My mission to perpetuate my father's music has been a winding journey filled with challenges and triumphs. Without him around to teach me his guitar parts and songwriting lessons, I've had to figure out a ton of it myself. It was really slow going at first, but over the years, I've acquired these tips as steps toward streamlining and moving faster.
Are you ready to dive into an interactive journey that will take your music skills to new heights? Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, learning to play by ear is an adventure filled with discovery and growth. As someone who's walked this path, I'm excited to share some interactive tips that will not only guide you but also engage you in the process of unlocking your musical potential.
1. Listen up, Music Enthusiasts!: Let's kick things off with a listening adventure. Pick a song close to your heart and tune into a specific section. Then, belt out the melody or tap along to the rhythm. If you can hum it, you can to play it... so don't sweat the perfection—just let the music flow!
2. Chunk it Down: Learning a new piece of music can seem like solving a Rubik's Cube. But fear not! We're going to break it down into manageable bits. Grab a piece of paper and jot down the different elements of the song you're working on—rhythm, melody, chords, etc. Then, prioritize one element to focus on at a time.
3. Embrace Intervals: Intervals are like the secret sauce of music—they add flavor and depth to every melody. Ever wondered how to train your ear to recognize them? We've got a musical treasure hunt for you! Check out these songs and see if you can pinpoint the intervals:
   - Major Second (Whole Step): "Happy Birthday to You"
   - Minor Third: "Hey Jude"
   - Major Third: "When the Saints Go Marching In"
   - Perfect Fourth: "Amazing Grace"
   - Perfect Fifth: "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"
   - Minor Sixth: "Love Me Tender"
   - Major Sixth: "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean"
   - Minor Seventh: "Watermelon Man"
   - Major Seventh: "Take On Me"
4. Trust Yourself: Confidence is key when it comes to learning music by ear. Let's boost our confidence together! Take a moment to reflect on your musical journey so far and celebrate your progress. Share one accomplishment, big or small, that you're proud of. Remember, every step forward is a victory worth celebrating!
5. Find Joy in the Journey: Music isn't just about hitting the right notes—it's about the adventure along the way. Share a musical memory that fills your heart with joy. Whether it's a lightbulb moment or a hilarious blooper, let's revel in the laughter and the lessons learned together!
My journey to learning music by ear is not without its challenges. When my dad passed away when I was just ten, the music didn't stop—it became my lifeline. Suddenly, I found myself without a teacher or mentor, but I wasn't about to let that silence my passion. Instead, I turned to the recordings he left behind, diving deep into the melodies and rhythms he created. As I grew older, I found comfort in his beloved guitar, a tangible connection to the music that shaped me. Countless hours were spent deciphering chords and unraveling melodies. Sure, some of it might have been absorbed through osmosis, but let's be real—I made (and still make!) a boatload of mistakes. Yet, with each wrong note, I discovered something new. The journey became more than just hitting the accurate notes or strumming perfect chords—it was about embracing the messy, beautiful process of learning.
So, here's to celebrating the magic of imperfection and embracing the joy of the journey. Let's keep strumming, singing, and sharing our creativity with the world, one imperfect note at a time.
Stay tuned for more music tips and inspiration!
🎶💗Allison2020