Must Know Ear Training Exercises for Bass Players

[@ganderson87]

When you haven't watched a SBL in ages and confused as hell because it takes you a few minutes to realise it isn't Scott... :D

[@a.j.4076]

Man, for a moment I thought Scott had cancer! :O

[@keisn2446]

so weird

[@mattbratton9516]

Dude, Ian is awesome!

[@ganderson87]

@@mattbratton9516 That was never in doubt!

[@jibicusmaximus4827]

Ikr weird innit lol.

[@lancelotlink6545]

This! This is how I trained my ear on guitar (I wish I had someone tell me years earlier because I figured it out on my own.) But singing the scales as I practiced them eventually gave me the freedom to improvise. I mainly can have an idea in my head and play it all over the fretboard. That's the freedom you get from training your ear. It's like the cheat mode.

[@scottselberg2419]

"Nurtured by Love" the book written by Shinichi Suzuki was totally revolutionary approach to learning music based on the way we learn language - listen and repeat back. Memorization is strongly encouraged. Reading music is left till later in a musician's development. The ideas in this video are strongly in alignment rather than in contrast with Suzuki method.

[@prestachuck2867]

Just like Victor Wooten teaches. “You don’t teach your children to diagram sentences before you teach them to speak and converse, so why do we teach music the other way around?”

[@stephenshoihet2590]

@@prestachuck2867 because adults think that learning the rules is a shortcut. Adults do the same thing learning a second language, they try to find rules to map their native language to the 2nd language instead of just using the language over and over until they become second nature. Learning like a child requires you to make a lot of mistakes, a lot of adults don't like that 🙂

[@shinninglightministry7050]

​@@stephenshoihet2590wow, I never thought about it like that... Adults really don't like making mistakes😅

[@FranticFoxBass]

God I love when Ian takes over. So much positive energy!

[@matthewjamieson370]

Love IMA. ❤ .....guys a legend

[@butterboydan]

I hate how underrated this channel is. This Channel really helped my bass playing

[@eddiedanielsinga3058]

I agree with you man!

[@rymalia]

This guy’s good - let’s keep him.

[@henryc7598]

IBL! :O

[@citrus4419]

nah he talks too much

[@Michael-kx2bn]

@@citrus4419 compared to Scott lol???

[@jonthecomposer]

I've been teaching these exact same concepts for years. And people seem to be surprised when I tell them that I don't "think" in notes, but numbers. I've always described it like this (after they learn the basics): The song or scale or whatever you're playing is the "house." It has blueprints. Everything is already made and put together, and is relative unto its different pieces. The key is just the "address." You can build the exact same house on nearly any street. But the house itself remains the same. So instead of referring to the house DESIGN (the song itself) by its address (the key), you refer to it by the numbers (its blueprint). In other words, you learn to "build that specific house" (that song) by default because you know all of its relationships (numbers). Then, you just use whatever key (address) to place it in the "neighborhood" (key) of those who are building the house (playing the song) with you.

[@This_comment_was_said]

"Sing !" - The one word advice, that totally helped me 🥺🙏

[@tanortv]

I'm from Ghana. West Africa... I'm enjoying your bass tutorials .... Scot bass lesson tutorials... Keep it up sir.

[@J_Carter]

I love Scott 2.0! Funny, entertaining, and always on point (without beating the point to death). Ian, I want more of you!!

[@dustin6336]

Loved this guy for years! So glad he’s a more permanent contributor to SBL.

[@PolishPilot17]

Thank you, most bass videos I usually feel dont help, as they are like the artist "step 1 draw circle step 2 finishing touches and bam a face!" But this went through the steps and I actually get it, felt happy when I guessed the note before you said it, showing it worked :D

[@harpsichordjass4670]

Ian is one of my favorite bassists and I've never even listened to him just. Play. Good advice, presents a great character and presentation ability.

[@Xubuntu47]

OK, you got me. I got into bass because I kept singing improvised bass lines and thought "huh, there must be a bass player in there somewhere. Maybe let him out." Got a bass, and it was all about fingers, the ears got left behind. I keep trying to pull them back in. I needed this reminder and practical steps. I *know* this is important, but it's so much easier to look at the notes-I have been reading music for decades. Recently I have been learning a song mostly by watching the notation scroll on the screen. I think I can get the rest by ear. It's worth a try. Thanks, Ian.

[@texasorange285]

Yes!!!!!!! Thank you....Yes!!!! This is excellent!!!!!!Just started playing the Bass a few months ....after years playing the Alto saxophone!

