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Martin Lavender
Apr 03, 14:36 in ToneGym Cafe
How do you guys go about figuring out chord progressions in 'Route VI'? Do you just go by ear, or do you try to decipher every chord? Or just work out from figuring out the route? I seem to be terrible at this game so I'm looking for tips on how to consistently progress?
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Sebastian Gonzalez
Apr 03, 16:26
Well, there's not a specific correct approach to it. Though you can start by finding the tonality/home/main pitch. Then you can either understand the chord qualities, or try finding the root note for every chord. Associate your findings with the labeling given.

Think about it as deciphering a puzzle, the more times you've correctly solved the puzzle, the quicker you are gonna be next time you are presented with it.

The good news is that there are only two big main puzzles: Major and Minor... more pieces can be added as you progress, but they fit one of both.
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Jace Noson
Apr 03, 17:32
Agree with Sebastian's advice, first work on identifying the root / the tonic chord (I or i) l. After that make sure you can tell the difference between min and maj (then dim later). If you can get the those things that will take you a long way - by process of elimination. Usually it's down to just two possible options, then you can do more detailed analysis to choose between those two.

For me in the beginning it was hard to tell the difference between V and IV, if that's your issue too, I would suggest practicing with the chord progression generator. You could even have this open in another tab and use it to help you in the beginning (find the key, create some progressions that you think it might be, and then compare to the question in the game). This game got much easier for me as the levels went along, in the beginning it was rough.
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Charlotte V
Apr 03, 18:01
I proceed that way:
1) Sing the root (it's the very first note played in the game, before the progression is heard)
2) Listen to the progression and sing the root at the same time, until you find the chord that sounds well with the root you're singing
3) As Jace said, it's usually down to 2 options at that stage, let's say you have to choose between V-I-IV & IV-I-V
4) Since you know your root, you can use it to sing each combination. Listen again while singing at the same time.
5) You'll notice that when you sing a IV while listening to a V, it doesn't sound right. And vice versa.
Hope that helps!
Congrats @KOKKIRI _ for winning the Silver Ears Award!
Band leader energy
What actually makes a great leader?

🎯 Clear vision
🌊 Good vibe

👇 Which wins?
And why?
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Cuantas Vacas
Mar 31
😂 Missed that one, @Al Barnard ! I think that's the case: look at the cup of coffee's awesome stability!
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Al Barnard
Apr 01
@Cuantas Vacas, great catch! I also like the super realistic way the clipboard is being held.
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Cuantas Vacas
Apr 02
Our human species' pride is leading us to negligently understimate the dimension of what AI can do to make our lives better: that clipboard is autonomous too, and it can even hold up to the band leader's aching hand with that twisted thumb...
@Stephen Reale won the Championship. Congrats for winning!
how many levels are there? And are there new things to change (like it is at level 30)?
Calibrator: How do you guys do with calibrator?
For me: 1) Calibrator never shows up in my daily lessons - even though it has the box checked in my settings.
2) I find it difficult that even on level 1 we're given compound intervals (m13, etc.), and often in different octaves from the other options. I still haven't passed level 1 even though I'm 100 on intervalis and departure. I keep thinking there is a compound interval when there's not, or I fail to recognize the compound interval when it's there.
Any tips?
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Jace Noson (author)
Mar 29
No that's a good suggestion, with the overtones some intruments are tougher to hear.
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João Freches
Mar 30
for me I don't receive it on my daily routine, so I tried right after reading your post. It jast gave me one interval not the 3 intervals promised, is this game in need for assistance?
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Ken Wilkens
Mar 30
I ended up treating Calibrator like 3 concurrent games of Intervalis, Departurer or Lander. I figure out EVERY interval that’s presented and just choose the greatest one - I actually whisper them out loud, so I remember which is which, and just choose the greatest interval.

I also like the suggestion of sticking with a piano or instrument you can “hear” intervals better with.
Congrats @san san for completing the 'Complete Music' program!
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Good for you!!
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Colin Aiken
Mar 29
Fantastic work!
ToneGym Hero: Jim Bradbury
A retired writer-editor drawn to songwriting, deliberate practice, and ToneGym’s progress metrics, he keeps chasing the mystery of the next song. @Jim Bradbury is this month’s ToneGym Hero!

Meet Jim: https://www.tonegym.co/blog/item?id=jim-bradbury
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@Jim Bradbury. Thanks for sharing your musical journey - loved reading about where you have been and where you going. What you said about your next song -that so resonated with me - because that’s the way I am too! Wishing you everything good!!
Living with musicians: dream setup or daily test of patience?
The Debate: Is sharing space with other musicians a vibe, or a chore?

On one side, there’s late-night jams, instant feedback, and random moments of inspiration. On the other, there’s noise, clutter, bad timing, and the eternal fight for quiet.

Why It Matters: Your environment shapes how consistently you practice, listen, and stay motivated.

Team A vibe or Team B chore, and what makes it feel that way for you?
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J LH
Mar 28
I envy those with ready access to other musicians! Maybe I'll figure something out someday, even if I never feel good enough!
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Cuantas Vacas
Mar 28
Good point, @AL DO
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Cuantas Vacas
Mar 28
BTW, why can't I tag you properly?
Written and produced in collaboration with Magghy Ji.
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Henry Do
Mar 26
Omg, I'm goose bump while listen to this song! Brilliant!
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Marcel Linder
Mar 26
Great songwriting with a lovely voice and a good mix. In short, that track is on fire.
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J LH
Mar 28
WOW, fantastic, gorgeous!