Playing by Ear.. any help?

After playing for about 5 months, I've been there, done that with most tabs. They're either wrong or completely off in some part. Any have some tips for learning to tab songs by ear? I play on the heavier side of rock so it's difficult to hear it at times as well.

I really don't have much experience playing BASS by ear, but I play in my school's jazz band. I've been playing in jazz (if that's what my teacher can call it) for a while, and, really, there is no easy way to learn songs by ear. You really just have to play the parts of the song where you're having trouble. Using tabs as guidelines isn't a bad thing.

Really, it's a talent that takes a lot of time to develop. Practice makes perfect.

learn your scale pattern and go every other fret for thirds

Start simple, and work your way up from there! Start with basic songs, just root notes... Then build up to working out small riffs etc. Whenever you're trying to learn a song, find the roots, then take it from there. Us bassists are VERY lazy, so you'll find that the riff will be under your fingers.

Try these:

The Police - Every Breath you Take: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSaHoYN-FsU

Start on the 4th fret E string (Ab/G#)

Ben E. King - Stand by Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbg7YoXiKn0

Start on the 7th fret E A string (E) I think, off the top of my head!

Bod Dylan - Knocking on Heavens Door: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a_QPJrMY8g

I can't remember, I *think* you start on the 3rd fret E string (G).

I'll post more later!

Thanks for the help, I'll work on those tonight as well, Smaz

You could get his name right .

But old Smazy doesn't mind, so neither do we.

stefk0 wrote:You could get his name right .

But old Smazy doesn't mind, so neither do we.

Lol, it was late, but fixed either way; Sorry :O.