I've been playing the piano for about 8 years and I've basically mastered sightreading but I'd really like to learn how to play by ear and such. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions etc for me?? I really need some help!
2006-08-23 13:11:36 · 13 answers · asked by SuJuBlue 3 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
Well since most of u are saying that u have to born with it i guess i should just throw this dream out the door lol...
2006-08-23 13:26:12 · update #1
I used to be able to read when I was very very young, but that was over 20 years ago & I have forgotten all about it- all I know how to play is by ear.
I don't know how to explain it- first I listen to a song, then I start humming, and I sit in front of piano & start with a chord (still humming), until I find all the chords (by trial & error) then start memorizing them. Sounds stupid, huh? I don't know how else to explain it to you.
2006-08-23 13:13:23 · answer #1 · answered by Bobbie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I started playing the piano, I was about 10, and I learned to play by ear. Later I wanted to learn to read music, so I took lessons. It's good to know both. A couple of years ago, I found a little machine in a music catalog that plays CDs at different speeds without changing pitch. I'm able to slow a song down to really listen to it, and it gives me a chance to learn the notes. Also, there may be books that teach playing by ear.
2006-08-23 13:23:20 · answer #2 · answered by Starscape 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just practice practice practice! It should be easier considering you've been playing the piano for so long. Start small, just pick out a song you like that you know the tune to fairly well and then start to play it out on the piano. Then you can start to accompany the melody with chords in the lower hand after you get the right hand down. Don't expect it to just happen real fast, but if you keep doing that then you will be able to tune your ear and play without music very well over time.
2006-08-23 13:16:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're going to need to take piano classes and wait at least a few more years until you become an expert. What would help is for you to practice, practice, practice. That way, you are familiar with the key notes and can begin to play by ear.
2006-08-23 13:14:35 · answer #4 · answered by Crescent 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know, I don't really know how it's done, but my sister learned to play totally by ear.. She never had a lesson and she is quite an accomplished piano player. She started with a Billy Joel tune. The Stranger. She just listened to it and started to play! I think it might be something they are just borne with?
2006-08-23 13:21:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
After playing for some time, your ears get used to the sound of each key. It happened to me actually. Two notes and up are usually harder to he, apparently, and the more advanced people are able to do this. However, the more practice, the more you'll find that you can remember the key by ear. Sometimes, when I'm listening to a piece and I'm struggling to find a key, I use my voice. I start with middle C and work myself up or down until I can reach the key. It's a simple way to find the key. Composing, I understand, also helps with playing by ear. You'd might want to give that a try as well. All in all, playing by ear basically means you need to memorize each key's tone.
2006-08-26 10:56:27 · answer #6 · answered by Christine 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To play by ear, listen to a song, and tune your ears into the base line, once you know the notes for the base, you can add chords with the right hand. Usually, whatever is being played in the base is the chord that your going to play along with it. For example, if it's a C in the base, you'll more than likely play a C chord. It helps to know basic chords. I don't know if it wil help you but it helped me.
2006-08-25 15:22:27 · answer #7 · answered by noname 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
try playing along with the radio to all different songs that you've heard before.start out by playing just the melody.
2006-08-23 13:25:34 · answer #8 · answered by laura r 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My Grandfather new how to play this way. He didnt even know how to read sheet music when he first started out. So put the music away and play something that you hear on the radio and keep trying it with different songs. Also maybe an oldies station.
2006-08-23 13:15:35 · answer #9 · answered by lisapj 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO TRICKS! just practice alot to be familiar with the notes in either single,double or combined.the notes you produce are the same sound you hear everyday.you only have to figure-out the right combination of notes to produce or duplicate the sound or noise your after....(",)
2006-08-23 13:26:48 · answer #10 · answered by taggat61 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