Playing Guitar By Ear is 80% Music Theory

Playing guitar by ear is a skill that many aspiring guitarists strive to achieve. The ability to listen to a song and accurately reproduce it on the guitar without the need for sheet music or tabs is often seen as a mark of true musicianship. However, for many guitarists, playing by ear can be a frustrating and elusive goal. Notes and chords that seem clear and obvious in a song can be difficult to identify and replicate. It is not uncommon for guitarists to wonder if some players possess a special talent or innate ability to hear and understand music that they themselves lack. But the truth is, playing guitar by ear is not about having a "golden ear" or some mysterious gift. Instead, it is about understanding music theory.

Contrary to popular belief, playing by ear is not solely reliant on one's natural hearing ability. It is primarily dependent on a solid knowledge of music theory. In fact, approximately 80% of playing by ear can be attributed to an understanding of music theory rather than innate hearing skills. This may come as a surprise to those who have been led to believe that playing by ear is a talent reserved for a select few. The good news is that anyone can learn to play by ear by grasping three key concepts in music theory.

To illustrate the importance of music theory in playing by ear, let's consider an analogy. Imagine the best captain of a ship or the most skilled pilot in the world. Even with their expertise, if you were to take away the tools they use for navigation, such as radar or star measurements, they would be rendered useless. Similarly, as musicians, our tools for navigating and understanding music are the principles of music theory. These tools allow us to make sense of the music we hear and determine our position and direction within it.

The first thing one needs to know in playing by ear is the tonal center of a song. The tonal center acts as a reference point and provides a sense of stability in the music. Determining the tonal center allows us to understand the key of the song and the notes and chords that naturally belong to that key. By knowing the tonal center, we can narrow down the possibilities and make informed choices when playing by ear.

The second key concept in playing by ear is understanding the notes that are related to the tonal center. The major scale serves as a foundation for this understanding. By learning the pattern of whole steps and half steps in a major scale, we can identify the notes that are likely to appear in a song. This knowledge allows us to anticipate and recognize the melodic elements of a song, making it easier to play by ear.

Lastly, we need to know the chords that are related to the notes in the tonal center. The chords that naturally appear in a major key follow a specific pattern. For example, in the key of G major, the chords would include G major, A minor, B minor, C major, D major, E minor, and F# diminished. Understanding these chord relationships provides a roadmap for playing by ear, as we can anticipate which chords are likely to be used in a song.

It's important to note that a deep understanding of music theory is not necessary for playing by ear. Basic knowledge of the tonal center, the major scale, and the related chords is often sufficient to navigate through most songs. One does not need to be a music theory expert or possess perfect pitch to play by ear effectively. The great guitarists we admire, such as Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, BB King and Joe Pass, rely on these foundational concepts rather than any special innate abilities.

By knowing the tonal center, the related notes, and the corresponding chords, we can approach playing by ear with confidence and accuracy. We no longer need to randomly search for each note or chord, hoping to stumble upon the correct sound. Instead, we can focus our efforts on the specific set of notes and chords that are likely to appear in the song. This systematic approach significantly simplifies the process of playing by ear and increases our chances of success.

While this blog post provides a brief overview of the importance of music theory in playing guitar by ear, there are numerous resources available for those who wish to delve deeper into the subject. Online platforms like YouTube offer tutorials and lessons on music theory, including topics such as the major scale, tonal centers, and diatonic chords. Additionally, comprehensive guitar courses and personalized lessons are available for those who prefer a more structured learning experience.

In conclusion, playing guitar by ear is not an elusive talent reserved for a select few. It is a skill that can be developed by understanding music theory. Approximately 80% of playing by ear is attributed to knowledge of music theory rather than innate hearing abilities. By grasping the concepts of tonal centers, related notes, and chord relationships, guitarists can navigate through songs with ease and accuracy. While a deep understanding of music theory is not required, basic knowledge of these foundational concepts empowers guitarists to play by ear and unlock a new level of musicality.

Unlock Your Ear to Musical Freedom. 

Click here for my Playing Guitar By Ear Course.