Play By Ear #2: Learn to Play By Ear Easily in 12 Keys Fast from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Memorize the formula for the major scale w w h w w w h
Find the scale tones for all 12 major scales
Know how to form the scale tones of all 12 major scales easily
Identify the key of the song by looking at the last tone
Use their ears to play all 12 major scales
Understand why we need to play different keys for different songs
Recognize the simplicity of the 7 tone scale music
Use the numbers to practice playing songs in different keys by ear
Listen to the melody of songs and play by ear

Play any songs by ear using the 7 scale tone music
Play their favorite songs by ear using any 12 keys
Spot out musical patterns to make playing by ear easy
Overcome the barrier of getting stuck in key of c
Venture out to play in the black keys easily
Appreciate the different moods a key brings to a song
Show more
Show less

Memorize the formula for the major scale w w h w w w h
Find the scale tones for all 12 major scales
Know how to form the scale tones of all 12 major scales easily
Identify the key of the song by looking at the last tone
Use their ears to play all 12 major scales
Understand why we need to play different keys for different songs
Recognize the simplicity of the 7 tone scale music
Use the numbers to practice playing songs in different keys by ear
Listen to the melody of songs and play by ear
Play any songs by ear using the 7 scale tone music
Play their favorite songs by ear using any 12 keys
Spot out musical patterns to make playing by ear easy
Overcome the barrier of getting stuck in key of c
Venture out to play in the black keys easily
Appreciate the different moods a key brings to a song
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

Introduction

PIck out Melody of Songs in all 12 Keys

Overview of the Course

Know that most popular songs and classical music are based on 7 major scale tones

Major Scale Tones move in Whole Tones and Half Tones:

Major Scale:

W W H W W W H

This formula is good for all 12 Keys

Play By Ear Tip

Many of the popular songs & classical pieces are based on the Major Scale.

The melody of these major key songs move around these 7 tones:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Follow the video and play along.

Happy Birthday - Key of C

Happy Birthday - Key of F

Follow the video and play along.

F Key -

1 = F

2 = G

3 = A

4 = Bb

5 = C

6 = D

7 = E

Happy Birthday - Key of G

Follow the video and play along

1 = G

2 = A

3 = B

4 = C

5 = D

6 = E

7 = F#

To play in all 12 Keys, you only need 1 Music before you:

This formula works for all 12 Keys.

W W H W W W H

W = Whole Tone

H = Half Tone

C Scale Tones

1 = C

2 = D

3 = E

4 = F

5 = G

6 = A

7 = B

D Scale Tones

1 = D

2 = E

3 = F#

4 = G

5 = A

6 = B

7 = C#

E Scale Tones:

1 = E

2 = F#

3 = G#

4 = A

5 = B

6 = C#

7 = D#

F Scale Tones

1 = F

2 = G

3 = A

4 = Bb

5 = C

6 = D

7 = E

G Scale Tones:

1 = G

2 = A

3 = B

4 = C

5 = D

6 = E

7 = F#

A Scale Tones:

1 = A

2 = B

3 = C#

4 = D

5 = E

6 = F#

7 = G#

B Scale Tones:

1 = B

2 = C#

3 = D#

4 = E

5 = F#

6 = G#

7 = A#

Db Scale Tones:

1 = Db

2 = Eb

3 = F

4 = Gb

5 = Ab

6 = Bb

7 = C

Eb Scale Tones

1 = Eb

2 = F

3 = G

4 = Ab

5 = Bb

6 = C

7 = D

Gb Scale Tones

1 = Gb

2 = Ab

3 = Bb

4 = Cb

5 = Db

6 = Eb

7 = F

Ab Scale Tones:

1 = Ab

2 = Bb

3 = C

4 = Db

5 = Eb

6 = F

7 = G

Bb Scale Tones:

1 = Bb

2 = C

3 = D

4 = Eb

5 = F

6 = G

7 = A

Steps to practice Playing By Ear with the different keys:

1. For each Key, there is a keyboard showing you the scale numbers for the Key of the Song.

2. Visualize these scale tones in your head for that key

3. Make a mental picture of the number of black keys used.

For eg. D will have 2 black keys - F# and C# (remember to play those black keys when you hit 3 and 7)

4. The bottom keyboard with the red dots show you the playing of the song.

5. You can see very clearly how I play the song numbers corresponding to the scale numbers of the keyboard just above it.

