Over the last several years, thanks to gigging and requests, I've probably learned 150 new songs. In so doing, I've come up with a 3 step process in effectively learning them - to the point where I can perform them. This works for any genre, or song. Try it and let me know.
1. KNOW the Song!- Listen to the artist rendition of the song and listen to other covers of the song. Hear it from different angles. The point here is to 'hear' yourself playing it. Often times, original artist versions are full bands and can 'muddy' the song structure a bit for a solo artist - so by listening to other versions, you will hear different things that can lead to your own version. You should listen until you can sing along with it - getting the tempo, timbre, and feel of the vocals
2. Get a good chart of the song - There are multiple sources for the chords of songs, Chordie, Ultimate Guitar, or simply 'google' chords of a particular song. Work thru the chords first to know the changes - try this without the record first - for rough spots, listen to the recording and see if you can capture it - LEARN the song in the original key first - you can always change the key to fit your voice afterwards, but by learning the chords in the original key, you will be able to hear the fills and licks easier.
3. Play along with the recording - You'll need to do this in the original key but you will start 'feeling' how the song goes before you change keys (If you even need to). Play along and sing along with the recording.. Over and over until you have it down.
4. Turn off the record and go it solo. See how it feels - record yourself playing it and listen to yourself. This is HARD because you will hear your mistakes - but this will allow you to correct them or adjust as required.
Once you can confidently play the song without the artist or other covers you heard - go BACK and listen to the artist and covers and see how you do - Is your tempo too fast (my biggest problem)? Too slow? Chords not sounding correct, or changes not how you like them? Adjust at this point.
Be sure to take a few days off after learning it - and then go back and try it again - did you remember everything? Still some rough spots? Over time, the songs will become internalized - You're ready to go.
Have other tips or tricks?
