Songs for ear training

[horns666]

Re: Songs for ear training

Then lets agree to disagree.. [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

theory...I'm glad you like it.. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

If Jeff Loomis don't need theory....then I sure don't. [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[JRTME]

Re: Songs for ear training

[ QUOTE ]
Then lets agree to disagree.. [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

theory...I'm glad you like it.. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

If Jeff Loomis don't need theory....then I sure don't. [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Deal. But try a little sometime it might surprise you. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[horns666]

Re: Songs for ear training

"Deal. But try a little sometime it might surprise you."

I'm surprised everytime I can play one of my own riffs ... [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Some days I can't play my own shit! [img]/images/graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[Twisteramps]

Re: Songs for ear training

One nice thing about theory is it allows you to see how things connect musically and identify things. Sure, you can tough it out like Loomis, but if he knew more of what he was playing, he'd probably have an easier time of coming up with new riffs.

Eddie Van Halen was a classically trained pianist who won MANY MANY recitals/contests. I think a lot of artists find it hip to say they don't know theory.

Just my opinion - there have been many musicians who couldn't even read tab, let alone sheet music, and they did just fine. It makes things easier for me though, especially to learn someone else's stuff and then 'make it mine'. Made it easier to write originals too, since I could come up with complimentary parts off the fly and make them fit like a glove.

Pete

[horns666]

Re: Songs for ear training

Yeah, I hear ya Pete..I'm almost 42 now and really set in my ways of constructing songs and playing in general..and I'm too lazy to learn theory now..

it works..and if it works..I'll leave it alone..

instead of learning theory..I'll use that time to create new music of my own..I got a good ear..and if it sounds and feels right..then it is right..that's my theory anywhoo..

if I learned theory at a earlier age..it may have helped..I dunno..but I don't miss what I never had. [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Yes Ed was a young concert Pianist but he winged it on geetar..he called it "falling down the stairs and landing on your feet"

I guess that's what i do...or try to [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Twisteramps]

Re: Songs for ear training

I hear ya Bill. One thing that I think really kills creativity is when people rely too much on tabs/written music and don't develop their ear, to put this back on topic a bit... you can gut your way through a lot of stuff if you do learn songs by ear, and it also helps technique, because you can't be lazy and just play things that you do well on guitar. It's a lot more fun for most people to practice stuff they can kick ass on than to practice things that don't come natural.

I'd say learn some old classic rock and 70s songs by ear. Get where you can anticipate the next chord, and figure out where it's at. I sometimes use tab to double check myself or if I'm in a hurry, but 99% of what I've learned was from listening and figuring it out. You have to take it in small steps though - try to figure out one chord or riff instead of an entire song. If you can cut a song up into small pieces, it's much easier.

Pete

[horns666]

Re: Songs for ear training

I really don't cover songs Pete..

I love listening to a great cover but don't get much self satisfaction out of playing one..that's just how I am.

The VH tribute became a real bore for me..quick..

I'm strictly an original player..so I never cover any songs..

There is a few Metal "classics" that I wouldn't mind putting my own spin on..I will use your tips when and if that ever happens! [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Bill

[mpigott]

Re: Songs for ear training

I agree with pete about using your ear.......I started learning solos and songs by ear very early because the tabs were always wrong. The best thing to do is combine a good ear with a strong theory base. When you know what scales sound like and which ones would work over a given riff it gives you the one up. Start with easy stuff at first and then move on......Also, dont try to learn anything by marty friedman......son of a bitch phrases too damn well for me to ever figure it out to write down......Speaking of writing down, try transcribing songs. It has helped me gain alot of skill, and helped with teaching guitar lessons [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[JRTME]

Re: Songs for ear training

[ QUOTE ]
"Deal. But try a little sometime it might surprise you."

I'm surprised everytime I can play one of my own riffs ... [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Some days I can't play my own shit! [img]/images/graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Well learning Theory can actually help you remember stuff a little more. I agree learning theory might not make your write better songs. Cause the if it sounds good it is good no matter what theory says. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Twisteramps]

Re: Songs for ear training

The thing that is really nice about learning someone else's stuff is that it may open up new avenues for your original music, or hip you to a technique or style of playing that you wouldn't have grabbed on your own.

I see it as taking a lesson from the guy you're covering... of course, those damn Poison tunes I had to learn don't count!

[ QUOTE ]
I really don't cover songs Pete..

I love listening to a great cover but don't get much self satisfaction out of playing one..that's just how I am.

The VH tribute became a real bore for me..quick..

I'm strictly an original player..so I never cover any songs..

There is a few Metal "classics" that I wouldn't mind putting my own spin on..I will use your tips when and if that ever happens! [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Bill

[/ QUOTE ]

[jgcable]

Re: Songs for ear training

Old Kiss. UFO with Michael Schenker. Old Judas Priest.
Boston.

All these bands tune to standard 440 pitch and are as melodic as it gets. Especially Boston.

[guitarsjb]

Re: Songs for ear training

[ QUOTE ]
Old Kiss. UFO with Michael Schenker. Old Judas Priest.
Boston.

All these bands tune to standard 440 pitch and are as melodic as it gets. Especially Boston.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks (and everyone else)

[Nuclear Vampire]

Re: Songs for ear training

I'll second the Maiden and Priest. Piece of Mind and British Steel are really easy to play an fun too. I learned most of my ear training from Priest and Maiden. Took lessons too, but for me, the ear is where it's at.

[horns666]

Re: Songs for ear training

"I see it as taking a lesson from the guy you're covering... of course, those damn Poison tunes I had to learn don't count!"

I hear ya Pete...there is a point to that! [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[jwoods986]

Re: Songs for ear training

Thanks for this thread, guitarsjb. I started playing in the Fall of '85 and always relied on tabs to learn songs instead of my ear. I recently decided to learn a few songs by ear instead. I learned JP "Breaking the Law", Ratt's "Lack of Comm." and "You're in Love". I did check the powertabs afterward to make sure I transcribed them correctly. I know those aren't very hard songs but it felt great to learn them by ear instead of tabs. AC/DC would be another good way to learn by ear.