6. And when you practice playing the song in the different keys at the keyboard, train your fingers to play the song with the help of the keyboard with the 7 scale tones on top.

Steps to practice Playing By Ear with the different keys:

1. For each Key, there is a keyboard showing you the scale numbers for the Key of the Song.

2. Visualize these scale tones in your head for that key

3. Make a mental picture of the number of black keys used.

For eg. D will have 2 black keys - F# and C# (remember to play those black keys when you hit 3 and 7)

4. The bottom keyboard with the red dots show you the playing of the song.

5. You can see very clearly how I play the song numbers corresponding to the scale numbers of the keyboard just above it.

6. And when you practice playing the song in the different keys at the keyboard, train your fingers to play the song with the help of the keyboard with the 7 scale tones on top.

Steps to practice Playing By Ear with the different keys:

1. For each Key, there is a keyboard showing you the scale numbers for the Key of the Song.

2. Visualize these scale tones in your head for that key

3. Make a mental picture of the number of black keys used.

For eg. D will have 2 black keys - F# and C# (remember to play those black keys when you hit 3 and 7)

4. The bottom keyboard with the red dots show you the playing of the song.

5. You can see very clearly how I play the song numbers corresponding to the scale numbers of the keyboard just above it.

6. And when you practice playing the song in the different keys at the keyboard, train your fingers to play the song with the help of the keyboard with the 7 scale tones on top.

Steps to practice Playing By Ear with the different keys:

1. For each Key, there is a keyboard showing you the scale numbers for the Key of the Song.

2. Visualize these scale tones in your head for that key

3. Make a mental picture of the number of black keys used.

For eg. D will have 2 black keys - F# and C# (remember to play those black keys when you hit 3 and 7)

4. The bottom keyboard with the red dots show you the playing of the song.

5. You can see very clearly how I play the song numbers corresponding to the scale numbers of the keyboard just above it.

6. And when you practice playing the song in the different keys at the keyboard, train your fingers to play the song with the help of the keyboard with the 7 scale tones on top.

Steps to practice Playing By Ear with the different keys:

1. For each Key, there is a keyboard showing you the scale numbers for the Key of the Song.

2. Visualize these scale tones in your head for that key

3. Make a mental picture of the number of black keys used.

For eg. D will have 2 black keys - F# and C# (remember to play those black keys when you hit 3 and 7)

4. The bottom keyboard with the red dots show you the playing of the song.

5. You can see very clearly how I play the song numbers corresponding to the scale numbers of the keyboard just above it.

6. And when you practice playing the song in the different keys at the keyboard, train your fingers to play the song with the help of the keyboard with the 7 scale tones on top.

Steps to practice Playing By Ear with the different keys:

1. For each Key, there is a keyboard showing you the scale numbers for the Key of the Song.

2. Visualize these scale tones in your head for that key

3. Make a mental picture of the number of black keys used.

For eg. D will have 2 black keys - F# and C# (remember to play those black keys when you hit 3 and 7)

4. The bottom keyboard with the red dots show you the playing of the song.

5. You can see very clearly how I play the song numbers corresponding to the scale numbers of the keyboard just above it.

6. And when you practice playing the song in the different keys at the keyboard, train your fingers to play the song with the help of the keyboard with the 7 scale tones on top.

Instructions:

1. Download the pdf and print it out.

2. Cut out the keyboard templates and put them on your piano as you play the numbers in different keys.

3. Enjoy!

Different songs are written in different keys as they portray a different mood to the song!

Sharp Keys usually are more triumphant and joyful.

Flat Keys usually are more sad, gloomy and nostalgic.

Steps to practice Playing By Ear with the different keys:

1. For each Key, there is a keyboard showing you the scale numbers for the Key of the Song.

2. Visualize these scale tones in your head for that key

3. Make a mental picture of the number of black keys used.

For eg. D will have 2 black keys - F# and C# (remember to play those black keys when you hit 3 and 7)

4. The bottom keyboard with the red dots show you the playing of the song.

5. You can see very clearly how I play the song numbers corresponding to the scale numbers of the keyboard just above it.

6. And when you practice playing the song in the different keys at the keyboard, train your fingers to play the song with the help of the keyboard with the 7 scale tones on top.

Steps to practice Playing By Ear with the different keys:

1. For each Key, there is a keyboard showing you the scale numbers for the Key of the Song.

2. Visualize these scale tones in your head for that key

3. Make a mental picture of the number of black keys used.

For eg. D will have 2 black keys - F# and C# (remember to play those black keys when you hit 3 and 7)

4. The bottom keyboard with the red dots show you the playing of the song.

5. You can see very clearly how I play the song numbers corresponding to the scale numbers of the keyboard just above it.

