Learning songs by ear is a valuable skill for any musician. It unlocks a deeper understanding of music and allows you to learn new songs quickly without sheet music. While it might seem daunting, training your ear is achievable with practice and the right approach. This guide provides a step-by-step plan to help you master the art of learning songs by ear, focusing on deciphering chords and chord progressions.
alt text: A person playing guitar chords.
Learning chords by ear isn’t an innate talent; it’s a skill honed through consistent effort. The key is to stay patient, break down the process, and practice regularly.
Tune into the Bass
The foundation of harmony lies in the bass line. The lowest note dictates the overall sound of the chord. Therefore, the first step is to actively listen and isolate the bass line. This may require focused listening, as we often gravitate towards more prominent instruments like the guitar or vocals.
Bonus Tip: Utilize an equalizer to boost bass frequencies (around 60-400 Hz) in your media player. This can significantly enhance the clarity of the bass line, making it easier to discern. Experiment with different headphone or speaker types for optimal low-end reproduction.
Deconstruct the Bass Line
Once you’ve isolated the bass, try to identify the individual notes being played. Start by internalizing the bass line—hum or sing along to solidify it in your memory. Then, meticulously work out each note, focusing on short segments (5-10 seconds) at a time. This process mirrors learning melodies by ear.
Identify the Root Note
The root note is the foundational note of a chord, giving it its name (e.g., the root of a C major chord is C). To identify the root, listen attentively to the bass line and determine which note is emphasized. Look for the note played most frequently, held the longest, played on the downbeat of a measure, and the note that provides a sense of resolution.
Determine Chord Quality (Major or Minor)
After identifying the root note (e.g., G), determine if the chord is major or minor. Play both a G major and G minor chord and compare them to the song. The correct chord will sound harmonious, while the incorrect one will sound dissonant.
Occasionally, neither major nor minor will fit. This might indicate a more complex chord (diminished, augmented, sus, slash). While a deeper understanding of chord theory helps here, beginners can focus on common chord types.
Consider Seventh Chords
If a major or minor chord sounds close but not quite right, the chord might be a seventh chord. Experiment with dominant 7th, major 7th, and minor 7th chords to see if they match the song. These chords add an extra note, creating a richer sound.
Iterate and Repeat
Apply these steps repeatedly to identify all the chords in the song. Most songs utilize a limited number of chords (often 3-4), and repetition is common. Once you’ve identified a chord, listen for its recurrence throughout the song.
Practice with Graduated Difficulty
Start with songs featuring simple, clearly defined bass lines and common chords. As your skills improve, gradually progress to more complex songs with diverse chord types. Choose songs matching your current chord knowledge:
- Level 1 (Open Chords): “Hey Ya!” by Outkast, “Everybody Hurts” by REM (excluding the bridge).
- Level 2 (Major/Minor in All Keys): “Creep” by Radiohead, “Cornerstone” by Arctic Monkeys.
- Level 3 (Seventh Chords in All Keys): “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding.
Consistent practice is crucial for developing your ear. Start with simple exercises and gradually increase complexity. With dedication, you’ll significantly improve your ability to learn songs by ear.
