Thoughts on EarMaster software?

Discuss EarMaster, ear training, theory or music in general, ask questions and share your experience.

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JayPotts
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Thoughts on EarMaster software?

Post by JayPotts »

I am a complete beginner when it comes to music theory. I always find myself just guessing at the fret board and playing until I find something that sounds good or relying on chord progressions from Songs I've learned through tabs. I have the attention span of a rodent and normal means of learning music theory just doesn't click with me (I've tried on several occasions). I found this program called EarMaster and it seems perfect for me. The reason why i'm bringing this here is because I don't know if this is going to teach me theory or if it will just show me to how to sight read with voice. I can't find anything on this. So hopefully someone here has an opinion on it.
Thanks.
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Quentin
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Re: Thoughts on EarMaster software?

Post by Quentin »

Hi,

Even though EarMaster is not a dedicated "music theory trainer", completing the Beginner's Course will teach you most of the core aspects of music theory with a learn-by-doing approach, which seems like something that might work for you. Learning Music theory is a long journey and can feel a bit tedious, so learning it with interactive exercises makes it easier. I hope it'll help you reach your goals. Also make sure to elect "Guitar" 🎸 as "Primary Instrument" in EarMaster's preferences if you want to use the exercises with a guitar fretboard, guitar sounds, and guitar notation (table clef transposed by one octave)
- Because in Music, We're All Ears... -
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polytrack
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Re: Thoughts on EarMaster software?

Post by polytrack »

You can absolutely choose the guitar as “Primary Instrument” in the settings, so that the software displays the guitar fretboard, helping you apply it directly when learning – this is ideal if you are learning guitar.
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farareaa
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Re: Thoughts on EarMaster software?

Post by farareaa »

So while it does not directly teach theory in the classical sense (like scales, chord construction, key signatures, circle of fifths, etc.), it reinforces the concepts of theory through practical application. That’s especially helpful for people like you who struggle with theory books or traditional lessons.
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mikewonka
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Re: Thoughts on EarMaster software?

Post by mikewonka »

EarMaster won’t teach full music theory, but it’s great for training your ear and rhythm. If theory feels boring, this could make learning more natural and fun.
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angelaeng
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Re: Thoughts on EarMaster software?

Post by angelaeng »

JayPotts wrote: 21 May 2025, 09:01 I am a complete beginner when it comes to music theory. I always find myself just guessing at the fret board and playing until I find something that sounds good or relying on chord progressions from Songs I've learned through tabs. I have the attention span of a rodent and normal means of learning music theory just doesn't click with me (I've tried on several occasions). I found this program called EarMaster and it seems perfect for me. The reason why i'm bringing this here is because I don't know if this is going to teach me theory or if it will just show me to how to sight read with voice. I can't find anything on this. So hopefully someone here has an opinion on it.
Thanks.
EarMaster is a great tool for beginners, as it focuses on ear training and music theory concepts, helping you develop a better understanding of music through practical exercises rather than just sight reading, which can enhance your overall musicianship.
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playground
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Re: Thoughts on EarMaster software?

Post by playground »

EarMaster is great for ear training and rhythm, which helps a lot with playing by ear. It won’t replace full music theory study, but it definitely builds strong listening and recognition skills.
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funiki
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Re: Thoughts on EarMaster software?

Post by funiki »

JayPotts wrote: 21 May 2025, 09:01 I am a complete beginner when it comes to music theory. I always find myself just guessing at the fret board and playing until I find something that sounds good or relying on chord progressions from Songs I've learned through tabs. I have the attention span of a rodent and normal means of learning music theory just doesn't click with me (I've tried on several occasions). I found this program called EarMaster and it seems perfect for me. The reason why i'm bringing this here is because I don't know if this is going to teach me theory or if it will just show me to how to sight read with voice. I can't find anything on this. So hopefully someone here has an opinion on it.
Thanks.
EarMaster is primarily designed to improve your ear training and sight-singing skills, focusing on music recognition and rhythm, rather than providing a comprehensive music theory curriculum. However, it can indirectly enhance your understanding of music theory by helping you internalize melodies and harmonies, which are foundational concepts in theory. If you're looking for a more theory-focused approach, you might want to supplement EarMaster with other resources that specifically teach music theory concepts.
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unravelwidow
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Re: Thoughts on EarMaster software?

Post by unravelwidow »

Hi Jay Potts, it is great that we can explore so many suitable guitar training programs. It really is necessary to learn from the basic skill to advance and master using the combinations that make up the music theory. The EarMaster program really brings out the creative side of things to bring out a lot of great theories and skills.
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