Many guitar players make very common mistakes when training their ear. And I was one of them! In this article, I'll go through my top 5 ear training mistakes and show you how to overcome them.
Mistake #1: Learning Linearly
The first mistake I made was training my ear linearly. Most guitar players start with basic intervals and move on to more complex elements, believing this step-by-step process is best. And I did, too. But actually, it is the worst way you can train your ear. Waiting to master one element before moving onto the next is boring, frustrating and usually results in people giving up, which made me want to give up multiple times.
Mistake #2: Using Ear Training Apps
I downloaded every ear training app I could find. And what I found out was ear training apps don't train you on how to transcribe real music. They can be somewhat helpful initially, but there are better ways to train your ear. To help you with this, I made a free video on my top 5 easiest ways to train your ear. >>> https://eartrainingforguitar.com/5-easy-ways-to-practice-ear-training
Mistake #3: Relating Songs to Intervals
Relating intervals to songs is a huge mistake I made. In the beginning, this is very helpful to identify intervals in isolation, but when are intervals ever isolated in music? This can be an ok step initially but quickly becomes a stumbling block.
Mistake #4: Inconsistent Practice
My ear training practice was sporadic for a long time, and I wondered why I wasn't getting any better. Consistency is key in ear training. Many guitarists make the mistake of practicing sporadically, leading to slow progress and retention issues.
Mistake #5: Not Using My Guitar
Not using your guitar during ear training can be a significant oversight. Use your guitar as often as possible so you learn how to use your guitar more effectively.
To learn about these mistakes more in-depth, check out the video below.