In Part One I discussed the pros (there are no cons!) of learning to read musical notation, or playing by ear. I also hinted that there is a missing link between reading music notation and playing by ear. So let’s explore what the link may be.
You have heard the major scale. You may not be aware that is what it is, but I guarantee you have heard it! Anyone who has seen the movie, The Sound of Music, or at least heard the music, has heard the major scale: “Doe, a deer, a female deer, Ray, a drop of golden sun” is a direct reference to the major scale of “do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do” which is the major scale! Western music is built on this simple scale, but what is the scale itself built on? Ah, that’s the secret! It is built on a formula of half steps, which is what western music is based on.
Once you have mastered the simple formula for a major scale, wide vistas open up for you. Music theory, which is what music notation is built out of, is based on the major scale formula. And whether they know it or not, people who “play by ear” are actually using this formula too. The very chords guitarists use when playing a song or tune come from this formula. Once you know the formula, you can make your musical life so much easier when playing by ear — not only will you hear the music, but you will understand how to play it and eliminate the trial and error that a lot of guitarists go through when playing this way.
You can learn this formula and others (yes, there’s more than one formula!) when you take music lessons from a private teacher, who will give you the time and personal attention you deserve. So grab your guitar and make the decision to challenge your brain – remember, music is good for you!
- Learning to Read Music - February 19, 2015
- That Perfect Christmas Guitar! - November 14, 2014
- How to play guitar – Video or Teacher.Which is right for you? - August 4, 2014