Tips on transcribing chord changes...

[fiebru1119]

I was wondering if anyone had any advice on transcribing chord changes or what chords are being played in certain instances. I've been having a really hard time this. So far I've been only able to discern between major and minor (by playing 3rds against them). Dominant-7's I can pick up by ear as they are a pretty familiar sound, but some of the more complicated/extended ones I still cant do that on (Ex: C9, C11 etc).

I've been transcribing solo's of different instruments lately but I've found it hasn't done me much good since I cant figure out what chord are being played behind the solo.

If anyone is interested, I'm working on the sax solo of "Tjaded Motion" by Carribbean Jazz Project on their album "Island Stories".

 

[Lyle Caldwell]

There really isn't a substitute for ear training and experience. Start by trying to recognize intervals, then maj/min/dim/aug triads, then triads in different inversions, then sevenths, then sevenths in different inversions, then altered chords. There are interval recognition programs available or you could find a buddy and test each other with a keyboard.