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I started learning the piano 4 months ago. I faked it the first 3 months and only did right hand patterns. I finally took the plunge an said I needed to also develop left hand technique. Everybody talks about the left hand being the bass side of the piano, so I ended up here. Or is it hear? Merci for this introduction. BTW my Mama has suggested that I really really don't sing. But we don't care what Mama don't allow, do we?

Ian is such a great teacher. Love that he jumped on SBL!

[@crimfan]

Super advice from Scott's American twin. A while back Scott had a video about singing scales as you play them and it's very worthwhile. It really helps getting the notes to sink into your ear. Having a refined ear also helps if you ever want to play fretless and it really helps with things like vibrato or bends. Also, even if you're playing with sheet, a developed ear helps hear mistakes when you're playing them live.

[@stevemoskal1017]

This is how I learned the bass parts in songs ---growing up in a farm town with no music teachers. I think I dropped the needle over and over on so many Rolling Stones records that they became unplayable. In 12 minutes you validated what I was doing in 1963 and still continue to do it - learn the bass parts - today.

[@devinebass]

Yes dude! So awesome 🤘🏻

[@ronniechun-akana6433]

Scott, This newer phase of instruction is more to my liking. Your previous presentations were very tutorial and stresses my mind to know every theory. Just PLAY, OKAY!!!

[@BankruptBassplayer]

Thanks for this.. I showed this to a student who has been doubting the process. You explain it perfectly. Say hello to Scott for me (Raoul from the Warwick Basscamp)

[@anythingspossiblemusic]

You are one happy guy 😊

[@blazeesq2000]

This lesson is simply correct. In "music school" (the first two years) this is what is taught. Can you sing what you play? Can you play what you sing? Your particular facility with an instrument stops mattering - with some exceptions.

[@d.l.loonabide9981]

I use both the numbers for the scale degrees as well as the solfege names. Singing what you're playing is a very powerful tool that improves multiple skills. Ian is correct about ear versus reading. Reading is valuable in some situations. Hearing is vital in ALL situations.

[@paulsayer426]

Thanks Ian, so easy to watch and listen to full of enthusiam , but thats the prettiest Jazz ive ever seen , if you ever sell , im here !

[@adamdavidvideos]

I love Ian, he is so good

[@SquareWaveSymphonies]

Hey, nice to see you again, American Scott! Very cool video, too. :)

[@SirPhilosopher]

Awesome! I already have been doing a bunch of this innately from being in choirs. And I played acoustic just from knowing basic chords. But having not played anything for a while I think bass is going to be my next adventure.

[@DruEllz]

Good to see that the comments from 2 weeks ago were listened to and a lesson put together so quickly.

[@Caliemha]

Thank you for suck an inspiring video! I also learn by ear and by patterns. I remember joining the band for a school musical as a keyboard player, and then the instructor gave me a music sheet for Thriller. I told him that I could not read it fluently (it takes some time for me to read it and translate it to the keys) and he responded with "why are you here then?" He then taught me and the pianist some parts, and I learned it quicker, and also remembered it better (because I remember patterns). So he was proven wrong, and you should not be ashamed to not be able to read music sheets that well :)

[@themosaito]

Really love these videos aimed at newbies. First steps are so helpful!! Thank you.

[@mark-jurado]

Great help Ian, thank you! I'd like to see a whole video that's nothing but ear training exercises like this. Give me an hour of "What key is this? Now what chord is this?" It's fun! 🙂

[@fernandochacon2579]

What kind of super teacher is this? Thanks, man.

[@BobbyKewley]

With or without you and The Joshua Tree was where I started my bass playing journey, 35 years ago. Felt my way around the bass by ear in the very way you describe here 🙂

[@NobeGamingOfficial]

As a Brit, I can't take this level of enthusiasm...

[@richardgudino7630]

I get it, but as a Mexican, I LOVE this level of enthusiasm :-)

[@scottibass]

As an American, it is the right amount of enthusiasm

[@adammono1839]

As a grumpy northern Englishman, I LOVE his enthusiasm! All of his SBL vids are great!

[@claudelamoreux8543]

Imagine if he had ALL his coffee.

[@justthegirlnxtdoor]

Haha. You're so funny! :D

[@thesongwritersdropin2565]

Thanks so much, Ian. I've been playing by ear for many many years and now after all those years have started to do exactly what you're doing via interval recognition. Because of all those years doing this subliminally or subconsciously, it's made the latter a lot easier to deal with. Thanks very much for the content. Always great! 🙂🎶👌

[@devinebass]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@alexisazuara9649]

I always read music and last week i told my self i was going to train my ear to learn songs quickly and to get the notes that i wanted. I struggled until i started singing with my bass. 2 days later this video is uploaded.

