A Simple Method to Learn Songs by Ear

Prerequisites

• Knowledge of note names on E and A strings
• Basic understanding of the major scale
• Familiarity with basic chord shapes

The Three-Step System

Step 1: Finding the Key

• Use a simple major scale shape
• Move the shape up and down the fretboard
• Find where all notes sound harmonious with the song
• The root note of that position indicates the song's key

Step 2: Creating the Chord Roadmap

• Locate the root note on the low E string
• Apply the major-minor formula:
• 1 chord: Major
• 2 chord: Minor
• 3 chord: Minor
• 4 chord: Major
• 5 chord: Major
• 6 chord: Minor
• 7 chord: Diminished (rarely used)

Step 3: Listen and Locate

• Listen for chord changes in the song
• Test different chords from your roadmap
• Identify which combinations match the song

Important Notes

• Practice is essential for developing ear training
• Speed comes with experience
• Most popular songs use patterns from within the key
• Non-diatonic chords exist but are less common in popular music
• This method works best with bar chords or power chords
• While tabs are useful, developing ear skills is crucial for musical growth

Benefits

• Enhances musical understanding
• Develops creativity
• Improves songwriting abilities
• Helps break through the intermediate plateau
• Provides independence from written materials