Listen to the entire song or piece of music you want to transcribe. Focus intently on the music, allowing the piece to play all the way through.
Listen to the entire piece of music again, several times in a row. Each time, focus on different aspects of the song or music piece. Listen to the rests and dynamic rise and fall of the music.
Identify the song's melody. The melody is what ties the entire piece of music together, like the song's skeleton. Sing the song's melody aloud a few times to help memorize the pattern.
Map out the song structure using a pencil and paper. Make note of things such as the intro, each verse, each chorus, bridge, and other key components of the music. Document what happens where in the song.
Write down how the song feels. Write a short message or theme that you believe the song communicates.
Write down similarities among parts of the song. For example, note if the guitar riff played in the intro is the same riff played in the bridge.