Originally Posted by: Bobby_V
My question is: is the best way to learn guitar to memorize these little songs. I can play them by looking at the tab but I didn't memorize them.
Hi, Bobby_V. Just thought I'd throw in my 2-cents :) Personally, I don't think you are expected to memorize every demonstration song you encounter in the courses. These are a vehicle to illustrate what the lesson is about, and you can us them any way you see fit. It's your dime after all.
Unless you want to play Jingle Bells on 2 strings....? Then go for it! :D
The beauty of this site is being able to go at your own pace and return to things you want to cover in more detail. If you feel comfortable with what you are supposed to be learning from the Jingle Bells lesson, then move on. All this stuff adds up and if some later lesson makes you feel like you might have missed some important fundamental, you can go back for whatever you need.
The most important thing is to have fun. (Or why bother?!?) If you are enjoying getting that JB tune down, then that's what you should do. Otherwise, move along at a pace that keeps you challenged and interested.
Also, be sure and post to the Instructor's Forum when you have any questions like that about a specific lesson. They are very helpful and patient and never expect you to know more than you know.
...so ever since then, I always hang on to the buckle.