Learning Piano

How To Play By Ear!

 

Learning to play by ear is not that complicated once you understand a few basic ideas. There is often a lot of mystery around playing music by ear, but it doesn’t need to be that way. This article will introduce you to a few fundamental concepts that will help you play by ear! Eventhough, these concepts can be applied to any instrument; I would recommend starting off on the piano. The piano is the ideal instrument to Learn To Play by ear, because the keys are organized in such a way that applying these concepts is easy as possible. Let’s get started!

 

The first thing you should understand is that almost all music is composed of only twelve notes. This group of notes is called an octave. A piano is simply a collection of octaves. So, as long as you are in the right octave you can find the correct note within twelve tries at the most (even if you are trying randomly). So, it’s just a matter of finding the right octave. Melodies (the part of the song that you tend to whistle) are usually played in the C5 and C6 octave (middle C is located in the C4 octave). Chords are usually played in the C3 and C4 octave. This will help you find the right octave quickly.

 

Once you are in the right octave you can use a technique called “tone matching” to find the right notes. First you sing or hum the note you want to figure out and then try to match that sound with the different notes on the octave. Remember, there are only twelve notes in an octave so it won’t be long until you find the key that matches your singing/humming. You just have to make sure you’re in the right octave. You can repeat this technique for each subsequent note of the melody, and soon enough you will have figured out the entire melody!

 

The next step to Playing By Ear is to figure out the chords that accompany the melody. First listen up for the root note. This is pretty easy because it often sticks out. Trying to sing the chord will also help you isolate the root note of the chord. You can use tone matching to find the root note by name. Once you have done that, quickly try the major chord and the minor chord for that root note, because these are common chords, and chances are you’ll get a match! If you don’t get a match, try other common chords such as the suspended 2d, suspended 4th etc. You can also try listening out for the highest note of the chord (whereas the root note is often the lowest note of the chord). Once you have figured out the low note (root note) and the high note it’s just matter of finding that middle note/s. Try getting a feel for the chord, if its sounds bright and cheerful it’s probably a major chord. If it sounds dark and gloomy it’s probably a minor chord. Likewise, each chord has its unique sound and knowing their sounds will help you identify them faster.

 

Once you have figured out a few notes from the melody and chords, you should try to identify the scale in which the music was composed in. This is a good idea because musical scales are often made up of only 7 notes (whereas the octave has 12 notes). This means that you will have fewer notes to try out when tone matching and as a result you can speed up the process of playing by ear. You can find out the scale by looking at the notes that you have already figured out, and see if they correspond with popular scale patterns such as major and minor scales. Even if you can’t find the scale by name, just remember that notes that you’ve already figured out are part of the scale, so while working on the rest of the song, give these notes priority.

 

As you can see, learning to play by ear is actually quite simple once you understand octaves, tone matching and musical scales. These are just the basics, to cover all the concepts of playing by ear would go beyond the scope of this article. However the basics will give a strong foundation to build on. I hope this article was helpful and I wish you good luck. Have fun playing by ear!

 

 

About the Author

Dharshan is the author of the Listen & Play Piano Course. A course that teaches you How To Play Piano by ear. This unique course takes a fun and entertaining approach towards learning to play by ear! A free preview of the course is available on his website.

PIANOMAGIC: Play Piano By Ear – Part Two

UltraSound – Music for the Unborn Child $6.06 While many hospitals across the country send new mums and babes home equipped with discs of classical music to soothe and gently stimulate babies’ tender minds, Ultrasound brings together a delightfully well-rounded set specifically chosen for those still in the womb. Expectant moms will appreciate the effects of the mellow strains of Bach’s Suite No. 3, the delicate playfulness of Tchaikovsky’s “…

Naptime Melodies $4.05 Naptime Melodies is a calming collection of classical music for naptime from Baby Einstein. Track listing: 1. Variations (Twinkle, Twinkle) K265/300e — Mozart 2. Water Music, Suite No. 1 in F, Air — Handel 3. The Four Seasons, Winter, RV267, 2nd Movement — Vivaldi 4. Sonatina in G — Beethoven 5. Minuet in G from Anna Magdalena — Bach 6. Bonnie (references melody “My Bonnie Lies Over the …

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Play Piano in a Flash! Full Video Set DVD $42.96 For about the cost of 2 piano lessons, this video (both VHS and DVD formats are available) will provide readers with years of musical enjoyment. If truth be known, there is another way to learn how to play piano rather than going to weekly lessons and spending thousands of dollars in the process. The secret is learning to play the way the pros play. Learning to play in that style is enormously s…

