Ear Training Software-Advice

[reindale]

What's going on fellas? I've been a member of this site for a few months now and I can say I have learned a lot from all of the information that gets posted. I'm very thankful for Uriah, GuitarDave, Rown, and everyone who shares info. I read the new topics everyday. I'm active duty military stationed at Scott AFB, Illinois. I finally got the nerve to play at the chapel here on base during the gospel service about 2 months ago. They all say I sound good and they are glad to have me, but I know I am still lacking quite a bit. We seem to do quite a lot of songs in Eb, I'm having trouble fitting in. I know what chords should be used in Eb, but placing them at the right spot is killing me. Every now and then I can throw a lick or riff here or there, something out of the pentonic scale. They are looking for me to do a little more, but I'm struggling. I can go in and rip a nice little chord melody or simple progression while we are just messing around, but making that fit what we are doing is a struggle. I have all of the videos from Uriah saved and the lesson GuitarDave gave on Israels "You Are Good" was perfect, I learned that right away(Thanks).

I'm currently taking reading lessons and my instructor says I can play, he heard me just play around and says I'm better than most of his beginner students, but things just haven't clicked for me yet or maybe I'm being a bit inpatient. How do you guys feel about some of the software on-line that slows down music and allows you to hear the guitar part(s) slowly and figure them out from a slowed down speed? Is it worth buying? What's some advice to increase my ear when playing? Thanks

[uriahsmusic]

..this is a great question..slowing things up is not the issue!...most of us want to get to the end of the story without having to read the whole book!...It is natural to want that, but it doesnt work so well really. Still....it can be done....

I suggest that you find music similar to what you are playing ,that has guitar in it like you want to hear yourself doing.  Then copy, copy, copy!.....get as many examples as you can and this will give you ideas to cultivate.

.....The ideas that make you sound grea are learned over time...and the process can be excellerated!...You must expose yourself to the type of music that you are interested in and drown yourself in it.....Play it as you go to sleep...as you walk....while you watch tv.....

...and dont forget why you are listening to it!...hear the guitarist and how they interact with your type of music......then after you have drowned yourself in it....go and apply the things that you like....

....dont waste your time listening to music that doesnt apply to what you are trying to do!...stay focused!

[reindale]

Thanks for the advice Uriah. I must say that your videos have been a god send man. I've learned your 'remix' on Blessed Quietness and I have your all of your chord progressions, riffs, and guitarlines you posted on this site on a USB flash drive I keep handy at all times. I'm curently working on one of your youtube videos, it's one of your progressions in A-Minor.

A lot of the music we play is keyboard driven. I just received a CD with a few songs we plan on singing by New Birth Total Praise Choir, after listening to the songs I know one is Ab and the other is in G, so my task now is to try and put something in there to compliment the keys. I'm having trouble with a slow song called "Thank You for Your Grace". I'll keep at it though, I love the guitar to much to cash in my chips and give up, but I am very frustrated though. Luckily I recently met some guys and I sat in with them last week and the guitarist was very nice, so I'llbe sitting with them every Wednesday getting what I can. Thanks again. Enjoy

[trackman]

I used to be stationed at Scott AFB a few years ago. What squadron are you in?

[reindale]

I'm in the 375 CPTS(Comptroller), Mil Pay Travel. Are you still active?

[trackman]

Nope. I discharged a couple years ago from Scott. I was in the 375 CES. I was an engineering assistant specialist (Computer Aided Drafting/Surveying).

[Jordan Rivers]

   You might want to just ask your music leader to help get you the music, that way you don't have to play as much by ear. As years go by you'll learn to ear music more and you'll know what to do. But right now, just learn to read music, your hearing will adjust as time goes on.
And you'll start to realize what is being played.
Most people need a few years of solid guitar playing. If you get lessons on ear training now, it will just hold you back. It's more important just to learn.
    And learn to enjoy music in the earlier stages, you can't rush it.
Sure you can play 8 hours a day if you want. But you can only learn so much. They say only 1 to 2 hours of practice a day at most. Anything more and your mind shuts it off.
I am a professional guitar player and I used to play 8 hours a day. But I am far smarter these days and play only 2 - 3 hours a day at most. There's no advantage in playing beyond that point.

                         C ya  Jordan Rivers  http://jordanriversguitarforum.blogspot.com/
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[reindale]

Thanks for the advice Sir. I usually only play about 1-2 hours per day anyway. My site reading has gotten better over the last few weeks so I'm making some good progress. I normally work on the stuff my instructor gives me for a little while, then I get into something else. I'm learning though. I can tell my ear is getting a little better though. Great advice.