Mike - how do I adopt listening with understanding chords and progressions? Should I try to understand why a particular set of chords are situated in a harmonic sequence to help me play over the piece?
Neil, Great question. Listening and the analysis of chords and harmonic theory are really to separate activities. Take the time to understand the chords and form of a tune. Know the various key centers and how they move from one to the next. If you are a horn player, play through the chords on the piano, ideally by memory. But after that analysis (or in between sessions of that analysis) LISTEN to the harmony, learn the melody, and improvise over the changes on your instrument by ear as much as you can. I advise players (and myself) to avoid thinking about the chords as they play. I look at it as a toggle switch that goes one direction or the other between thinking and listening. I mocked up this toggle switch in this 1-minute entertaining video: vimeo.com/479914635 I know how irresistible it can be to think think think from chord to chord or section to section, and if you have enough harmonic knowledge and instrumental chops, you can manufacture something that sounds 'correct.' But my question is: do you consider that type of playing to be spontaneous musical composition that authentically reflects YOU? And I also ask, as you develop your ear to instrument connection, will that connection allow you to create much more satisfying music for both you and the listener. I think you know my answers! As I hear from players who develop the skill and confidence to play by ear without the 'safety net' of thinking, they are thrilled with the surprising result. I look forward to you being one of them!!
That video spot on - trying to connect the chords, chord tones, approach notes, scalar notes, emphasis, articulation, while trying to have fun and stay loose. Drives me crazy. I appreciate your thoughts. Neil
![[UNCUT] "บอสณวัฒน์" แฉ! แหล่งซุกเงินแก๊งบอส ขยันผิดที่ไม่กี่ปีก็เข้าคุก l คนดังนั่งเคลียร์ l17ต.ค.67](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/BL56qIfXYZM/mqdefault.jpg)
Great video. I’ve been waiting for something like this. Thank you
I made it as fast as I could (-; Glad it will help!
I’ve missed your fantastic videos and instructional materials.
Mike - how do I adopt listening with understanding chords and progressions? Should I try to understand why a particular set of chords are situated in a harmonic sequence to help me play over the piece?
Neil, Great question. Listening and the analysis of chords and harmonic theory are really to separate activities. Take the time to understand the chords and form of a tune. Know the various key centers and how they move from one to the next. If you are a horn player, play through the chords on the piano, ideally by memory.
But after that analysis (or in between sessions of that analysis) LISTEN to the harmony, learn the melody, and improvise over the changes on your instrument by ear as much as you can. I advise players (and myself) to avoid thinking about the chords as they play. I look at it as a toggle switch that goes one direction or the other between thinking and listening.
I mocked up this toggle switch in this 1-minute entertaining video: vimeo.com/479914635
I know how irresistible it can be to think think think from chord to chord or section to section, and if you have enough harmonic knowledge and instrumental chops, you can manufacture something that sounds 'correct.' But my question is: do you consider that type of playing to be spontaneous musical composition that authentically reflects YOU? And I also ask, as you develop your ear to instrument connection, will that connection allow you to create much more satisfying music for both you and the listener. I think you know my answers!
As I hear from players who develop the skill and confidence to play by ear without the 'safety net' of thinking, they are thrilled with the surprising result. I look forward to you being one of them!!
That video spot on - trying to connect the chords, chord tones, approach notes, scalar notes, emphasis, articulation, while trying to have fun and stay loose. Drives me crazy. I appreciate your thoughts. Neil