I have a question about ear training.
As a self-taught guitarist, I can now identify different scale tonalities and basic major/minor chords by ear.
But when I study chords, there are so many inversions and complex chords—sometimes built from two triads, like how C7(9) can be formed using G minor and A minor triads.
In improvisation, these kinds of fast-moving, complex harmonic sounds are hard for me to identify.
Are there any common characteristics I should listen for?
Or, how can I train my ear to better recognize inversions and complex chords in general?
Great question!
Ear Training is to recognize the pitches, harmonies slowly.
Be familiar with the sound that you love.
Do not rush this process at all. It will take some time.
Did you watch any lessons on Essential Music Theory?
https://tomovhxtv.vhx.tv/music-theory-i
Especially early lessons so that you can understand those scales on one string approach.
Learn songs include C9... Blues, R&B.
Common C9 sound is R M3 b7 9 or R M3 b7 9 5 ....
Sometimes we play M3 b7 9 5 too... without root.
You can slow down! Super slow!
You can hear those triads as ... b7 9 5 ... R M3 6 (13)
No meed to play anything fast!
Play them super slowly and repeat many times.
Listen more blues, especially blues organ so that you can hear those harmony!
Jimmy Smith, Jack MacDuff and more.
Listen more music deeply & train your ears as much as you can.
Practice triad inversions more and more! Major & Minor!
Can you play F Major Triad Inversions smoothly without pause 3 seconds?
3 ways? https://tomovhxtv.vhx.tv/foundation-triads/videos/ftr-09-triads-review-1
Thank you.
Tomo
Thank You Tomo!
This is really good advise.
When I practice triads, I feel like this is the foundation I've been looking for.
Now I know something more fundamental and important.
You're very welcome!
I will practice triad inversions slow and no noises!
You got it!
Foundation can improve your playing!
Tomo