Ear Training & Drones

[ErikP.Bass]

I’ve experimented with working with a single note drone on and off for a period of time but never really had a good system per se. I’m curious if other members have done the same and whether or not they found it beneficial. I have heard it recommended in several places so there must be some merit to it if navigated properly.

I’m looking to develop my ear and initial studied intervallically in an atonal context and then used the Functional Ear Trainer application for years but have found that I’ve hit a plateau. I’m also not sure how much it’s helped me hear harmonically, if that makes sense.

 

[onda'bass]

Yes, practicing with a pitch or chord is helpful for your ear training.

 

[mambo4]

A drone is good but I think for ear training chord pads are superior

I have a smart phone app called Chordbot, stripped down chord sequencer
I'll often plop down one bar of C major pad on repeat
and practice singing my solfeggio scales and arpeggios on my commute

 

[JRA]

I’m also not sure how much it’s helped me hear harmonically...

i'm not sure i'm following, but if you know what a specific interval should sound like = drones are the bomb!

you're talking about playing fretless, right?

 

[ErikP.Bass]

I’m not talking about playing fretless but I’ve definitely encountered the approach to intonation within that context. In typing that I suppose it is similar but with the voice as the instrument.

These are two links that might help clarify what I mean…..my apologies for not being terribly clear.

Bruce Arnold MetroDrone

Reddit Thread

 

[Rhythmman535]

Check out the Funtional Ear Trainer app. 10 minutes a day.

 

[ErikP.Bass]

Check out the Funtional Ear Trainer app. 10 minutes a day.

I love the app and do use it daily on my walks with the dogs or other places in the margins. I am good with The Major Scale all options but really fall apart when I start to fold in Chromatics in a Major Context. That was why I started to branch out into exploring other approaches. I’m thinking I probably need to sing more and while I score good with the drills for major….it’s simply not internalized well enough yet.

 

[Rhythmman535]

Consistency is the key.

 

[Ritter667]

I think you are on to something there, with drone.

Personally I train my ears with Sunn O)))...

 

[ryco]

Morning practice I'm usually on a fretless and use this drone site

Music Drones Fantasy

each drone runs about 10-15min. Major, minor, root + 5th options, and a few chord progressions.
Sometimes open another tab on the laptop and run an free online drum machine under the drone.