LJS 174: How to Learn Chord Progressions By Ear (Step-by-Step)




Welcome to episode 174 of the LJS Podcast where today I walk you through a step-by-step process for learning chord progressions by ear. Learning chord progressions by ear is usually the more challenging aspect of learning jazz standards by ear, and the benefits of learning by ear are numerous. I show you how the power of ear training, a tiny bit of harmony knowledge, and some practice will have you unlocking chord progressions.
Listen to episode 174







Whenever I tell people how to learn jazz standards, I always tell them to learn them by ear. And naturally, those who are a little less experienced with learning music by ear, and are more comfortable with reading music, are a little bit skeptical at first.
Maybe they can wrap their heads around the idea of learning the melody by ear, that might be a little bit easier to latch on to, but they have a harder time imagining actually hearing chord progressions by ear. That's so much harder than simply learning a melody.
So, in today's episode, I want to go over my method for learning chord progressions by ear, from scratch, and technically, you don't even need your instrument in order to be able to do this.







In this episode:
1. Identifying cadences and resolution points
2. Identifying the root notes of the resolution points
3. Figuring out the root notes and qualities of the chords in between
4. The power of interval and chord quality ear training







Thanks for listening to this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast. If you aren't already, make sure you are subscribed on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
I look forward to having you join me in the next episode!
Important Links
How to Play What You Hear (Ear Training Course)
Video: How to Learn Chord Progressions by Ear (No Sheet Music)



Om Podcasten

The LJS Podcast is the podcast where you get weekly jazz tips, interviews, stories and advice for becoming a better jazz musician! Hosting the show is the jazz musician behind learnjazzstandards.com, author, and entrepreneur Brent Vaartstra, who’s one goal is to answer any question about playing jazz music you may have. Jazz can be a challenging music to learn and play, but it doesn’t have to be so hard. Each episode features a specific musical challenge that jazz students may come across, where it is discussed and answered. Special jazz guests frequent the show, sharing their expertise on an array of different musical subject matter. Listeners are invited to call in with their jazz questions to the podcast hotline, where it could get answered on a future LJS Podcast episode. Join thousands of other listeners getting free jazz education every week!