6. And when you practice playing the song in the different keys at the keyboard, train your fingers to play the song with the help of the keyboard with the 7 scale tones on top.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Uses a 7-tone number system, which may offer a simplified approach to understanding and playing music for those new to music theory

Focuses on practical application through playing songs, which is beneficial for musicians who prefer a hands-on learning experience

Emphasizes playing by ear in all 12 keys, which can help musicians develop a more intuitive understanding of music and improvisation

Requires familiarity with the 12 scales, which may pose a challenge for absolute beginners without any prior music knowledge

Teaches a method that simplifies playing songs in different keys, which can be valuable for musicians who want to accompany singers or play in ensembles

Uses software-animated videos to demonstrate the 7-tone music system, which can be helpful for visual learners to grasp the concepts

Reviews summary

Play by ear with 7-tone system

According to learners, this course offers a unique and simplified approach to playing piano or keyboard by ear, focusing on a 7-tone number system rather than traditional sheet music. The method aims to help students quickly grasp playing in all 12 keys. The course includes numerous practice songs and animated video demonstrations to illustrate the concepts. While potentially a departure from conventional music theory, the system is described as easy to learn and intuitive, potentially freeing students from complex notation and encouraging deeper listening.

Method is different from conventional ear training.

"This isn't a traditional ear training course focused on intervals, but on playing based on scale degrees."

"It's important to understand this method focuses on the number system for playing, not identifying specific note pitches by ear."

"The course teaches a specific system rather than general ear training principles."

"My prior experience with music notation made this system feel very different, requiring adjustment."

"The focus is on the numerical pattern within the scale, not necessarily deep harmonic listening."

Good for those avoiding traditional notation.

"This course seems very suitable for beginners who find traditional sheet music daunting."

"Not needing to read music is a big plus for me."

"The simplicity of the 7-tone system is great for getting started."

"It feels less intimidating than standard music lessons."

"As someone new to playing by ear, this approach is easy to grasp initially."

Visual keybard aids learning process.

"The software-animated videos clearly show which notes to play."

"Seeing the red dots on the keyboard helps visualize the numbers."

"The split keyboard view (scale tones vs. melody) is a useful visual aid."

"Following along with the video demonstrations makes practicing easier."

"The video format makes it easy to pause and practice sections."

Offers many songs for applying the method.

"There are plenty of songs provided to practice applying the 7-tone numbers."

"Working through the song examples reinforces the learning."

"The course includes a good variety of familiar tunes."

"Practicing the included songs in different keys is helpful."

"The song challenges for advanced students are a nice addition."

System makes transposing songs easier.

"My goal was to play in different keys, and this system shows how to do it without rewriting music."

"It helped me venture out of just playing in Key of C."

"Learning the 12 scales is key, but the numbering system simplifies applying melodies to them."

"The exercises demonstrate playing the same song in multiple keys effectively."

"The course aims to make playing in keys like Db or F# feel accessible."

Teaches playing with numbers instead of notes.

"The main idea is to use numbers 1-7 for the scale tones instead of standard music notation, which is quite different."

"I appreciate not needing to read sheet music; the number system makes it accessible."

"It's a unique shortcut I hadn't encountered before for learning songs."

"Using the 7-tone scale numbers feels intuitive once you understand the concept."

"The course is centered around this 7-tone number system for melodies."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Play By Ear #2: Learn to Play By Ear Easily in 12 Keys Fast with these activities:

Review Major Scale Formulas

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of major scale construction before diving into playing in all 12 keys.

Browse courses on Major Scale

Show steps

Review the whole-step, half-step pattern (W-W-H-W-W-W-H).
Practice constructing major scales starting on different notes.
Identify the notes in each major scale.

Alfred's Self-Teaching Adult Piano Course

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Reinforce piano fundamentals with a self-teaching course.

View Alfred's Self-Teaching Adult Piano Course: The... on Amazon

Show steps

Work through the exercises in the book.
Focus on proper hand position and technique.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory, 2nd Edition

Show steps

Supplement your understanding of music theory with a comprehensive guide.

View Music Theory Note by Note: Your Guide to How... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the sections on scales, key signatures, and intervals.
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

12-Key Scale Practice

Show steps

Solidify your familiarity with all 12 major scales through repetitive practice.