[@an1k199]

Brilliant Lesson, Ian! I try to practice this. Thanks! He's just a blessing for SBL! :)

[@nicolazocco9881]

Now...I 've got an issue...I started wandering which one of you guys is the best teacher, you or Scott?...man! you're both such good in making things so clear!!! I am very much obliged indeed!

[@alexluna6810]

This guy is a cool DUDE!! Nice choice scottie

[@gridnik-j3n]

This is exactly what I need, thank you so much! I‘d appreciate more content on ear training.

[@gamingwithzack6368]

That was extremely helpful and eye opening to where I can learn and progress, he is an awesome teacher thank you guys at SBL so much for helping me improve daily, the guys in the band say they notice the difference since I have become an academy member. Can’t give enough praise

[@twzstudio139]

Great video. So many great players are not readers, (many are as well) it is great to hear ear training be validated.

[@bobbywhiskey]

The most comfortable teacher ever ...thanks man... awesome job

[@davedupuis2069]

I like this newbie to SBL...I dig your teaching style!

[@MrPrincebass99]

Great lesson, Ian. Simple and highly effective.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

IAN im so glad you're part of SBL!! Such a great attitude!!

[@timbrown60]

I love the lessons you do on sbl. There's something about the way you teach that connects with me

[@crow3043]

Even knowing scales and frasings, its a great exercise. After 2 years playng bass, playing by ear (or trying), i see my technic and learning potencial growing Ps: Sorry for the bad english. Greatings from brasil!

[@stevensleconte493]

Your english is great man! perfect sentence with just 3 misspelt words: phrasings, technique, greetings (it's not your fault, english is pretty weird)

[@crow3043]

@@stevensleconte493 thanks man!

[@Smittefar1]

Great video - I was taught in the opposite way - I was taught to read music notation, but in my first years, nobody really talked about listening. So yes, I could sight read melodies, but I could not play anything by ear. I wish somebody had forced me to focus on playing by ear much earlier on. I still struggle with it. And the reality is that when you play in a pop or rock band. Chances are there is no music notation to sight read from. Musical interaction with other musicians is all done by ear.

[@oliversmoochies8973]

Great vid! I struggle with playing by ear and this helped. Thanks Ian (and Scott)

[@SoEasyPiano]

More of this! I love your teaching bro.

[@colinahenderson87]

Really enjoyed this video, took a lot from it. I’ve played bass for numerous years but I’ve also felt let down my ‘ear’ so it’s good to work on this.

[@mingram008]

A door just opened. Man I appreciate that.

[@Town101]

Great Video! much needed. Rock on Brother!

[@luichek1858]

You are an Amazing Inspiration ! Thank You

[@thomasfioriglio]

Fantastic lesson Ian. When I first started playing I had to do this because there was no KZbin or Ultimate Guitar to get bass lines from. I found since I picked up playing again that I am relying too much on those sites and need to get back to learning songs by ear. Its kind of like my sense of direction which was always good. Now I find I go almost everywhere with the GPS on and my sense of direction has weakened. Time to work out my ear.

[@IanMartinAllison]

There is something really amazing about doing the work to figure something out with your ears versus immediately finding the KZbin tutorial. But of course we are all guilty of the latter! Hope this was valuable to you!

[@fr3qh0pp3r]

Thanks Ian !!! You’ve described how I’ve been learning bass playing since my teen years to the present. Still striving to improve !!!

[@FacePunch0]

Thank you for this awesome lesson! It has opened up a whole new way to learn music! I hear and know notes better than I thought😅

[@tomsquires5741]

This is a good lesson for any instrument

[@anewplasticidea]

this is so helpful wow thanks a lot i never would have thought this way. i can recognize the sounds so easily because i listen to so much music, i know the fret notes but i couldn't find a way to hammer it into my head and know what it actually sounds like to translate it by finding those notes on the neck-very daunting. your advice blew my mind!

[@jabez36]

This feels like Blues Clues but for bass. I love it

[@IanMartinAllison]

This made me LOL IRL

[@jabez36]

@@IanMartinAllison Ian I love your enthusiasm. I learned so much from your drummer and bassist class on SBL! Keep up the good work!

[@Laump29]

I have been practicing active listening for more than half year, I wish I found this channel earlier. Awesome thank you!!!

