How To Learn Songs Without YouTube Tutorials

How to Learn Songs Without YouTube Tutorials

Learning songs without relying on YouTube tutorials can be a rewarding experience that enhances your musical skills and ear training. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you develop the ability to figure out songs on your own:

1. Listen Closely to the Song:

   • Pay attention to the nuances and details in the music.
   • Identify key elements like chords, notes, intervals, and melodies.

2. Ear Training:

   • Consider investing in an ear training course to refine your listening skills.
   • Practice recognizing chords, intervals, and musical patterns.

3. Tune Your Instrument:

   • Use a tuner to ensure your instrument is in tune with the song.
   • Pay attention to harmonics and adjust the tuning accordingly.

4. Identify Chord Progressions:

   • Recognize common chord shapes and progressions.
   • Learn essential chords like A minor, E minor, G major, D major, C major, etc.

5. Use Intervals for Tuning:

   • Understand intervals like perfect fourths, fifths, major and minor seconds.
   • Use intervals to tune your instrument accurately.

6. Experiment with Different Tunings:

   • Be open to exploring alternate tunings for songs that deviate from standard tuning.
   • Adjust your tuning to match the song's requirements.

7. Understand the Role of Capo:

   • Learn when and how to use a capo to transpose chords effectively.
   • Experiment with capo positions to match the song's key.

8. Develop a Dictionary of Chords and Intervals:

   • Build a repertoire of recognized chords and intervals to aid in song recognition.
   • Train your ear to identify unique chord voicings and progressions.

9. Practice Playing by Ear:

   • Challenge yourself to play songs by ear without relying on sheet music or tutorials.
   • Trust your instincts and listen for open strings and distinctive tones.

10. Combine Theory and Ear Training:

• Understand the theoretical concepts behind chords, scales, and arpeggios.
• Apply your knowledge of music theory to enhance your ear training skills.

11. Invest in Comprehensive Music Courses:

• Consider enrolling in courses that cover ear training, music theory, and practical guitar lessons.
• Look for bundled courses that offer a holistic approach to music education.

12. Continuously Challenge Yourself:

• Explore complex songs and challenging arrangements to push your musical boundaries.
• Embrace the process of learning songs by ear as a rewarding and enriching experience.

By following these steps and honing your listening skills, you can become adept at learning songs without the need for YouTube tutorials. Remember, practice and persistence are key to mastering the art of playing music by ear.