How do you approach song learning?

[Maui]

I try to learn songs and just seam to struggle at it. I played around with guitar pro and power tabs. But i don't know if this is the best way to go. I'm thinking that maybe if i try to learn the song by ear with a tab book in front of me might be easier. How do you approach song learning.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: How do you approach song learning?

I play by ear, and dial in my mistakes with repeated listening...but you could do the same thing with tabs.

Try this:

Play a song you already know how to play on the stereo

Pretend to learn it, and take note of what you notice about the song; how did you figure out the first few notes / chord? How did you figure out the most effective positions to play chords in for ease of chord changes? how did you figure out which notes were included in chords?

This will be easy since you know it already, but try and take note of what you focus on and what you need to focus more on in the learning process.

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: How do you approach song learning?

I use Guitar Guru on AOL for tough songs. It's cool because you can see the TAB in real time and slow the tempo to what ever you want. Also it's good to break the song down into sections imo.

 

[devastone]

Re: How do you approach song learning?

If you have high speed internet, try starting with these ear training exercises. Jeff gives some good tips on the process of learning by ear.

 

[ParaGuitarMedic]

Re: How do you approach song learning?

I learn by just playing the bassline on guitar to figure out key sig. and chord roots. Then I figure out the extensions.

 

[Maui]

Re: How do you approach song learning?

Hey thanks guys for the excellent tips.

 

[LesStrat]

Re: How do you approach song learning?

Learn?