Have you ever revisited a song you THOUGHT you played correctly?

[Russell L]

I hate it when I can't really hear a line well enough to pick it out just right. I just wanna KNOW what the original does, whether I play it verbatum or not.

[Ezmar]

Originally Posted by Russell L

I hate it when I can't really hear a line well enough to pick it out just right. I just wanna KNOW what the original does, whether I play it verbatum or not.

I think that's useful in its own way. It's okay to play something your own way, but it doesn't really benefit you to only play things in ways that you're used to or are comfortable for you. All learning is a process of constant pushing against your limits.

On the flip side, there's nothing wrong with playing it verbatim, either, if it's just one of those things that's just SO right. It's a matter of style, taste, and ambition. Nobody can look down on you because you're not ambitious. But they can if you're just too unmotivated to really try. Sort of side comment there, apologies for the off-topic. It just started to flow.

[Hedgehog_SBM]

I'm just into my second year playing, but I'm already finding out how some beginners lessons on songs, or "beginner tabs" can be really off from the original. No judgment on what's "right, or wrong", but just a note that it's easy to miss some brilliance. I say, go back and check your favorites! I'm sure that more experienced players do this as they learn.

My example (pet peeve?) is the verse from the song "Le Freak" by Chic. I first learned by (what seemed to be a good) YT video, and internet TABS. Played it, and it sounded good. But still, something sounded/felt wrong. Then I found more accurate notation/TABS, and the feel really changed so much (and was harder to play). But the true version is really so much better (in this case, a low E and a hammer on were missing). The additions really improved the groove of the song - really like night and day.