1. Pick a track you like
Start with something slow and sparse. On this site, the Soundcheck and Late Set lists are the easiest. Each track shows an estimated key and tempo.
2. Find the key
Use the key shown, then check it: play the tonic note and see if it sounds like “home”. If it feels off, try the relative key. A major key and the minor key three semitones below it share the same notes, so C major and A minor are neighbours.
3. Start with very few notes
Play one note, then two. Hold them. Let the track move under you. A five-note pentatonic scale from the key is plenty for a first jam.
4. Listen more than you play
Leave gaps. Calm tracks have a lot of space, and the best thing you can do is answer what you hear instead of filling every bar.
5. Slow it down and loop
Use the speed control and the A–B loop to take eight bars at 70 percent until your hands know them. Then bring the speed back up.
6. Record a take
Record your phone next to the speaker, or direct into your audio interface, and listen back. You will hear things you missed while playing.
Quick answers
What scale should I use?
If the key shown is major, try the major pentatonic of that key. If it is minor, try the minor pentatonic. If a note clashes, move to a neighbouring note.
What if the track changes key?
Some do. Loop the section you want to practise and work out its key separately.