Show steps

Play each major scale ascending and descending.
Focus on smooth transitions between notes.
Use a metronome to maintain consistent tempo.

Interval Recognition Practice

Show steps

Improve your ear training skills by practicing interval recognition.

Show steps

Use an ear training app or website to practice recognizing intervals.
Start with simple intervals (major and minor seconds, thirds, etc.).
Gradually increase the difficulty as you improve.

Compose a Simple Melody in All 12 Keys

Show steps

Apply your knowledge by composing a short melody and transposing it to all 12 keys.

Show steps

Compose a short, simple melody (4-8 bars).
Write out the melody using the 7-tone notation system.
Transpose the melody to each of the 12 keys.
Record yourself playing the melody in each key.

Transcribe a Simple Song by Ear

Show steps

Develop your ear training skills by transcribing a simple song using the 7-tone notation.

Show steps

Choose a simple song you enjoy.
Listen to the song repeatedly and try to identify the melody notes.
Write down the melody using the 7-tone notation system.
Check your transcription against a known source (sheet music, online transcription).

Career center

Learners who complete Play By Ear #2: Learn to Play By Ear Easily in 12 Keys Fast will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Pianist

A pianist can benefit greatly from this course. Pianists need to be versatile and able to play in various keys to accommodate singers or other instrumentalists. This course teaches a simplified method to play songs in all 12 keys using number notation, eliminating the need for multiple score sheets. A pianist taking this course will learn 17 magic tips and practice playing 19 songs, enhancing the ability to play songs by ear and adapt to different keys quickly and efficiently. This is particularly useful for playing with vocalists in their optimal range.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pianist

Music Teacher

A music teacher can leverage the techniques taught in this course to enhance their teaching methods. This course focuses on simplifying music learning by using a 7-tone number system to play in all 12 keys. As a music teacher, understanding this system can help students quickly grasp the concept of playing in different keys without needing to read traditional music scores. By learning the 17 magic tips and practicing with the provided songs, a music teacher can offer a time-saving and intuitive approach to music education, making it easier for students to play songs by ear and appreciate the different moods each key brings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher

Accompanist

The role of an accompanist often involves playing in various keys to support singers or instrumentalists, making this course highly relevant. This course teaches a unique 7-tone number system that simplifies playing songs in all 12 keys. An accompanist can use this method to quickly adapt to different keys without needing traditional music scores. The 17 magic tips and 59 practices will build the skills required to play by ear and transpose songs on the fly. This is particularly useful for rehearsals and live performances where flexibility is key. After taking this course, an accompanist can confidently play in any key.

See salaries and explore the career path for Accompanist

Church Musician

A church musician can significantly benefit from this course, as they often need to play hymns and worship songs in various keys to accommodate different vocal ranges within the congregation. This course teaches a simplified method to play songs in all 12 keys using a 7-tone number notation, eliminating the need for multiple score sheets. A church musician taking this course can learn 17 magic tips and practice playing many songs, including gospel songs. This enhances their ability to play songs by ear and adapt to different keys quickly, which is useful for leading worship services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Church Musician

Session Musician

A session musician will find that this course directly addresses the need for versatility and adaptability. Session musicians are often required to play in various keys and styles on short notice. This course focuses on playing songs in all 12 keys using a 7-tone number system, making it easier to transpose and play by ear. With the 17 magic tips and extensive practices included, a session musician can enhance their ability to quickly learn and perform songs in any key, meeting the demands of diverse recording sessions. The skills learned will allow a session musician to stand out.

See salaries and explore the career path for Session Musician

Music Arranger

A music arranger can find considerable value in the methods taught in this course. This course simplifies the process of playing and understanding music in all 12 keys through a 7-tone number system. For a music arranger, this means a faster way to experiment with different keys to find the best fit for a composition or performance. An arranger can use this knowledge to quickly notate ideas, communicate with performers, and create arrangements that utilize the unique moods each key can bring to a song. The method of this course can be a time-saving tool.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Arranger

Composer

Composers can use the insights from this course to enhance their creative process. This course focuses on simplifying music theory and application by teaching how to play in all 12 keys using a 7-tone number system. This approach allows a composer to quickly explore different tonal possibilities and understand how each key impacts the feel of a composition. The course emphasizes playing by ear, which can help a composer develop a deeper connection to their music and create more intuitive and emotionally resonant pieces. Learning to quickly notate ideas can also be invaluable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Composer

Choir Director

The skills taught in this course could be helpful for a choir director, who often needs to adjust keys to suit the vocal ranges of their choir members. The course teaches a method for playing songs in all 12 keys using a simplified 7-tone number system. A choir director taking this course may find benefit in learning how to quickly transpose music and understand the nuances of each key. The ability to play by ear, as emphasized in the course, may also aid in leading rehearsals and improvising vocal arrangements. This could lead to more adaptable and dynamically tuned performances.

