What is the best way to improve my musical ear?

Question

I have recently begun studying music, and need to build up my ear for identifying intervals chord progressions and rhythmic patterns. What could you suggest, websites?

Answer 1

For pitch - learn to solfege - seriously.  I have taught ear training since 1971.  There are countless texts and programs available - try Auralia.  For  Rhythm - nothing works without a well-developed internal clock and metronome.  If you can take a Dalcroze class, it is worth every penny.  It uses whole-body movement to develop internal sensitivity to metric structure.

You also should see if there is a Gordon class in a college near you.  You will have to Google him and read about his incredible way to teaching even the VERY young to hear and perform mind-blowingly complex things.  My son is a graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia, and Gordon taught there for many years - people come out of those programs with "huge ears".  Good luck in your studies. Stay away from those bogus - "learn perfect pitch at home' things - they are useless.

Answer 2

for rhythmic patterns you just need to listen for the beat and subdivide. for intervals just listen to a note and then think of what the chord should sound like. Then play it and see it you were right.  

Answer 3

Hi Alan

The surefire way of developing ear training, rhythm, timing and improvisation is by listening and PLAYING alond with your favorite CD. That is the best and most efficient way especially for the timing. \

It also forces you to listen so that you can guess what note the musician is playing. I started like this and never regretted. It helps your pitch as well . Eventually, you will be able to pick out the pitch a song is in or close to it.

Check this site: it will help you in intervals, scales and improvisations.

http://www.all-guitar-chords.com/guitar_...