[@fodera0915]

my favorite bass teacher

[@SirPhilosopher]

Well, you mentioned the two methods & I am definitely here to work on the second😂

[@evanmiller9316]

This guy is a great teacher ngl

[@BrunoMigliari]

Great insights on ear training. Love SBL's content, and Ian's videos kick major ass. Keep up the great job you guys are doing!

[@brookgannon]

Great beginning ear training lesson! I'm going to use this with my students in the future. Thanks!

[@pigfish168]

Ian, yes please.. we want more of this stuff!! 🙏

[@Khatmandude]

Thank you! Exactly what I needed to HEAR!

[@narenduffy8113]

Awesome. More please!

[@borjalarrain6335]

Ian is a great teacher! And this content is very useful!

[@davelock3166]

Great video. I cant red notes, but have got by with my ears forever.

[@PushSueAside]

Thank you Ian.This is extremely helpful. You unlocked a door that I walk by every day. (…and it smells like they’re baking cookies, in here!!!) …but seriously, this is a brilliant lesson. Cheers

[@lrb3989]

Awesome lesson no one has ever taught me ear training using this method

[@binanonym6709]

Thanks , this video was really helpful🤘

[@alexfeatherstone8854]

Ian is a great addition to the SBL team!

[@euphoricguitars8154]

Thanks for singing with us Ian!

[@bgkgkg802]

Thank you for the tips, this was awesome and I started it right away

[@johngallaghermusic9777]

Thanks for this. I've been an ear player for years but have only just started to do this exercise in my head to discern the intervals. because of the repetition of playing for a long time,it turns out that my ear is not bad when doing this. this is a great lesson .Thanks Ian

[@idle_andrew]

Thank you so much Ian!!!

[@alfredmuveestarrmickens6841]

Great lesson. Thanks

[@verdamplangher]

Best explanation ever ❤

[@andrewgross7563]

Just signed up for the lessons, and before I’d just tried to teach myself from tabs. It was like discovering fire, I can see you have to tone yourself back in the beginner lessons so I hope I can keep up in the further ones. Also 120 bucks for a year is a steal, I’m already certain that I love this instrument and want to stick with it.

[@sk_lxr2920]

how have you been doing this 11 months?

[@TehMrRoflz]

what’s your opinion on using it for a year now? Yay or nay ?

[@sirthisisawendys811]

Ay dude, it's been two years. We wanna know about your progress lol

[@andrewgross7563]

@@sirthisisawendys811 oh shit I missed the other notifications. The program was good when I got into it and has definitely gotten better. I mean just the free shit on KZbin is a treasure trove, but the progression tracking and stuff helps. I take notes to the videos and if they say something I don't know I teach myself the context to get the most from the lesson. I didn't know any notes or where they were, just the tune of the string and the fret number. I've been mostly just drilling the fundamentals with the info they have, rather than blaze thru. I'm pretty sure you can pay for lifetime for a one time charge after your first year is purchased so I'd say it's 10/10. You get lessons and a community and progression.

[@sirthisisawendys811]

@@andrewgross7563 I didn't actually expect you to reply 🤣 Anyway thanks for the info/review

[@justino.3996]

Good video, but you need to do some reading on how the Suzuki method works. Suzuki focuses on “sound before sight” at a young age. Literally learning to play by ear before leaning to read music.

[@reachinguptohim4292]

I'm primarily a singer. Always wanted to learn an instrument. Great info! ❤

[@miraclebakossa5641]

This is dope. Thanks a lot SBL

[@MJTbreww]

No clue how to read music but I can work out some songs by just listening a few times and just trying to copy. Exactly what you did in the video, after you get the basics you add the rest like ghost notes, or whether it’s stocatto etc.

[@wannaride54]

Love Ian!!

[@rjcga67]

Excellent video.....thank you

[@kingofpenguins4157]

This is insanely good advice

Thats was my beginner tutorial and he is right with the intervals.. thay are very helpful...honestly !! Thank you very much !! You took me back to the start which i had put it to the side and now i just grab it and started...wow !! It took me to the next level....thanks again👍🏽🔊🎵🎶

[@justthegirlnxtdoor]

I definitely appreciate this kind of video. Give us more! :)

[@bobpond6381]

I like this guy keep him on

[@davidfox7983]

Excellent Cheers Scott

[@lunacy_bass]

Love your SBL content, man!

[@giovanimoreno8402]

Killer explanation!

[@nirajrayker9282]

Wow Fantastic lesson. It was really helpful!

[@VitorAlmeida90]

Thank you so much for the content!

[@BlueIvey777]

Extremely helpful!!