Play Less, Listen More

“I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen” Ernest Hemingway.

This is an aspect of learning the guitar that isn’t always practiced. Listening to the piece of music you are learning is just as beneficial as practicing it on your instrument. We all listen to music in the car, around the house, whilst we exercise and numerous other places, however we are not really listening to the music for the most part. We are subconsciously listening. It is nearly impossible to truly listen to music whilst doing other activities. So what do I mean when I say, “Listen” to the music you are learning?

Keep calm and listen

It is important to listen to the song you are learning which means eliminating distractions such as mobile phones and even your guitar, it so fun to play, we can’t help but noodle on the thing! Give the song your undivided attention for the whole duration. You will hear parts of the song you have never noticed each time you listen. You will hear the structure, when it changes from the verse to chorus, bridge to solo etc. Try this exercise.

1.     Listen to the verse of the song you are learning, with no distractions.

2.     Listen again, saying the chords out loud (use your sheet music to follow if needed).

3.     Now play the chord sequence. You can break it down into small chucks if needed.

Really listening to the song you are learning will help you learn the structure. Eventually you will be able to play the music without the need of sheet music/tablature. If you are consistent with listening to the music you are learning you will hear similarities in chord sequences and song structure that popular music shares. Eventually you will be able to transcribe music by using just your ears.

The amazing slow downer is a fantastic practice tool for the above. www.ronimusic.com

Just remember, your ears are your most important tools. Using them will make you a better guitar player and musician.

Good luck and keep practicing.

Mike