Have you ever had that one friend that seems to pick up an instrument and is able to start playing along with the radio? Maybe play a melody of a song without actually having learned the song?
Playing by ear is a talent that some people do not have; however, it is also a skill that can be developed by individuals (that can play by ear) to get quicker and more accurate at interpreting the music they are hearing.
Let’s continue reading to learn whether playing by ear is a gift, its various pros and cons, and how you could learn to play by ear.
Is Playing By Ear a Gift?
Playing by ear is an immense talent that lots of people either don’t have or don’t realize that they have.
A person who can play by ear can pick up any instrument, and instead of relying on sheet music, they can listen to the melody or chords of a song and play without having to refer back to it.
For example, suppose someone were to listen to the soundtrack from a movie.
In that case, whether it’s played by piano, guitar, or any other instrument, they can repeat the same song on any musical instrument they please because they rely on their ears to be their guide as they’ve heard the specific soundtrack multiple times.
Or, if you are creating music for the first time, as an original, you can play around with various beats, and the result will be an original song, or just the rhythm, that you’ve created on your own.
It’s pretty phenomenal.
However, while there are benefits to playing by ear, some cons also go along. Let’s continue reading to learn about some of the pros and cons that come with the ability to play music by ear.
Pros and Cons of Playing By Ear
Like with many things, there is the good and the not-so-good. Yes, playing by ear is a talent that not many can master, and these can come with significant benefits, but there can be quite a few cons to this.
Pros
Quick Learner
You have this innate talent to not rely on sheet music, only depending on your ears and listening to a song multiple times before having the ability to pick up a musical instrument and play the song with no problem.
Instead of taking the time needed to read and learn the sheet music, tempo, rhythm, and melody of a song.
Fun
It is more fun to play by ear. Many people are okay with sticking to the sheet music and playing the specific notes on the page.
Still, some feel it is repetitive and can eventually become boring, so playing by ear makes things more fun because you have a talent that doesn’t require you to try as hard.
Ability to Improvise
You’ll have the ability and talent to improvise in your music. Playing around with instruments and coming up with different melodies and rhythms, you can come up with your results in no time and have fun while doing it.
Saves Expenses
Playing music by ear will save you expenses on a music sheet and private lessons from a music instructor.
You don’t have to feel fully committed to something that you would’ve had to pay for, versus playing by ear allows you to play and stop as much as you want without guilt because you’re already confident in your musical abilities.
Cons
Making Mistakes
You are more prone to making mistakes, sometimes without even noticing.
If you are a proficient musician who plays by ear, this will not happen as much, but if you’re a beginner, you are more susceptible to making mistakes.
Takes Time to Learn
If you want to learn to play by ear, it takes time. It is not an overnight success, and while it can seem fun in some respects, it can also be frustrating if you’re having a hard time learning on your own or with others.
Not Everyone Can Do It
You will stand out as someone who can play by ear, but that can come with risk. Not everyone can play by ear as you can, so you’ll feel like the odd one out because of your talents.
Creates Misconceptions About Those Who Read Sheet Music
The ability to play by ear will create misconceptions about those who read sheet music.
Those who rely on sheet music could be looked at as lazier and less talented than those who play by ear when this is not true, and this could create an unintentional rift between the two parties based on false misconceptions.
However, if you are a beginner musician or have solely relied on reading sheet music for a long time and want to learn how to play by ear, there are steps you can take to accomplish this over time.
Let’s continue reading to learn about how you can play by ear.
How to Play By Ear
Playing music by ear is not an overnight success.
It takes time.
However, if you are a beginner and want to learn how to play by ear, there are some tips and tricks that you can implement to become a proficient by-the-ear musician.
Let’s continue reading to learn about the three tips and tricks for playing music by ear.
Find Your Favorite Piece of Music
Let’s not start with something complicated. It is better to begin listening to music you already know and lean more towards liking.
However, while choosing your favorite song, ensure that the music’s melodies are not inconsistent, or it could be challenging to play by ear.
Listen to the Music as an Artist
Listen to music as an artist and not as a fan. If you listen to music in the position of a musical artist, then you have the ability, and likelihood, to analyze the music.
You’ll be able to listen to the melodies within the music and the consistent patterns, giving you an idea of the keys and notes.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Once you’ve determined the correct notes and melodies within the song, practice via a musical instrument.
For some, singing is a preferred method of practicing and perfecting the respective notes and melodies.
As you are singing, you can play around with your instrument and experiment with the notes and melodies that match along with what you are singing.
Final Thoughts
So, in conclusion, by learning about playing by ear, you will know that it is considered a gift along with its pros and cons of it. Alongside this, you have learned about three tips and tricks on how to play by ear yourself.