Lesson 6 Dobro® Basics: Ear Training Developing Tonal Recognition

by Mickey Cochran

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After learning a couple of basic melodies, it would be a great opportunity to start developing ear training. Now, ear training is something you've already been doing subconsciously...just by learning to tune your Dobro and learning your first melodies. The ear training I'd like you to focus on now would be with a conscious effort; one where you're completely aware that you're trying to distinguish one note from another. This can take time...even so, the reward can be immense.

Ear Development Lesson 1
1. Close your eyes as you play each open string on your Dobro...listen carefully to the different pitches (this of course is after you've tuned your Dobro to concert pitch).
2. After you've carefully listened to each string played open, now name each note being played...again with your eyes closed.
3. Now, have a friend, or family member, play each string randomly...you'll have to be turned away from the Dobro, or have your eyes closed...can you now name the strings being played with full confidence? If so, you're on your way to developing your ear to differentiate pitches. This is the most important step in learning to find melody notes.
4. After you can name each open string with confidence, try some experimenting with an electronic tuner. If you don't currently own an electronic tuner, it might be worth making the investment. These will help you tune your dobro to correct pitch...and, they are also an indispensable tool in further ear training. For instance, take out an electronic tuner and try playing random notes on your dobro. Watch carefully as the tuner will name each note for you...this will give you a visual reference in case you do not know which note you're playing. This is also a great tool to assist you in reading music.

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