Song learning techniques

[chrose1201]

Help! I play by ear and I do fine by it, but a few years ago I had a brain injury that altered my memory a bit. For those of you old enough to remember the 70's it kind of like being perpetually stoned without the benefit of a buzz!

Anyway, I have to learn 50 songs in a new genre for me, "Modern Country" by January 19. It might end up being easy, I'm not sure, but does anyone have any techniques they use to help them remember new songs. Figuring out the notes is the easy part, phrasing, not too bad. Remembering the songs and where the lines are etc. Tough! Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

[OtterOnBass]

There's a bassist I know with a similar injury. He uses sheet music for performance - spreads it across two stands. Does a great job too.

I'd like to hear some ideas on memorizing songs too. Seems like I just read somewhere (probably here) about imagining playing the song without your bass to help remember the parts. Other than that, finger muscle memory helps - practice your parts until they are a habit remembered by your fingers.

[Jordan]

This sounds like the perfect application for becoming proficient at reading and writing staff notation. If that seems like overkill, then some neat chord sheets would probably suffice.

Jordan

[sabassman]

I have been playing country in and around South Texas for over 15 years and anytime I get a sit in gig where I don't already KNOW all the stuff, I just ask for a set list, get the songs and chart them using the Nashville Numbering system. Then, if the guy or girl sings it in a different key it's all right there. You don't have to transpose on the fly.

For those out there not too familer (sp):

Key of G

G = 1
C = 4
D = 5

2s and 6s are usually minor.

There ya go.

It's easy to communicate on stage non-verbally and quickly.

"walking bassline, 1-4-5 pattern, kicks on the 5, here we go ...."

You might not like having the Charts up there but its better than choking on the song. "It's better to have and not need than need and not have"

50 songs is alot in a brand new style. Good luck!!!