How to Learn Guitar by Ear

Learning to play guitar by ear is like unlocking a new dimension of musicality. It's a skill that transcends the written notes and allows you to connect more deeply with the music you love. Whether you're trying to nail that blistering solo from your favorite metal track or just want to jam along with friends without needing sheet music, developing this ability can be incredibly rewarding. Here's how you can start honing your ear to become a more intuitive and expressive guitarist.

Finding the Right Starting Point

Before you dive into the deep end, it's crucial to find a starting point that matches your current skill level. Jumping into a complex piece when you're just beginning can lead to frustration. Start with songs that are within your reach. Pick tunes with simple chord progressions or melodies that you can hum easily. This way, you can focus on training your ear without getting bogged down by technical challenges.

It might sound a bit counterintuitive, but sometimes the best way to start is to listen without your guitar. Play the song, close your eyes, and focus on the structure. Can you hear the chord changes? Are there any repeating patterns? This listening phase is essential. As you get better, you'll notice that even the most mind-bending metal solos have their own internal logic and structure. Once you've got that down, pick up your guitar and start experimenting.

The Art of Repetition

Repetition is your best friend when learning by ear. Listen to the track multiple times, focusing on different elements each time. The first time, you might concentrate on the rhythm guitar; next, shift your attention to the bass line. Each listen will reveal something new.

When it comes to metal, especially subgenres like djent or progressive metal, rhythm is king. Try tapping your foot along to the beat and notice how the rhythm changes. Many metal songs use complex time signatures, and getting a feel for these can make a world of difference.

Riffhard offers an interactive player that lets you slow down tracks without changing the pitch. This feature is incredibly useful for dissecting intricate parts of a song. By slowing down a riff, you can catch every note and nuance, making the learning process much more manageable.

Breaking Down the Sections

Metal songs often have multiple sections, each with its own unique feel and complexity. Breaking a song into digestible parts can make the learning process much more approachable. Start with the intro, then move to the verse, chorus, and so on. Each section can be seen as a mini-project. Once you've mastered one, move on to the next.

It's like building a puzzle. You don't try to fit all the pieces at once; you tackle one section at a time. This method not only helps you learn the song more thoroughly but also boosts your confidence as you progress. If you're struggling with a section, leave it for a while and come back to it later. Sometimes a fresh perspective is all you need.

Riffhard offers a library of over 150 video lessons, perfect for piecing together those tricky parts with guidance from world-renowned guitarists.

Listening for Tones and Techniques

One of the joys of playing guitar by ear is discovering the array of tones and techniques used in different songs. Pay attention to the sound of the guitar—is it clean, heavily distorted, or perhaps using a particular effect pedal? Recognizing these tones can guide you in replicating them on your gear.

Similarly, techniques such as vibrato, palm muting, or sweep picking can completely change the feel of a riff. If a note sounds different, there's a good chance a specific technique is being used. Try to mimic these nuances in your playing. It might take some trial and error, but it’s all part of the learning experience.

For metal enthusiasts, mastering these techniques is critical. Heavy metal, for example, often uses aggressive picking techniques. On Riffhard, our lessons on rhythm and lead guitar techniques offer insights into achieving those signature sounds.

Training Your Musical Memory

Musical memory is the ability to remember and recall melodies, rhythms, and harmonies. This skill is essential when learning by ear, as it allows you to internalize what you've heard and reproduce it on your instrument.

Start by humming or singing the melody you want to learn. Once you can sing it accurately, try to play it on your guitar. This exercise connects your auditory and motor skills, reinforcing your musical memory. Over time, your brain will become better at recognizing patterns and recalling them.

Additionally, try to play along with the recording. This real-time practice helps cement the song in your memory. You'll find that the more you practice, the more intuitive the process becomes.

Developing Relative Pitch

Relative pitch is the ability to identify the distance between two notes. This skill is incredibly useful when learning guitar by ear, as it helps you figure out the notes in a melody or chord progression.

Start by learning the intervals between notes. Play two notes on your guitar and listen to the distance between them. Try to identify whether it's a major third, a perfect fifth, or any other interval. Practicing this regularly will improve your ability to recognize these intervals in songs.

Riffhard's custom metronome and downloadable tabs can aid in this process, as they allow you to isolate and analyze specific sections of a song.

Utilizing Technology

In today's music world, technology is a powerful ally. Use apps and software to aid your ear training. There are tools available that can slow down music, loop sections, and even display the notes or chords being played.

While these tools are immensely helpful, remember that they are just that—tools. The goal is to develop your ear to the point where you rely less on technology and more on your innate musical instincts. Use these aids as stepping stones in your journey.

At Riffhard, our interactive player allows you to manipulate tracks, making it easier to hone in on those challenging parts.

Practicing Regularly and Patiently

Like any skill, learning to play guitar by ear requires regular practice and patience. Set aside dedicated time each day to work on your ear training. It doesn't have to be a marathon session; even 15-20 minutes can be effective if done consistently.

Don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Progress may be slow, but every small improvement counts. Celebrate your successes, no matter how minor they seem.

Remember, you're training a muscle—your ear—and just like any other muscle, it gets stronger with use. Stick with it, and you'll be amazed at how much more intuitive your playing becomes.

Jamming with Others

One of the most enjoyable ways to improve your ear is by playing with others. Jamming with bandmates or friends is a fantastic way to put your skills into practice. It forces you to listen actively and adapt on the fly, which is invaluable for ear training.

Pay attention to what others are playing and see if you can match the chord changes or harmonize with the melody. This kind of real-world application can accelerate your learning and make the process more fun and engaging.

Plus, interacting with other musicians can inspire new ideas and approaches, broadening your understanding of music.

Final Thoughts

Playing guitar by ear is an empowering skill that opens up a world of musical possibilities. By starting small, practicing regularly, and utilizing tools like those at Riffhard, you can develop this ability and become a more intuitive and expressive guitarist. Our lessons, taught by some of the world's leading metal guitarists, can guide you on this journey, offering insights and techniques to enhance your playing. Keep listening, keep practicing, and most importantly, enjoy the process.