How to play piano by ear

Playing piano by ear is considered one of the most difficult tasks to do in the world of music. Many people think that you have to be born with the talent, but in most situations, this is not the case. It is a matter of developing your sense of hearing and that takes time.

The middle C

Assuming that you can already play sheet music or by notes, then you know the location of the basic note that everyone should know. That note is middle C. Listening to music very often and sometimes, repeatedly at first is one of the most important keys in learning a song to play it by ear. It's sometimes easier to learn a song in C major and then, transposing it to your suitable key.

Learning the scales

There is no way around it. Successful people who play by ear know their scales. Regardless of whether you play keyboard or piano, this is unavoidable. Playing by ear means playing the suitable key for the person who you are accompanying. While learning the scales, practise how to try to recognise them when you are listening to your favourite type of piano music.

Chord learning

After learning your scales by memory, start putting the chords together. There are various methods of doing this. However, many people prefer the numbers method. For example, the primary chord of middle C is one-two-three or C, E, G. The minor chord of the C chord begins with the sixth note of the C which signifies a minor. All major chords start off with an uppercase letter. Small case letters represent a minor chord. Continue to listen to your favourite piano music and see if you can pick out the major and minor chords that you hear. To add flavour to your piano playing, find a simple, but well explanatory book about diminished, augmented and seventh chords. They give your music that certain touch of melancholy or peacefulness.

Choosing a favourite song and begin

After you have memorised your scales, major and minor chords, you are ready to choose a song from some of your music that you have already been listening to. Many people do not realise that listening to their favourite piano music while learning their scales and chords help them to train their ear.

Taking lessons through the internet

There is a variety of piano courses for learning to play piano by ear on the internet. Usually, they will offer you some free lessons for the basics, but for more advanced learning, you will be charged. However, the principle of learning how to play piano by ear is the same. One is required to listen to music and find the chords that are being played.