memphisto' by John Prine and I figured the whole darn thing out (little repeating riff as well) at the tender age of 58! It's only got a few chords in it but it after confirming my findings online it was a pretty good feeling. I highly recommend for those who feel ready to give it a whirl, it really kind of brings you to a different level if that makes any sense. I'm going to keep exercising this muscle.
Rob Last edited by guitar12; 03-23-2018 at 08:15 PM. 
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#2
03-23-2018, 05:08 PM
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Congrats. Nothing develops a better ear than just using it.
__________________
Derek Coombs Youtube -> Website -> Music -> Tabs Guitars by Mark Blanchard, Albert&Mueller, Paul Woolson, Collings, Composite Acoustics, and Derek Coombs "Reality is that which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away." Woods hands pick by eye and ear
Made to one with pride and love To be that we hold so dear A voice from heavens above Last edited by rick-slo; 03-24-2018 at 10:22 AM.
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#3
03-23-2018, 06:47 PM
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Rob -
Good for you. I recently made that leap, too. I don’t think it’s one of those things that can be rushed... when it happens, it happens. It sure opens the floodgates, doesn’t it? Best, Rick
__________________
”Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet”
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#4
03-23-2018, 09:00 PM
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I’ve made quite the leap too just because I’ve developed a huge interest in theory and chords. I’m getting to the point where I can hear two chords and I can identify the progression (other than I V vi IV lol) and key. I could not do that for years, and all I had to do was to study some theory.
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#5
03-24-2018, 07:20 AM
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I am in the beginning stages of trying to figure out a song by ear. I am a little behind you , I’m on Red River Valley! Would love some tips on figuring out the lead to play with the chords.. any help you be appreciated....
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#6
03-24-2018, 10:08 AM
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That's great to hear, and pretty rare in my experience on this forum - especially for folks who started during the internet era.
And, although it was the impetus for you, it doesn't take a bunch of theory background to start using your ear. The theory is helpful for chord sleuthing particularly, but the right mind-set and a little trial-and-error will go a long ways with simpler songs. I know a bunch of beginner fiddlers whos' teacher starts them out learning melodies by ear. Most of 'em have pretty average talent and all of 'em are far better at ear learning than most guitar players I run into. Derek hit the nail right on the head there.
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#7
03-24-2018, 02:35 PM
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As far as I'm concerned, the ear is the fundamental aspect of learning to play and should be developed first. Pulling strings by numbers (tabs) is probably the worst way to learn. There's no knowledge brought to it in the form of tonal familiarity.
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