I really struggle with learning how to approach a new song. Is it better to learn one measure at a time before proceeding to the next or should I maybe learn part A before proceeding to party B? Also is it better to commit what I’ve learned to memory? How much of my practice time should I spend on learning a new song? Should my focus be on learning just one song or maybe several songs? Even the songs I’ve learned and committed to memory still have parts that need work. Thank you so much for your help and God bless you.
How to approach learning a new song
Howdy @williamchikin311!
Here is a thread that should have some helpful info: How to learn a new song, steps and repetitions
The biggest thing I can emphasize at first is to listen listen listen to the song, all different kinds of versions. Make sure you can hum the song’s melody on your own…internalize that tune. That will allow the tab to connect to your ears, which is so very important.
There’s not a rule for how much you should tackle at once, but my tendency is to get the A part “down” before moving on when learning a new fiddle tune. I like to be able to play through it by memory, but not necessarily every note on the tab. Use the tab as a base, but don’t obsess over memorizing every note if it’s too difficult.
I think the problem you’re running into is trying to commit to memory a bunch of different tabs. Consider shifting your approach to being able to play “at” the songs, which can only happen if you know the melody. Give me a song/lesson on this site as an example and I’ll try to create a video showing the process.
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Bill Cheatham
Which version, Alan’s or the Scrugg’s style?
How bout, I’ll Fly Away?
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