Playing the accordion by ear can be a lot of fun! If you don’t read music, don’t worry—many musicians make great music by relying on their ears and instincts. Whether you’re just learning or looking to play with others, here are some easy tips to help you get better at playing without sheet music, and feel more comfortable jamming with friends.
Tips for Playing Accordion by Ear
1. Start with Songs You Know
Pick songs that you already know well. Maybe it’s a folk tune, a pop song, or a melody you’ve heard a hundred times. Starting with something familiar will make it easier to figure out how to play it on your accordion.
2. Learn a Few Basic Chords
Even if you’re playing by ear, knowing some basic chords is super helpful. Learn how to play major and minor chords, and how they sound together. Most songs use pretty simple chord progressions, so once you get the hang of a few chords, you can use them in lots of different tunes.
3. Listen and Copy
Listen to a song you like and try to copy what you hear. Start by mimicking the melody, and then try to add in some chords. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—just keep practicing, and over time, you’ll get better at picking things up by ear.
4. Try Some Improvisation
Improvising is just making things up as you go. Play around with different notes and chords to see what sounds good. This can be a fun way to practice and get a feel for how music flows, even if you’re not playing a specific song.
5. Use Tricks to Remember
If you don’t read music, try using little tricks to remember how a song goes. You can hum or sing the melody to yourself or use simple patterns like “do-re-mi” to remind you of the notes. This can help you play songs from memory without needing any sheet music.
6. Record Yourself
Record yourself while you practice, and then listen back. This can help you hear what you’re doing well and where you might need to improve. Plus, it’s fun to hear how much progress you make over time!
7. Practice Playing with Others
Get together with other musicians whenever you can. Even if you don’t read music, playing with others will help you become a better listener and teach you how to stay in sync with a group.
Extra Tips for Jamming with Others When You Don’t Read Music
8. Ask for the Chords
If you’re playing with people who do read music, don’t be afraid to ask them for the chords. They can usually give you a simple list of the chords in the song, which will help you follow along.
9. Listen for Chord Changes
Pay close attention to when the chords change in a song. Even if you don’t know the exact chord, you can often hear when it’s time to switch to a new one. With practice, you’ll get better at recognizing these changes just by listening.
10. Watch the Lead Musician
When you’re playing in a group, watch the lead musician for cues. They might give little signals, like a nod or a glance, to show when the music is about to change. Keeping an eye on them can help you stay on track.
11. Be Open to Feedback
Playing with others is a great way to learn. If someone suggests trying something new or gives you tips, go for it! It’s all part of the fun and will help you grow as a musician.
12. Keep the Beat
Even if you don’t know all the chords, keeping a steady rhythm is key. Use the bass side of your accordion to keep the beat and help the group stay together. If you stay in time, everything will sound more cohesive.
