How to start learning to hear the layers in music?

Submitted by 88Moletom t3_zx0nvp in Music

It’s difficult for me to hear bass in music, sometimes even guitar riffs. Along with just background parts in generally. I listen to music on my Airpod pros and usually listen to metal. I’m curious of how much equipment effects it and also if I should go more softer genres to start learning. All other tips and tricks will be heard and appreciated, thank you!

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DPPThrow45 t1_j1xupnw wrote

Ear buds suck IMHO for getting details from music.

Along with that, distractions hinder it, too.

YMMV, but a good set of over the ear headphones and a non-internet connect playback mechanism would be a great start

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arlondiluthel t1_j1xv29i wrote

Softer genres will definitely help. Metal is one of the genres of music that is known for a phenomenon called "wall of sound". Essentially everything is so loud that it's difficult to ascertain individual parts, or even the melody of the song. If you're trying to do ear training, it helps to pick a single instrument within the song, and focus solely on that instrument when you listen, and listen to the same song 2 or 3 times in a row, focusing on that one instrument. Then, repeat the process with another instrument. I can provide you some songs that are by bands you may like that would definitely help you with ear training, if you wish.

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arlondiluthel t1_j1xvttp wrote

Replying to DPPThrow45 (#1,108,523)

I would make two counter-arguments: OP does mention they're using AirPod Pros, I would say that the 'phone manufacturer' Pro models (both the AirPod and Pixel Bud Pros) are very good for a beginner who is just starting out with ear training. If they had more experience and were looking to get beyond just enjoyment/understanding of music, then spring for quality, corded, over-ear headphones.

Also, internet-based playback mechanisms are fine (for beginners). Most of them have high-quality modes (I'm most familiar with Spotify because that what I use for basic day-to-day music enjoyment, and their high-quality playback is restricted to Premium members). What you don't want is one with ads.

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arlondiluthel t1_j1xyphg wrote

Replying to 88Moletom (#1,109,000)

I will keep in mind your preference for metal with these recommendations, and hopefully you'll recognize a few of these bands.

  • The Sound of Silence by Disturbed

  • Swing Life Away by Rise Against

  • The Green Fields of France (No Man's Land) by the Dropkick Murphys

  • Roads Untraveled by Linkin Park (there's even an instrumental version of this song available on Spotify, which I would recommend)

  • Billie Jean by Chris Cornell

  • The Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix

  • Silent Lucidity by Queensryche

  • Beth by KISS

  • Yellow Ledbetter by Pearl Jam

  • Everlong (Acoustic version) by Foo Fighters

  • A Symptom of Being Human by Shinedown

  • Where Did You Sleep Last Night by Nirvana (the MTV Unplugged version)

  • Heaven Beside You by Alice in Chains (the MTV Unplugged version)

  • Lifeline (Acoustic version) by Papa Roach

  • Patience by Guns 'N' Roses

Edited to fix a spelling error

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iAmWallywood t1_j1y5k0m wrote

Check out the album Colors by Between The Buried And Me. Listen to each track bouncing between instruments. Check out the drums/guitar/vocals/ bass

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SadAcanthocephala521 t1_j1y69s4 wrote

I have a good set of speakers and listen via vinyl, that’s when I started really noticing the depth and layers to the music.

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LosRiaso t1_j1za8ee wrote

You should listen to This Is Happening by LCD Soundsystem. Each song has a different instrument intentionally too high in the mix, try identifying what that instrument is.

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arlondiluthel t1_j1zeft7 wrote

Replying to Fluffy_Little_Fox (#1,116,106)

Artists like Busta Rhymes and Wu Tang Clan push the bass way up in the recording and mixing process, to the point that on really cheap speakers that can't handle it well, it sounds like mud. Some of the best bands for getting a good bass that isn't overpowering include Gorillaz, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Rush.

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