Ear Training

I Have discovered some techniques for improvising by using only what you hear and then constructing the visual patterns (keys) from a few notes. To do this lesson you must have a very solid understanding of your diatonic scales. (see Diatonic lesson)

The first step is to play a couple random major chords on tape. Play each chord at least 32 measures. Yes this is a long time! Next rewind the tape until you are in an area you are not sure what chord is playing. The idea is to try to fake your self out as to what the background is. Another method is to randomly play a chord in the left hand without thinking about what the chord is. (this is the method I use).

Now the exercise

While the rhythm is playing, play one note in the lead hand somewhere in the middle range. Ex (3rd string 14th fret) If the note does not blend move it 1/2 step up or down until you hear a harmonic blend. You should hear this when you play either the root, 3rd,or 5th of the rhythm chord.

Once you find your note you almost know the whole key you are in. As you have learned from the scale pattern lessons there are only 3 possible rudiments (a set of 3 notes on the same string) in the pattern. Fig 1

Now that you have the rudiment, play 3 notes on the next string. There are only 2 possibilities; You will play the same rudiment or the next rudiment in the diatonic scale. If you look at the pattern below you will see the example "good notes" highlited. Notice in this case I am assuming the next 3 notes will be the fingering using the 3rd finger up 1/2 step. For ease of understanding, I will us the same background chord as in Fig 2. This chord works with the pattern played below. make sure you play the highlited notes starting on the same fret and string (12th fret, 3rd string.

The last part is to continue the pattern in the key. You should already know how to do this from the diatonic scale lesson. I often will take a solo this way instead of figuring out what key I am in. This technique opens up a lot of creativity. If you know your modes you can use this technique to create a modal sound. The most important thing in this technique are your ears. You must have an idea of what sound you are looking for. If you really want a challenge, play random chords in the bass side and continue to find the pattern for the new key with this technique. Try to keep your melody hand in the same 5-6 fret area.

Good luck