Memorizing a song


Note-tastic
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Joined: 02/18/09
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Note-tastic
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Joined: 02/18/09
Posts: 2
10/19/2009 7:44 am
How do you go about memorizing a song? Does anyone have any tips or tricks for memorizing a song?

Do you start with the first measure of the song and then just continue to add measures? Do you play the song over and over until you just remember it?

Any comments would be appreciated.
Arnie
# 1
sixpicker
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sixpicker
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10/19/2009 8:44 am
Hey Arnie,
The first thing I do is learn the chords, because rhythm is totally different than lead. You have the right idea about splitting it up into parts, learn it from the beginning. Start with the progression on the intro, then the verse, chorus, solo. You also want to pay close attention to the order in which these come. Once you learn the chords, and the progression, then you can move on to figuring out the leads. Since you'll know the chords, it can give you an idea of where the leads are being played. I hope this helps you, and let me know if you have any other questions.
# 2
Dirty Bill
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Dirty Bill
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10/19/2009 12:40 pm
Yeah,split it up in easy to learn parts. :cool:

Always capitalize "BLUES"

# 3
Itsmesilly
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Itsmesilly
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10/19/2009 11:02 pm
for me...repetition is the thing. Just doing it over and over and over I eventually seem to get it. It gets shifted from the short term memory to the long term. I think there is a "muscle memory" factor too....the more you do it, the more your hands just seem to know where to go! Best of luck to you. try everything and see what sticks!
# 4
JeffS65
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JeffS65
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10/19/2009 11:56 pm
Everyone has a way they learn best. I think it was reinforced by JD to break it up, as you'd said. I agree.

I tend not to do it in a linear way (ie - learn the intro, then the first verse etc). I learn the main riff first and really hammer it down. The I learn the secondary stuff that might be the chorus riff, depending on the song structure and then I learn intros and/or bridges. I kind of go 'big to small'. I learn the parts and get them all down. Then I start piecing the puzzle together of the parts I learned.

In my mind, if I learn from beginning to end, I tend to miss the nuance of each riff by bashing it out. So, I learn the bits independent of song structure since, when you know the parts, putting them to the song will be easier.

My opinion...It's really what's comfortable for you. The above is just my take.
# 5
GuitardedGeezer
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GuitardedGeezer
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10/20/2009 12:33 am
I like both ways.

Some songs are easy to learn in a linear way. I did this with I Love Rock and Roll. Once you have that first riff with the bend in it, the rest of the song is just variations on it.

On Mississippi Queen, I've broken it down to different riffs, each one repeated in different parts of the song. I had to do it this way because I was learning new techniques at the same time (tremolo's mostly). Once I get all those riffs and phrases down, I'll stitch it together and learn the sequence they go in.

I also work on several songs at the same time. In a typical practice session, I'll do some scales or something to 'loosen up', then shoot through songs I have already learned to keep getting better at them. Then I'll work on one new song till I get frustrated or tired of it, then try the next song, etc.. The songs are usually very different.

Do whatever works and don't forget the 'have fun' part. If it's all work and sweat, then you'll lose your motivation and practice less etc etc.

GG
# 6
Anders Mouridsen
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Anders Mouridsen
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10/20/2009 3:15 am
If you are learning a guitar solo or an instrumental song, the first thing you have to do is learn to sing it. Just whistle or sing a long so that you know the rhythm, timing and melody. This process is good to do while working, cleaning, driving etc., because you do it better without your guitar.

Then after this you pick up your guitar and figure out the notes! The order in which you learn the different parts won't really matter at this point, because you already know the song and have it memorized.

If you are learning a song with a vocal, learn the lyrics! It's my best trick. Figure out the different parts and then listen to the lyrics, because once you know the notes/harmony/riff/solo/etc. it will all make sense with the vocal.

For example: A "typical" guitar player will try to remember that there's an extra bar after 2nd chorus and have a hard time with it. If he just listened to the lyrics he would know that the extra bar is there because the singer/songwriter needed to finish up a phrase or a statement!

Hope this helps you!
Anders
# 7
Note-tastic
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Note-tastic
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10/20/2009 3:47 pm
Thanks everyone. I was getting a little discourage because I can't seem to memorize even short little pieces. But you have gave me some great stuff to work with. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.

Arnie
# 8

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