Transcribing is the process of listening to a recording and figuring out how to play what you hear. While it’s a term often associated with jazz, it’s a skill that’s useful in any style of music. If you want to improve as a musician, transcribing can help you understand the nuances of your favorite players and deepen your connection to music.
Some musicians have transcribed hundreds of songs, while others claim they’ve never written anything down. Regardless, the common thread is that great players immerse themselves in music and internalize what they hear. It’s about more than just writing notes on paper—it’s about connecting with the music on a deeper level.
Getting Started
Before you dive into transcribing, take time to listen to the piece you want to learn multiple times over a few days. This gives you a chance to familiarize yourself with its overall structure, mood, and phrasing. You’ll be surprised at how much more you pick up when you come back to it after letting it sink in.
The Transcribing Process
- Pick a Recording: Choose something you love—a riff, solo, or chord progression that excites you.
- Learn by Ear: Break it down into small sections and figure out each note by ear. Singing or humming the part first will help you learn it much faster.
- Write It Down (Optional): If you want, notate what you’ve learned, but don’t rush. Focus on understanding the music first.
- Refine Over Time: As your ear improves, revisit the piece of music. Adjust and refine your transcription to reflect what you now hear more accurately.
Why Transcribe?
Transcribing helps you:
- Study how great musicians craft their ideas.
- Borrow licks and phrases to use in your own playing.
- To understand how players navigate common chord changes.
- Analyze why you connect with certain solos or pieces.
- Improve your ear and become a more confident guitar player.
Tips for Success
Transcribing isn’t just about getting notes on paper. To truly benefit:
- Sing It: Singing helps you internalize the melody and phrasing.
- Focus on Phrasing: Notice what makes the passage stand out—the bends, slides, hammer-ons, or timing.
- Memorize It: Commit it to memory to fully absorb the music.
- Take It Slow: Work on small sections at a time. Quality beats speed.
By engaging with the music this way, you’ll develop a deeper understanding and connection than you would by simply writing it down and moving on to a new piece.
Beyond the Notes
Transcription isn’t just a visual exercise. Hearing, imitating, and experimenting are where the magic happens. Think of it like learning to speak: we imitate sounds long before we read or write. Similarly, music should be learned by ear first, with notation as a secondary tool. Writing too soon can make the music feel rigid, limiting your creativity.
Make It Your Own
Here’s how to take your transcription further:
- Sing the passage repeatedly so you internalize it.
- Transpose it to different keys to expand your understanding.
- Experiment by changing the rhythm, altering a few notes, or tweaking the phrasing.
This process helps you internalize the music and make it part of your own voice.
The Right Mindset
Some musicians view transcription as purely academic, but it’s much more than that. It’s a creative journey that immerses you in the sounds you love. Whether or not you write it down, what matters is that you’re learning by ear and connecting with the music in a meaningful way.
Work with a Teacher
If you’re new to transcribing or want to improve, working with an experienced teacher can be a game-changer. They can show you effective methods and help you apply what you learn in your playing. A good teacher will model the process and help you unlock your potential.
Transcribing takes time and patience, but the rewards are worth it. Every step you take brings you closer to understanding and expressing music in your own unique way. So grab a recording, start listening, and enjoy the journey!
About The Author
Brian Fish is a professional guitarist who has been dedicated to helping other guitar players in Northeast Ohio pursue their musical dreams since 1994. He’s passionate about guiding others on their musical journey! He is the Guitar Playing Transformation Specialist, instructor, mentor, trainer, and coach at Guitar Lessons Geauga.
Brian has also assisted people from around the globe in developing a solid sense of timing and enhancing their creativity through the fantastic rhythm course, “Ultimate Rhythm Mastery,” available at MusicTheoryForGuitar.com.
If you live in Geauga County / Northeast Ohio, Guitar Lessons Geauga can help you become the player you’ve always wanted to be. Click below to book your free intro lesson!