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Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Learning Puppy $17.00 The Laugh and Learn Puppy is a cuddly play pal for your baby that combines two modes of play — learning mode and music games — with 10 delightful songs. In Learning Mode, six hot spots on the puppy teach your child A-Z, body parts and colors through fun phrases and songs. Then, switch to Game Mode for fun phrases and songs, including the Alphabet Song, a color song, a counting song and a song th…

How to Play Popular Piano in 10 Easy Lessons: The Fastest, Easiest Way to Learn to Play from Sheet Music or by Ear $7.98 This no-frills, no-drills method will have you playing simple tunes within 30 minutes – even if you don’t know one note from another. The secret? Learning the basic chords and how to adapt them. With lots of clearly illustrated chord examples, keyboard di…

Learn-to-Play Piano $56.75 Do-Re-Mithis piano could be one of your favorite things! Brightly painted upright piano features 25 keys and two full octaves to give kids a wide range of notes to play. Includes an illustrated songbook and color-coded key chart.

Nasco Ear Wax Jar $11.5 Nasco Ear Wax Jar

Motorola Flexible Ear Receiver $13.04 MOTOROLA FLEXIBLE EAR RECEIVER

Ear Tips Black $7.97 3M Littman – Black Ear tips.

Ear Tips Gray $7.97 3M Littman – Grey Ear tips.

R-7 Ear Cleaner 4 oz $6.99 Use for routine cleaning around the ear canal to help prevent ear problems.

R-7 Ear Cleaner 8 oz $9.5 Use for routine cleaning around the ear canal to help prevent ear problems.

R-7 Drying Ear Creme $7.99 Drying Ear Creme effectively controls moisture buildup in pets ears. Helpful with retrievers, spaniels, and other large ear breeds.

Ear Plugs $13.99 Great for cold water paddling or anyone who wants to keep water out of the ear canal. Still provides acceptable hearing. Keeper cord. Re-usable.

Ear Cleansing Kit for Dogs $14.99 Ear Cleansing Kit for Dogs is a combination of gently yet effective ingredients that aid in the removal of wax, dirt and other matter: Nutri-Vet Ear Cleanse Liquid is an antimicrobial, antiseptic cleanser scientifically formulated to remove wax and dirt and deodorize ear canals. Nutri-Vet Ear Cleansing Pads for Dogs gently and easily remove dirt and wax build up from ears and around ear canals. This Kit includes 2 – 8 oz Ear Cleanse and 2 – 90 count Ear Cleansing Pads Routine cleansing of ear canals and surrounding tissues. Veterinarian formulated to clean and deodorize. Size:

Ear Care Kit $6.29 Nutri-Vet Ear Care Kit for dogs provides everything needed to help clean and maintain healthy ears in one convenient kit. Nutri-Vet Ear Cleanse Liquid is an antimicrobial, antiseptic cleanser scientifically formulated to remove wax and dirt and deodorize the ear canals. Nutri-Vet Ear Dry Cream is formulated with a special blend of natural ingredients that provide a moisture barrier within the ear canal and particularly well suited to use after cleansing the ear canal. Kit Contains 1 – 4oz Ear Cleanse Liquid 1 – 4oz Ear Dry Cream Size:

Miltex Billeau Ear Loop, Medium $36.51 Miltex Billeau Ear Loop, Medium

Ear Wax Removal Drops $6.04 Good Sense Ear Wax Remover .5oz. Compare to Murine Ear Wax Removal.

Respironics Oximeter Ear Clip, Adult 10/Pk $139.99 Oximeter Ear Clip.

Grafco Ear Basin $12.18 Features of the Grafco Ear Basin: Conforms to any ear size. One-piece, seamless white plastic. Lightweight. Specially molded to fit under the patient’s ear. Autoclavable up to 250° F and/or cold sterilizable.

Thermal Ear Warmers $9.99 Ear protection in cold-weather playReversibleStretchableCurved to fit the earsPill-resistant fleece

Nasco Ear Model $65.5 Features of the Nasco Ear Model: One-piece, full-size model shows outer ear, ear canal, and inner ear mechanisms including ossicles, cochlea, nerve, and eustachian tube. Mounted on a plastic base. Education card included. 3-3/4″ x 2-1/2″ x 2-3/4″.

R-7 Ear Powder 12 Gm $4.99 -Helps to remove hair from the ear canal. -Use before R-7 Ear Cleaner. -Helps keep the ears dry and reduce odor. -Contains Rosin Grip

Tropiclean Ear Cleaner Deep Cleaning 4oz $5.99 TropiClean Ear Cleaner is a gentle, fast acting formula that helps to remove ear wax and reduce ear odor. Routine use helps maintain good ear hygiene.

