How to play by ear even if you’re tone deaf
Fred is tone deaf. He wants to know how (or if it’s possible) to play by ear.
“Tim- How can someone play by ear if they are tone deaf. Does such a state exist? I was in a 60’s cover band and for the life of me could never figure what chords/note a song would be composed of. Our bass guitarist could start playing immediately as he listened to the song. I am interested in your program but your guidance is needed for my case.
Many thanks, Fred”
So from my experience very few people can truly play by ear.
Meaning, they can hear a note, know exactly what that note is and then start playing based on what key they hear the song is in.
It’s called perfect pitch.
Very rare.
But “playing by ear” means different things to different people.
For example, lets take someone who is bound to reading sheet music. When they say they wish they could play by ear, they are simply wanting to play without having to read sheet music. That’s easy.
In Fred’s example, he wants to be able to hear a song and then start playing that song on the fly. That is doable.
And there are courses out there that claim to teach you how to know the exact key a song is in by ear, but in reality, by the time you figure it out going through the steps they want you to take, the song is most likely over.
There’s a better way.
It’s like a hybrid way.
You aren’t truly playing by ear (meaning with “perfect pitch) but you are able to play songs without sheet music and understand what you are playing.
The Layer Method teaches you to understand how songs are made up.
Patterns, structures, etc.
You realize most all songs are the same and once you understand this you can play along because you know (most likely) how the song is going to go.
So who cares if you have to ask the bass player what key it is in. If he says G, then you will know there is going to be a C and a D most likely and if there is a minor chord there it’s probably Em.
From this point on you will be able to figure the rest out.
With the Layer Method you will be able to hear the changes.
So is it really playing by ear?
Depends on your viewpoint.
But when you are able to play without sheet music, know what will happen in the song, and be able to jam with other musicians…
…regardless of what you call it, it’s flat out FUN!
So don’t worry about being tone deaf.
I mean, theres a chance I am myself.
My wife would probably say I am tone deaf when it comes to singing harmonies. But it doesn’t stop me from being able to play the piano with both hands and love it!
So don’t let it stop you.
Get a jump on the New Year and become the piano player you have always dreamed of.
Accepting tone deaf students here:
