Easy songs for ear training?

[oniman7]

I'm beginning some basic ear training and would like some simple songs to start with. Easy songs with a few chord changes, preferably in 4/4, no fancy fills. Rock/metal will be the most fun (and fun's important to me =p) but I'll play just about anything if it sounds good. Please, none of that electric "pop" that's on the radio now. It may be important, but I think I'd shoot myself if I had to do too much of it. Any other pop (especially from the 80's) is good.

I got through Papa Roach's "Forever" pretty easily. However, when I got to the end of it and checked the tab... I seem to have played everything a whole step up. Any ideas on how I might have done this?

[MalcolmAmos]

My instructor gave me the assignment - come back and play the melody to Mary had a little lamb, Somewhere over the rainbow and one more of my choice. I had a week to do this. Then each week I was to add three new ones. Of course this was on top of the normal assignment. First thing I learned - in most songs all the verses use the same melody. Learn one verse and you have the whole song. Not a step for a stepper.

.....I got through Papa Roach's "Forever" pretty easily. However, when I got to the end of it and checked the tab... I seem to have played everything a whole step up. Any ideas on how I might have done this?

Sounds like you played it in another key. Not a big deal. Worry about getting the song in the "right" key later.


Nursery rhymes and campfire songs right at first....... in any key you like.

[Johnny Crab]

Do Malcom's assignments then try these three different flavors:

My Girl http://www.playlist.com/playlist/additem/365010705

Video Killed the Radio Star http://www.playlist.com/playlist/additem/625859857
(Hint: you can cover the intro line sound with a mild flanger and cut your tone back)

Straight On for You http://www.playlist.com/playlist/additem/710586897

Note:
Tabs and sheet music are not always right. Do NOT think they are Holy Grail.
I've had this issue with others as I learn covers in the key of the original which may not be the key that so-and-so publishing or a fake-song-book put it in.
Ear training and familiarity with your instrument will put you on the road to being able to play "what you hear" quickly. Stick with it and HAVE FUN!

[dtiii]

The Papa Roach tune is played drop-D. If your low string is tuned to E then you would be a whole step off on anything played on that string. If all strings are off then drop all of them down the whole step. I don't know what tabs you're looking at. Like stated above, develop your ear and learn to trust it. It's a better way. Also, U2 is a good band for simple progressions and basic bass lines. Try the tunes With Or Without You and One.

d