Bio-Groom Ear Fresh Ear Powder (24 g) $6.49 Bio-Groom Ear Fresh helps keep ears dry and reduces ear odor that is not caused by parasites or clinical conditions of the ear. Ear Fresh has special tight grip properties for removing hair from the ear canal of dogs. Excellent for hand stripping. DIRECTIONS: Clean ears first. Use cotton swabs and BIO-GROOM Liquid EAR CARE Lotion. Then, gently puff EAR FRESH into the ears to keep them dry and odor free. To remove unwanted hair from the ear canal, puff EAR FRESH into the ear and remove hair with forceps or tweezers. For hand stripping, use the amount necessary to achieve the desired results. Should your dog or cat have a painful ear condition or discharge from the ear, see your veterinarian. *Contains Inert amorphous powder

Deodorizing Ear Wash 4 fl. oz. $8.29 Deodorizing Ear Wash 4 fl. oz.

Accu-Life Ear Irrigator $12.04 Cleans ears and helps prevent ear wax buildup. Flared design prevents over insertion that can damage the ear. Tri-stream tip directs fluid to ear canal walls to remove wax while protecting the ear drum from direct fluid spray. Exit portals safely drain the fluid, wax, and debris to prevent buildup in the ear. Cleaning system used by physicians. Pressure control bottle. Maximum solution, 4oz, 118ml. Reusable.

Nasco Human Ear $121.95 Features of the Nasco Human Ear: Enlarged approximately three times. Dissectible into four parts. Removable ear ossicles with dissectible cochlea. 13-1/3″ x 6-1/4″ x 7-2/5″ on base. Teacher’s guide included.

3M 2753-1847 3m Basic Ear Muff 90540-00000T $19.96 Ear muff Hearing protection Adjustable

Traumeel Ear Drops 10 Ct: HF $13.49 For the temporary relief of: # Ear pain # Minor ear inflammation # Stuffiness in ears # Swimmer’s Ear SAFE FOR BABIES AND CHILDREN

Bio-Groom Ear Fresh Ear Powder (85 g) $16.99 Bio-Groom Ear Fresh (85 g) helps keep ears dry and reduce odor with this excellent ear powder. Ear Fresh contains Boric Acid and has special tight grip properties for removing hair from ear canals of dogs. Excellent for hand stripping. Comes with convenient funnel tip dispenser. Directions: Clean ears first. Use cotton swabs and BIO-GROOM Liquid EAR CARE Lotion. Then gently puff EAR FRESH into the ears to keep them dry and odor free. To remove unwanted hair from the ear canal, puff EAR FRESH into the ear and remove hair with forceps or tweezers. For hand stripping, use the amount necessary to achieve the desired results. Should your dog or cat have a painful ear condition or discharge from the ear, see your veterinarian. *Contains Inert amorphous powder

Sun Mountain Ear Warmer $9.95 2012 Sun Mountain Ear Warmer Sun Mountain Ear Warmer Product Video Features Reversible Stretchable Curved to fit the ears Pill resistant fleece var invodoJsHost = “https:” == document.location.protocol ? “https:secure.” : “http:external.” ; document.write unescape “%3Cscript src=’” + invodoJsHost + “invodo.comextjsinvodo-auto.js’ type=’textjavascript’%3E%3Cscript%3E” ;

Nasco Child’s Ear Model $69 Features of the Nasco Child’s Ear Model: One and one-half times the size of a child’s ear. Illustrates semi-circular canals and cochlea of the inner ear, auditory ossicles, otitis media (inflammation and simulated fluid in the middle ear), tympanic membrane, temporal and tympani muscles, plus presents a horizontal eustachian tube typical of a child. Made of durable, high quality materials. Model measures 4-3/4″ x 4″ x 3-1/2″; base is 6-1/2″ x 5″ x 1″. Card size: 6-1/2″ x 5-1/4″.

Fleece Ear Flap Hat $14.04 Wool blend beanie with fleece lining and ear flaps. Shell: 70% wool, 30% acrylic, Lining: 100% polyester.

Ear Cleansing Pads $5.59 Gently and easily removes dirt and wax build up from ears and around ear canals. Its soothing and non-irritating formula is especially helpful to maintain ear health in dogs with floppy ears. Ingredients: Deionized Water, Isopropyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Glycerin USP, Propylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Benzoic Acid, FD&C Blue #1, Fragrance. Size: 90 Pads

Bio-Groom Ear-Care Ear Cleaner (1 Gallon) $77.99 BioGroom Ear-Care Ear Cleaner is a veterinary preparation specially developed for routinely cleaning and drying ears of dogs and cats. Active Ingredients: Boric Acid NF, 0.80%; Salicylic Acid USP, 0.20%. Contains: Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate and Eucalyptol NF. Directions: Shake well. Use 8 to 10 drops of Ear-Care in each ear. Gently massage ear until dirt and wax are dissolved. (For large dogs increase dosage.) Allow pet to shake his head to dispel accumulation. For best results swab ears with cotton. Clean ears with Ear-Care at least twice a month. Use before or after swimming Bio-Groom Ear-Care Lotion will not leave ear canal sticky or oily. Should your dog or cat have a painful ear condition or discharge from the ears, see your veterinarian.

