Q. So... I played violin for 10 years and can earplay just about any basic piece of music on it. I tried piano half-heartedly for like a year. I can also earplay the melody of a song on a piano fairly well. But how do I know what chords to play to accompany the melody? I don't necessarily want to know how to play a piece perfectly, but just to be able to play something that sounds nice. Thanks in advance.
A. I don't know how to play by ear, but I can look at the sheet music, find the keys, then listen to the music and put it all together. I don't really even use the music but just for notes. I use the songs on my MP3 to help me find the speeds and moments to press and play the notes.
At what age did most pro guitarists start playing guitar?
Q. I'm 12 years old and I've never played guitar. But I'm very interested in learning. I want to start a band with my brother who played drums for over a year. So, at what age did most guitarists and drummers start playing? By the way, my brother is 16 years old. Is it possible to form a band at our ages? If so, how do we start to create the band?
A. Well, I was 11 when I first started playing. Another guitarist moved across the street from me, same age, but he had been playing longer and he helped me get started.
When I started all sheet music was designed for piano...there were no tabs, cd's, mp3's, dvd's, internet, so starting at 12 gives you an excellent chance to progress far more, and much quicker, than I did. The one advantage I might have had was the British invasion was at its height, and this was a great source of inspiration.
Learn your chords and rhythm playing. You will never be a good lead guitarist until you are first a good rhythm guitarist. Don't dwell on scales because scales are not music.
Of course you're not too young to start a band...you can play parties, bonfires, summer get togethers, pool parties...any chance you get.
Start trying to write music as soon as possible and work on your vocals.
The single most important factor to starting a band is to play music you enjoy. Don't worry about what the audience wants to hear..play for yourself, or the music will suffer and the audience will pick up on that...play from the heart.
The second most important factor is band practice should be a fun affair, where much of the night is spent in laughter and comeradery and sharing the love each band member has with the music.
Best of luck and practice till those fingers bleed.
How do you play a keyboard? Please read on for more information.?
Q. Hi all, Now I need YOUR help. I just got a Casio CTK-533 for free! New, except it has no book. I figured out most of it, problem being I have no clue how to play the piano/keyboard but have always wanted to learn. I know the designated keys A-G then A-G again. What is the best way to learn this? it shows you where to put your fingers, and it has 100 programmed songs when playing but besides the obvious get a how to play book, does any one have any suggestions? It has a "fingered" buttom but I was hoping the keys lit up lol they don't. I am not looking for an easy way to learn I know this is going to take a lot of time, but hoping someone can give me a push in the right direction as this is one nice instrument. Thanks in advance for help.
A. There are two ways to approach a musical instrument. You can learn songs by ear or through sheet music. The latter is by far easier, and you can approach more difficult and entertaining songs more quickly, but ear training pays off in the long run. It's also a skill many pianists/keyboardists lack (in relation to, for example, guitarists) and will help you stand out.
To learn a song by ear, find some simple, slow paced song that you've got on a MP3 somewhere, preferably without chords*. You can try classics, like happy birthday, twinkle twinkle little star, or like my friend did: the super mario and mortal combat themes. Figure out the song just by guessing what notes are being played, playing them, and seeing if it sounds right. Eventually, what's called your ability to hear "relative pitch" will improve, and you'll be more accurate in your guesses. I have friends who can hear a tune and play it back instantly, keep at it and you'll get much better.
On the other hand, you can start by going to your local music store and purchasing sheet music. You'll have to learn to read it first, and for that I recommend either purchasing a music theory notebook along with it, or this website: http://www.musictheory.net/ Learning theory will help you in both your ear training and sight reading**, so don't neglect it.
Don't fall into the trap of focusing on one and neglecting the other. One day, if all you've done is play by ear, you'll wish you could sight read music, or if you can't tell a tune for your life, you'll wish you could when there's that one song you can't find music for.
* when you play 2+ notes at the same time. It's much harder to figure out what chord is being played by ear.
** the ability to read music notation and playing it back without having practiced it before.
p.s. above answer is bunk. i know many very skilled players who have not taken lessons. if you're very very serious about learning though, lessons do help. on the other hand, it can take the fun out of playing. it's up to you.
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Title : How do you ear play on piano?
Description : Q. So... I played violin for 10 years and can earplay just about any basic piece of music on it. I tried piano half-heartedly for like a ye...