See salaries and explore the career path for Choir Director

Music Therapist

This course may be useful for music therapists, who use music to address patients' emotional and psychological needs. This course teaches how to play music in all 12 keys using a simplified 7-tone number system, which can help a music therapist who is looking for a way to quickly adapt musical pieces. By learning to play by ear and understanding how different keys can affect mood, music therapists might be able to tailor their musical interventions to better suit the needs of their patients. This could allow for more personalized and effective therapy sessions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Therapist

Musical Theatre Performer

This course may be helpful for a musical theatre performer, who often needs to quickly learn and adapt to songs in various keys. This course teaches a method for playing songs in all 12 keys using a simplified 7-tone number system. A performer could learn to transpose music quickly and understand how different keys affect the emotional impact of a song. The ability to play by ear may also aid in learning new material and collaborating with musical directors. This could lead to a more versatile performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Musical Theatre Performer

While not directly related to playing by ear, the concepts taught in this course can provide a DJ with a deeper understanding of music theory. This course teaches a simplified system for understanding and playing in all 12 keys. A DJ taking this course may gain insight into how different keys interact and create different moods, which can be useful for creating mixes and transitions. The emphasis on recognizing musical patterns could also help a DJ anticipate changes in songs and create more seamless sets. This knowledge can elevate a DJ's ability.

See salaries and explore the career path for DJ

Audio Engineer

Though not directly related, understanding music theory and key relationships, as taught in this course, may provide audio engineers with a more nuanced perspective. This course teaches a simplified system for playing music in all 12 keys. An audio engineer could gain a better understanding of how different keys and scales sound together, which can inform their mixing and mastering decisions. The emphasis on listening and recognizing patterns may also improve their ability to identify sonic issues and make corrective adjustments, potentially improving the quality of their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Engineer

Podcaster

Podcasting is a spoken medium and might not appear connected to this course at first glance, however, the knowledge imparted in this course may be valuable. The course teaches a simplified system for understanding music theory and playing in all 12 keys. A podcaster who includes music in their content could use this knowledge to select music that matches the tone and mood of their episodes. The course's emphasis on ear training may also improve a podcaster's ability to identify and appreciate the nuances of sound, leading to higher quality audio production.

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Video Game Designer

Though seemingly unrelated, a video game designer can use the principles taught in this course to enhance the auditory experience of their games. This course teaches the 7 tone music scale and how to play in all 12 keys, which can help a designer create or select music that creates a particular mood or atmosphere within the game. Furthermore, learning to play by ear can help a designer to better communicate their musical ideas with composers and sound designers, leading to a more cohesive and impactful final product.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Game Designer

Software Developer

Although seemingly unrelated, the logical and pattern-based approach taught in this course may be useful for a software developer. This course breaks down music theory and simplifies playing in all 12 keys using a numerical system. A software developer may appreciate the systematic approach and the emphasis on recognizing patterns. Further, learning a new skill like playing music by ear can also foster creativity and improve problem-solving abilities, which are valuable assets in software development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Play By Ear #2: Learn to Play By Ear Easily in 12 Keys Fast.

Music Theory Note by Note

Save

Focuses specifically on ear training, which is crucial for playing by ear. It provides exercises and techniques to improve your ability to recognize intervals, chords, and melodies. While the course touches on listening deeply, this book offers a more structured approach to ear training, complementing the course's practical application of playing songs in different keys.

Music Theory Note by Note: Your Guide to How Music...

Kindle Edition

Alfred's Self-Teaching Adult Piano Course: The New,...

Save

Popular resource for adult piano learners. It covers basic piano techniques and music reading skills. While this course focuses on playing by ear, this book can help to reinforce the fundamentals of piano playing. It useful reference tool for beginners.

Alfred's Self-Teaching Adult Piano Course: The New,...

Paperback

Play By Ear #2

Learn to Play By Ear Easily in 12 Keys Fast

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Play by ear with 7-tone system

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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