Recognizing Chords-Transcription [Archive]

thekid

May 26th, 2007, 09:23 PM

What are your guys' tips on recognizing chords.
I've been trying to do this a lot. Really trying to listen and then try to play what I hear but I can't do it at all! Like on this.http://youtube.com/watch?v=2CSVAuRDnKw I've been trying to do it but it's hard for beginners!

Thanks

pallemino

May 27th, 2007, 10:02 AM

There is alot of ear training software available around the net. I know Band in a box has some kind of feature built into it, i havnt really used it though.

Recognising chords isnt really difficult once you understand the general types of chord progressions used in jazz (for example)

If your new to this however. It might pay to start youself with some basic aural training such as recognising scales and modes... listening for those critical differences such as the b3'rd in a dorian scale or a #4 lydian.

Singing these scales is definately the best and quickest way to really 'hear' the differences.

Get your head around that and then move onto chords. Major then min, half dim, dim. Arpeggiate them on a piano and sing along.. Then sing them by youself. Maybe make some flash cards and try to sing the arpeggios at random then check on the piano to see if you were right.

Then try actual chord progressions like the common 2-5-1, or likewise in minor keys. Record them and play them back at random, see how you go at picking the movements...

Learning lots of standards in different keys and using different voicings/extensions when you play them will also help. After time these things will just become natural.

If you have a music teacher i would also talk to them for more guidance.

I hope this helops.

ps, dont be discouraged if you still cant pick the chords or progressions right away, it can take a while.