Question 1

How do I tell major from minor?

Accepted Answer

Listen to the middle note. Major sounds bright and settled, minor sounds darker and a little sad. Sing the bottom note, then the middle: in a major chord that step is a major third, in a minor chord it is a minor third — the interval drill trains exactly that.

Question 2

Which progressions does it play?

Accepted Answer

I–IV–V–I, I–V–vi–IV, ii–V–I, I–vi–IV–V, vi–IV–I–V and I–IV–vi–V, in a random major key each time. Listen for where the home chord lands and whether the second chord is major or minor; that separates most of them.

Question 3

Why does the same chord sound different each time?

Accepted Answer

The root moves between C3 and D4 so you learn the quality, not one pitch. The voicing stays close so the only thing that changes is the chord itself.

Chord ear training — qualities and progressions by ear

Questions