Learn the Basics of Music Transcription in Under 20 Minutes! Seriously.

Learn how to break apart the task of transcribing (writing out by ear) a solo in 7 steps:
1. Download the tune you want to transcribe, 2:30
2. Figure out the Key, 4:23
3. Figure out the Meter, 5:12
4. Write out the Rhythms, 8:03
5: Melodic Dictation 1 (Listen to the pitches): 14:19
6. Melodic Dictation 2 (Write the pitches), 16:58
7. Verify by playing it, 17:42

[m.makikjr]

This was really helpful! I love transcribing music, but this has just made it so much easier! Thanks so much.

[thomasstone]

This is a great lesson!
putting X's above the bar is such a great idea

[smudgerdave]

It would be great if you could make a short video showing you doing this with a piece you don't know at an advanced level. I'm confident someone at your level can pull the dots out of thin air and get them (nearly) right first time. Give us all something to aim for!

[lordhelmet]

I completely forgot that I knew how to do this. I haven't thought of this in 2 years and this has brought back so many memories. Also I didn't realize Michael was Left handed before this,

[NomeDeArte]

Great video!
Best regards from Argentina

[alexanderhelt]

As an amateur as far as transcribing goes, I am very excited watch this!

[DeedeeMgaDooDoo]

had so much fun learning from your way, man, awesome

[ChadwellJ]

Supplies Required:
- Brain

Looks like I gotta go to the store twice this week.

[bgclarinet]

Transcribe! by Seventh String Software is a really great program for slowing down or transposing or even adjusting intonation. It's all I've used for about 20 years.

[javierquesada]

teacher this video is very illustrative very good as always congratulations happy thanksgiving health

[ralphhirs]

Absolutely great how you explained it. Thanks

[jackdolphy]

Great, Thank You. though I am a little surprised that you didn't make step 1 being listening to the chosen (piece) many, many times enough so as to be able to precisely sing along with it... even if I don't sing like Sing very well! which i don't. Your aim to get the rhythms down first is super! I have tended to learn 'lick by lick' and figure out where 1 (or 2 or 3 etc) is in relation to it. My 'method' is not optimal. Thank you for highlighting getting the entire rhythm down first.

[hallohallo]

You can use YouTube to slow down the music (click the settings icon)

[sergejqca]

My main problem is with rhythm. I'm a saxophone player and I've been transcribing George Garzone's solo on "Like Someone In Love" and Mark Turner's solo on "Skylark". I can get the notes down, but I can't write the rhythm. Any tips for transcribing rhythms in fast "free" passages from solos that I mentioned?
Thanks in advance

[blueeggs]

Are you ever going to transcribe Summertime? If so I would definitely buy it! It’s a wonderful piece!!!!

[iYessicaH]

Could you do a run down of how to transcribe something with spoken words?

[briannamilhoan]

I would like to know if circular breathing can be done on a flute

[pavelmanEC]

Please, could you let youtube to add the subtitles.?, the rest of the world wants to learn too..

[jotarodripjo]

If anyone wants a cheat for finding the beat in jazz recordings listen to the hi hat. Usually the hi hat is played on the 2 and 4 of the beat.

[gabrielv]

Hi are you going to Midwest this year?