How to Play Music by Ear

Not everyone is born with a great ear for music. Fortunately, you can train yourself to hear pitches and reproduce melodies.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Electronic Keyboards
• Guitars
• Musical Instruments
• Pianos
• Blank Sheet Music
• Piano Stool
• Pencils

1. Choose a popular song you are fond of. Melodic songs are recommended as opposed to non-melodic songs (such as rap songs).
2. Sing a section of the melody until you have it memorized.
3. Sing the selection in the same key every time. It is always helpful, though sometimes embarrassing, to have someone else listen and check your work.
4. Sit down at the piano (or your instrument of choice) and sing the first note of the selection.
5. Play through all 12 notes in one octave while singing the first note.
6. Stop when the note you are singing matches the note you've played on the keyboard.
7. Repeat this exercise with each note in your selection. As you go along, identifying the notes should become easier and easier.
8. Finish by playing all the notes of your sample melody, then play it through while singing.
9. Pay close attention to rhythm. It is as important as the melody itself.
10. Move on to more melodies when you're satisfied with your work, and have more fun!

Tips & Warnings

• Write down each note as you work. This step will help you concentrate on each note independently.
• Don't attempt this exercise unless you have some musical training. See the Related eHows to increase your aptitude for playing music by ear.