Learning by Ear

For a beginner, learning by ear is one of the most frustrating things. For some people it comes easy, others it doesn't. If your like me, it'll take awhile. I will provide a few simple tips that may assist you in learning by ear. Remember that it takes time to develop a good musical ear.  

Start out learning simple tunes, such as nursery rhymes. A simple rule to follow is this; before you play it, make sure you can hum it. A painter first visualizes the painting in his mind before he/she begins to paint it, and for a musician it isn't any different. Play the song to yourself in your mind, then apply it to your fretboard. Find the first note and keep going down the scale until you find the second and so on. Lets start with a simple song; The Star Spangled Banner:  

Here are some other things to consider. Some of these may seem obvious, but some may not. 

• Listen for open strings. Especially open E and A, and even open D. Open strings ring out more, and can provide a good reference point for learning the song. Keep in mind that the E and A strings may be tuned down a half or even a whole step.
   
• When figuring out solos, use a basic Pentatonic scale pattern at the root note. Try to figure out if there using minor or major scales. Minor scales will have a darker feel to them, major scales more of a happier feel. This will help you in figuring out patterns.
   
• It may help you to start learning the melody first, then build the chords later. Building chords will come easier in time. Remember to listen to any "ringing", which indicate open strings.
   
• Listen for pull offs in the A position, also palm muting on the open E string. These are commonly used and provide good reference points.
   
• Use a cassette when figuring out songs so you can stop and play easier.  

That's all I can think of for now. Hope this helps. Keep in mind you don't have to figure out a song exactly as you hear it. Your version of the song is an interpretation of that song by you, with your own unique "fingerprint". Id rather listen to a player with a bad ear and a lot of feeling, that one with a great ear who plays like a robot. Just my opinion.