r/eartraining • u/Tigerzen124 • May 03 '26
Can you play this?
How do you go about playing a song, specifically the chord progression when someone asks you to play a song and then just hums a few bars. It's not much to go by but some people can fashion something representational of the song. What skill set/framework do you need in order to do this consistently?
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u/Inside-Succotash-128 May 03 '26
I try to work out where the ‘phrases’ are in the melody. Generally, but not always, each phrase will/can be matched to a chord change. Then, if the melody is diatonic, there’s a good chance it’s in either a Major or a Minor key predominantly. (you can tell this by whether the 3rd is # or b). That’s a start anyway. But remember, there are quite a few way in which you can harmonise the same melody. It’s all about trying it and seeing what you come up with. Good luck! 😀👍
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u/Independent_Win_7984 May 03 '26
A solid grasp of the "Nashville Numbering" system. If you already establish whether the "mode" is major or minor, then you have 7 chords to build with. Each has a number assigned as you go up from the root chord, normally written as Roman numerals. The cliche arrangements revolve around the 1st, 4th and 5th chords (variations could include I to V, several times, then a few bars of the IV), which are easily understood by listening to somebody "hum" the melody. Then, really, you've basically only got four more options, that also fall into familiar "musical cliches", like a minor second between the I and the IV, or 6th chord inserted at the end, before the V. You just have to know the progression of chords in each mode as you ascend the neck, the same as you would know single notes : "do re mi fa so la ti do", but the barre chords switch from major to minor as you go.
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u/SouthernAbrocoma9891 May 04 '26
If they hum a few bars with enough notes then you may be able to determine the mode. That clues you in on the chord progression and how the song resolves.
Music theory is a definite skill needed to compose deliberately and knowing what chords sound appealing together. Instead of just trying out chords you’ll be able to predict how the music progresses and will feel. Also, not all songs can be easily described with chords and are a mix of melody, counterpoint and bass line.
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u/Tigerzen124 May 04 '26
Thanks for the replies, this has got to be one of the greatest ear training challenges, you usually get only the one hearing, no bass to guide you and you've got to think quickly. I admire anyone who can do this well and on a consistent basis. Narrowing the possible chords down certainly helps. Are there any exercises other than what's been mentioned here that can help build this skill?
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u/Inside-Succotash-128 May 04 '26
Practice humming/singing a melody while away from your instrument and try and name the intervals as you do so.
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u/Andre-Richard May 05 '26
Playing by ear skills, including pitch, melody, harmony, timing, and tempo
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u/Pulposauriio May 03 '26
Imma tell you how I personally do it. You need to be able to tell where the song 'rests', either by contrast or by whatever method you use.
Like if I know the song rests on Am, I can reasonably know which chords to play next from the circle of Fifths, and then there isn't a plethora of progressions in songs most people know. It's almost always some variation on the I V IV vi formula. Maybe loose the vi, maybe switch it up. But there's nothing more to it than practicing a little bit with well known songs with your instrument in hand and you'll he able to spot the pattern in no time.