What Do People Mean When They Say They "Used to Learn by Just Playing Records"?

I find this statement particularly confusing, especially as a younger person who has always relied on the internet to help me learn new things. Many of my favorite guitarists have mentioned that they grew up learning by simply playing along with records and figuring things out as they went. How exactly does that work?

With so many variations in chords, different notes, scales, and positions, I can’t imagine how someone could start learning by ear just randomly trying chord shapes and notes until something clicks with the music. Is there some essential knowledge behind the idea of “learning by playing along” that’s not being mentioned?

I’m really interested in trying this method, but whenever I sit down to play, I often feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of possibilities and end up feeling like I’m just guessing without direction.

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Exactly! Back in the day, guitarists didn’t have YouTube or tabs at their fingertips, so they had to rely on their ears. It’s like a puzzle over time, you start recognizing patterns and associating certain sounds with specific chord shapes.

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That’s true! I remember when I first started, I would just play along with my favorite songs. It took a while, but I got the hang of it. I think it helps to start with simple songs that you already know well. That way, you can focus on matching what you hear without feeling overwhelmed.

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Also, don’t forget about muscle memory! Once you’ve found the right notes or chords a few times, your fingers will start to remember the shapes. It’s all about repetition and patience.

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It might feel random at first, but it’s really about building a foundation. Maybe start with one chord progression and loop it while you experiment. You might find it easier to learn by connecting what you play with what you hear.