I have been examining myself about how I learn from tab . I have found that if I spend a whole lot of time on the mechanics I usually wind up playing it wrong. What I have started doing is using the idea that it must sound just like the notes played on the tef files I study that sound so hard and I might do one or two bars until it sounds just right( I try and play note for note while it is running the tune) . I have tried it on several of the ones I know and have improved greatly . the latest is St Annes reel. I had learned it another way than what Ben has posted but I really like the bouncy feel that Ben puts into this one , so I set out to learn it. I have the first ten bars down, I could almost do it in my sleep . Not really but I was just trying to impress how much this way of learning works . it works for me it may not be such a big deal for most . one section of the song or tune uses only four notes but some more than others but it was a real stopping point for me I could get it but when I went back I forgot how it sounded and had to start over . Over the last two years I have developed a skill I guess you could call it that I can listen and play it back just like it but I do not retain it all of the time so I work more on it .
The reason I posted this is if any one out there is having trouble please try working out the phrase of each bar at 100 beats or 40 beats it will get you there much faster, for those who can pick it up quickly all I can tell you you have a special talent so use it, you are blessed . Play better and enjoy it .