Bio-Groom Ear-Care Ear Cleaner (8 fl oz) $12.99 Bio-Groom Ear-Care Ear Cleaner (8 oz) is a veterinary preparation specially developed for routinely cleaning and drying ears of dogs and cats. Active Ingredients: Boric Acid NF, 0.80%; Salicylic Acid USP, 0.20%. Contains: Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate and Eucalyptol NF. Directions: Shake well. Use 8 to 10 drops of Ear-Care in each ear. Gently massage ear until dirt and wax are dissolved. (For large dogs increase dosage.) Allow pet to shake his head to dispel accumulation. For best results swab ears with cotton. Clean ears with Ear-Care at least twice a month. Use before or after swimming Bio-Groom Ear-Care Lotion will not leave ear canal sticky or oily. Should your dog or cat have a painful ear condition or discharge from the ears, see your veterinarian.

Ear Wax Relief 10Ml: HF $11.33 Removes Wax, Cleans Ear, Reduces Chronic Ear Wax Congestion. Non-Drying. While the body must produce ear wax to prevent infection, sometimes excessive wax is produced, causing discomfort. Similasan’s unique “dual Action Formula” not only removes wax and cleans the ear, but stimulates the body’s natural ability to reduce chronic ear wax congestion. The glycerine-based formula will not cause dry skin or itching of the ear canal.

Bio Ear Mite Treatment 1 Oz $5.5 Bio-Groom Ear Mite Treatment with Aloe Vera kills ear mites and ear ticks in dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, and rabbits. It is a non-sticky, non-oily product that also aids in the removal of ear wax for your pet.

R-7 All Natural Ear Drying Cream $5.5 Best used after cleaning the ear with R-7 Ear Cleaner. While originally a gel, this liquid will dry into a powder, becoming a barrier to prevent ear odors in the future. Excellent for breeds with large ears, since a dog has two sections of the ear and the inner can become a humid breeding ground for bacteria when closed off.

Ear Dry Cream Liquid $3.49 Formulated with a special blend of natural ingredients to keep ears dry, clean and odor free by providing a moisture barrier within the ear canal. It is particularly well suited for after bathing or for dogs with floppy ears. Ingredients: Water, Silica, Apple Cider Vinegar, St. Johns Wart, Rosemary, Lavender Oil. Size: 4oz Bottle

Eye Mask & Ear Plugs $13.99 Light blocking eye mask with elastic strap and one pair of ear plugs.

Windilugs Ear Band, Color Black $20.99 Outdoor Designs – Windilugs Ear Band – 260247 – , Color Black

Elephant Ear Sponges $2.63 Elephant Ear Sponges are flat shaped natural sponges that have a fine texture and are absorbent. Use to carefully moisten and smooth pottery surfaces.

Debrox Ear Drops 15ml $10.74 Earwax Removal Aid:* No. 1 Doctor recommended brand.* Cleanses ear with microfoam action.* Safe, non-irritating.Debrox is easy to use. It safely removes excessive earwax through the power of active oxygen.When drops are placed in the ear, oxygen is released, allowing Debrox to foam on contact as it gently softens and loosens earwax.The sustained microfoam action of Debrox may make mild bubbling or crackling sounds. You may hear this effervescence working, but if you don’t, rest assured that Debrox is still hard at work. Use Debrox twice a day for up to four days if needed or as directed by your doctor. For each use, approximately 5-10 drops should be placed in the affected ear(s). Debrox safely removes earwax by softening it with its gentle microfoam action allowing the earwax to naturally drain from the ear. Any earwax remaining after treatment may be removed by gently flushing the ear with warm water.Refer to the package for complete directions.

Ear Wax Removal Syringe $8.04 Doctor designed is a safer alternative to the rubber bulb ear syringes due to its flared design, tri-Stream tip and exit portals.

Epi-Otic Ear Cleanser $6.25 Epi-Otic is the most widely used pet ear cleanser worldwide. It is a mild, alcohol-free cleansing and drying solution. It is labeled for use on dogs, cats, puppies and kittens of any age. Epi-Otic is useful for routine ear cleaning or prior to treatments. It removes debris and dead tissues. Get some today. Choose bottle size below.