Here is another 10-second tip for you to enjoy…
It’s a really simple challenge you can do to improve your ear, and it’s all about:
“Singing the notes from a chord”
What I like to do is play a chord such as a G Major.
Instead of strumming the chord, I pick out each individual note.
As I do so, I try to match the pitch with my voice.
For instance, while fretting the chord, I’ll pick the low E string and sing a “lah or “eeee” while making my voice hit that exact pitch.
I’ll then switch to the A string and repeat.
Then move on to the D, G, B, and high E strings.
As my fretting hand is playing the G chord, I’ll be matching my voice to the notes within the chord.
Matching the pitch like this is not easy to do at first – especially if you’ve never tried it before.
So you have to be very patient and take your time.
…But it’s a really powerful method of training your ears.
This is great for guitarists and singers alike – if you’re a guitar-playing singer, that’s double the reason to practise this!
Do be warned though, your voice may snap, crackle, and pop (like the Rice Krispies guys) when trying to hit the lower OR higher notes.
For example, I have a deep baritone voice, so the lower notes (on the bass strings) are easy for me to sing…
…But the higher notes (on the treble strings) are harder for me to sing.
So, if you can only sing the pitch from a few notes, don’t worry – that’s a good start.
The more you do it, the better you’ll get, the more “tuned” your ears will be, and you’ll likely start to feel more connected to the music.
Remember, patience is key here!
Do try it though…
Shut your practice room door, choose one chord, pick a note, and try to make your voice match the pitches of each string.
This is a great daily exercise to improve your ears.
Anyway, for more help with improving your core guitar skills, improving the basics, AND to learn some fun songs, you might want to check this out.
Guitar Domination Super eBook Bundle
Keep enjoying your playing!
Dan Thorpe
Guitar Domination
P.S. This post was originally taken from Dan Thorpe’s private email list. To get blog posts like this sent to you which are full of great tips to make fingerpicking, strumming, and learning guitar more enjoyable (especially if you are over 40) join Dan’s list. It’s 100% free, HERE.
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