How to Practice - Recognizing Progress (split from Blackberry Blossom topic)

[Dave_Long]

Everyone learns differently.
TAB actually holds me back as opposed to seeing something played and learning it from a video.
Also, I can memorise things far faster when not depending on reading TAB or notation

It’s a great tool, but it can become a crutch just as quickly as it becomes an asset.

[Archie]

Hi Dave I hear ya buddy, I’ll often start out reading the tab then as I become familiar with the tune and start to build speed I stop reading the tab and listen to the .tef file instead. I add bass to Ben’s tabs and that really helps with timing.

As you say everyone learns differently so what works for me might not work for others. But I offer as a suggestion for others to consider. Ben also encourages the use of .tef files.

[WillCoop]

Tye,

That Charlie Brown strip is PRICELESS! Well played, Sir. Well played!

[JoeB]

So, in a nutshell, here’s my learning process:

1 - listen to the song until I feel I know it.
2 - using the TEF file, highlight small sections of the song and memorize each section and a slow tempo (sometimes as slow as 20% of normal speed.) I keep repeating it until I can play it without looking at the tab.
3 - highlight the next small section, repeat #2, then add those sections together.
4 - reference Ben’s video if a section seems too difficult. Often, I’m fingering it incorrectly and the video straightens me out.
5 - Once all parts are memorized, I use the TEF file to start speeding up the song. Once I can play the song through 3 times in a row without messing up, I up the speed 5 to 10%, then work to play it perfectly 3 times in a row at the new speed.
6 - Once I get it fast enough, I download Ben’s jam tracks and play with them. They’re funner to play with than the TEF files. Also, if you use Audacity to play the MP3 files, you can speed up and slow down the jam tracks.

Mark, this is GOLD!!! You should make this learning process list a sticky for this thread or create a new one. I am going to print this off so I can reference it.

[Mark_Rocka]

Thanks Joe! That’s not a bad idea. We’ll have to get @BanjoBen to weigh in on that and see where he’d want it pinned if he thinks it’s sticky - worthy.

[BanjoBen]

Wherever you want, that’s great!

[banjoleach11]

Any one using a looper to practice?