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10 Things Musicians Need to Hear

May 17, 20231 min read

10 Things Musicians Need to Hear

You often read of a musician who “wore out a recording” by listening to it over and over again. The point is to hear everything from the melody down to the smallest details. Our goal should be to hear something different everytime we listen to a record. 

Here are ten things you should be listening for

  1. Solos: Listen to how the solo is constructed. Notice any licks that really catch your ear. 

  2. Groove: Pay attention to the rhythmic feel and swing of the music.

  3. Harmony: Try to follow the changes. Are there any interesting chord changes?

  4. Melodic Variation: Notice how the melody is being embellished.

  5. Motive Development: Listen to how the soloists develop their ideas

  6. Articulation and Dynamics: Notice how the types of articulation they use and 

  7. Phrasing: Listen to how they use space and how their phrases relate to one another

  8. Interaction: Listen to how the musicians interact with one another through their playing.

  9. Form: Keep track of the form and try to always know where you are intuitively

  10. Timbre and Tone: Pay attention to how they vary tone and timbre. 

The more we hear, the better we play and if you can’t hear it, you won’t play it. Listening is as important as practice. So make deep listening one of your regular activities. 

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George Hess

Dr. George Hess is an guitarist, composer, educator and author. He was a professor of music at leading universities in the US and Asia for 30 years and has performed with top professionals all over the world.

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Learn Jazz Guitar Online Blog
Learn Jazz Guitar Online Blog Author

Written By: Dr. George Hess

Dr. George Hess is an guitarist, composer, educator and author. He was a professor of music at leading universities in the US and Asia for 30 years and has performed with top professionals all over the world.

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32 N Gould St, Sheridan WY 82801

george@georgehessmusic.com

+1 866-900-1361

2024 | Jumpstart Jazz Guitar | Rights Reserved

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Jumpstart Jazz Guitar

Learn Jazz Guitar Online Blog

headphones

10 Things Musicians Need to Hear

May 17, 20231 min read

10 Things Musicians Need to Hear

You often read of a musician who “wore out a recording” by listening to it over and over again. The point is to hear everything from the melody down to the smallest details. Our goal should be to hear something different everytime we listen to a record. 

Here are ten things you should be listening for

  1. Solos: Listen to how the solo is constructed. Notice any licks that really catch your ear. 

  2. Groove: Pay attention to the rhythmic feel and swing of the music.

  3. Harmony: Try to follow the changes. Are there any interesting chord changes?

  4. Melodic Variation: Notice how the melody is being embellished.

  5. Motive Development: Listen to how the soloists develop their ideas

  6. Articulation and Dynamics: Notice how the types of articulation they use and 

  7. Phrasing: Listen to how they use space and how their phrases relate to one another

  8. Interaction: Listen to how the musicians interact with one another through their playing.

  9. Form: Keep track of the form and try to always know where you are intuitively

  10. Timbre and Tone: Pay attention to how they vary tone and timbre. 

The more we hear, the better we play and if you can’t hear it, you won’t play it. Listening is as important as practice. So make deep listening one of your regular activities. 

blog author image

George Hess

Dr. George Hess is an guitarist, composer, educator and author. He was a professor of music at leading universities in the US and Asia for 30 years and has performed with top professionals all over the world.

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Can I Learn Jazz Guitar On A Busy Schedule?

Learn Jazz Guitar Online Blog

Learning a musical instrument has numerous benefits, improving cognitive abilities, relieving stress, and providing a sense of accomplishment. However, finding time to practice can be challenging for busy adults. If you're interested in learning jazz guitar, don't worry! With the right approach, anyone can learn jazz guitar, no matter how busy they are.

Engaging in musical activities like jazz guitar enhances cognitive abilities and serves as a powerful stress reliever. Despite time constraints, it's possible to fit practice into a busy schedule. Short, consistent sessions and flexible learning resources such as online tutorials make it easier than ever. Learning jazz guitar can be a rewarding and enriching part of life, no matter how busy you are.

10 Things Musicians Need To Hear

Learn Jazz Guitar Online Blog

You often read of a musician who “wore out a recording” by listening to it over and over again. The point is to hear everything from the melody down to the smallest details. Our goal should be to hear something different every time we listen to a record.

Linked Article Title 3

Your Paragraph text goes Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam. Your Paragraph text goes Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.

Your Paragraph text goes Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam. Your Paragraph text goes Lorem ipsum dolor sit alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.

Learn Jazz Guitar Online Blog
Learn Jazz Guitar Online Blog Author

Written By: Dr. George Hess

Dr. George Hess is an guitarist, composer, educator and author. He was a professor of music at leading universities in the US and Asia for 30 years and has performed with top professionals all over the world.

Facebook Icon
Author Website

Up Next >

Up Next >

Contact Us

+1 866-900-1361

george@georgehessmusic.com

32 N Gould St, Sheridan WY 82801

Jumpstart Jazz Guitar -

2024 | Jumpstart Jazz Guitar | Rights Reserved

Site Map | Powered By: MSGF