EAR TRAINING: How to Play What You Hear in Your Head.

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Andrew Wasson of Creative Guitar Studio answers a viewers question...

Q: I'm a new subscriber and have to start by saying a huge thanks for your efforts, you have awesome lessons! I am really struggling with the ability to play what I hear in my head. I'm fine with a sheet of tab in front of me, but I am terrible at learning anything from a recording, or playing anything melodic off the cuff. I have been learning my scales, doing picking technique and speed drills, but why can't I transcribe and just find the simplest of things I hear in my head on my guitar neck? I am getting really down in the dumps about this, because I know how important it is to do this instinctively as a guitarist. I've asked a lot of online guitar guru's this question, but none have given me a good answer -- Andrew, if there's anyone who I think can help me out there -- I'll bet it's going to be you! Thanks in advance.
- Michael, Las Vegas NV.

A: 95% of the guitar players I've taught since I started Creative Guitar back in 1992, generally focus most of their effort on their hand technique. However, the technique most often overlooked is -- playing what you hear in your head. That's important, but even more important is to do it literally, at will. So, when a musical idea comes to you -- the idea can get out of your head and onto the guitar fingerboard in no time. And, if you want to become a good improviser (so you have the total enjoyment of thinking or hearing musical ideas and then playing them unrehearsed), this skill is an absolute must. So, how does a player do this? It comes down to rehearsal and daily self-testing. If you do this; you'll get it, if you don't, you won't.
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[creativeguitarstudio]

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[lwblack]

First step is learning scales, finger movements, rests and picking technique. There is no substitution for practice. Once you become more aware with the fretboard then you can start turning the music in your head into audible sounds. Again, there is no real substitution for practice. Set aside time each day just as you would going to a music lesson with a teacher. With time and practice, you become the artisan.

[benjaminthomas]

I watched this whole video and still couldn't play the demonic screams I hear :(

[bluntobjct]

a good practice I've noticed is singing (along with playing) scale degree's. singing the 1 then the 2 back to 1 then the 3 back to 1, etc… then trying to sing 'ahead' before you play the note. it builds your frame of reference. this in combination with standard interval practice is key.

[bkpickell]

Something that has helped me is to sing the notes you want to play. I'm not talking singing loudly, but just loud enough that you can hear yourself. 

What got me to try it, is watching a few live performances from bands like Metallica for instance. If you have ever watched them live, you will notice that Kirk will always be singing the notes he wants to play, especially during a solo. He may not be singing loud enough for anyone to hear him, but watch his mouth when he plays you can see him doing it. He's not the only one, there are many that do it, he is just one sticking out to me right now.

[ExpTube]

"the only musical instrument, is the mind of the performer, joined with the mind of the listener" Anonymous.

[creativeguitarstudio]

The way you get around your issues is through working in very small time frames and taking a good deal of breaks. You'll ears will become tired after a certain point. Hope this helps. - Andrew

[TheShadowblast]

My hands have only touched a fret board thrice, and yet this helped me, a clarinetist and saxophonist 

[GuitarlosCarlos]

i have always found that singing and playing the line together in unison keeps me sharp and on top of the pitch and knowledge and the beauty of a melody/// a melody can show you other choices(of your own) that music and your instrument has to offer. CARLOS GUITARLOS L.A., C.A.

[CaptainPface]

This is exactly what I need! I sometimes come up with stuff in my head that sounds awesome, but I just cannot play it, lol.

[creativeguitarstudio]

Thanks for commenting such kind words. Very much appreciate the insights as well. Thank you & all the best. - Andrew

[slimbocker]

It is nothing to feel bad about! It is one of the hardest things to do ever! Just keep going, it gets better. I don't always "nail it" but I get closer and closer the more I try.

[ptl]

It definitely helps to listen to the song over several times. If you do this until you can go through the song in your head then when you go to solo to it you'll certainly have that 'feel' that andrew's talking about for when the changes are coming.

[KPMCV]

Thanks Andrew, at last I've found a brilliant teacher on You Tube who concentrates on instruction, is sympathetic to the viewer and doesn't just show off his guitar skills. Thanks very much again John P.

[bradneedsmorebullets]

I've been playing guitar for about 6 years and drums for about 12. In just the four videos I've watched of yours so far, I've come to an incredible amount of conclusions to problems I've been struggling with for years. Thank you so much!

[Kralle]

My advice would be: learn to sing it, learn to write it down, learn to be an accomplished musician.
Very good explanations though!

[creativeguitarstudio]

Thanks a million for the positive feedback. Much appreciated! - Andrew

[SuperChrome]

I've found a few good guitar instructors on here but you sir are in the top 3 I've found so far. Thank you. You're grasp on how to break down the concepts into understandable ideas is a gift.

[zezt]

This is not only the favorite video of yours I have seen, but of any guitar video I have seen. VERY inspiring!! THANKS

[Ignore]

This is more important than any theory, if you can't play what you hear, OR if you can't play what you hear in your head, then you can not create music. Many do not realize that there's more to it then just theory and practice and shapes... listening is just so important when playing guitar.