What about playing by ear?

[gabija]

Hi,

I've been playing piano for few years but all that time I played only from sheet music and recently I've decided to try to play by ear and re-creat music, which I heard on the radio, cd etc.
I'd like to hear your opinion or advices of how to begin. Should I get chords at first or just sit by the piano, take a sheet of paper and write down the notes? I'd really appreciate if you shared your experience and ideas.

[jeremyjchilds]

Transcribing is an essential skill.

There are a lot of different aproaches, but the simpelest is

1)start with the melody line. (try to get to the point where you can do this away from the piano)
2)Transcribe the bass line next.
3) using the bass line as a guide, copy out the chord changes in terms of thier roots
4) Then write out their quality (Maj Min)
5) then try to figure out the extensions or alterations in the chord.

Dont get bogged down on a single chord for too long. Usually only the last two steps are any real challange, so at least you have the correct root by now. Move on to the next chord. Chances are that the chord will be used again, and if so, then it may be displayed in a cleaner texture, or more intuitive context.

Good luck, practice lots!

[kau]

I have played a lot with chords because christian worship songs are usually played that way.
It's not that hard to play by ear if you know some music theory (which I think you do since you say you've been playing a few years). You can play very many popular songs with just using three chords, i, iv and v step of the scale. For example, if you were playing in the key of D major, then you'd use chords D, G and A.  At first you may just pick a simple song, even a children's song, and try to do it with the three chords, it's fun. Then you can learn to put the melody in and try to use the chords in different positions (if that's the word for it, english's not my motherlanguage.  What I mean is that you can play chord D in different ways, like : D F# A or A D F# (which I use a lot) or F# A D). 
Have fun!  But it's true that there's very much to learn.  And previous replies to your letter gave good advice also! 

[gabija]

Hi!

Just wanted to say thank you for your advices. I've been really busy recently and haven't had enough time to try to use them, but I'm sure they'll be really beneficial, so thanx again:)