Learning something and making it stick !!

fearceol · #1 02-13-2010, 06:27 AM

I was wondering if anyone else has the same experience with learning as I do. At present I am working my way through an interesting DVD bass tutorial. I decided it was false progress to move on until I have completely understood and mastered what I am doing at present. A few times, I have assumed I have nailed something. I am able to play it numerous times with out a mistake, and it "seems" to come naturally. I then move on to something else. A week or so later, I go back to revise, and it's gone. Granted, with a little more work I get it again. I know learning takes as long as it takes, and I have no problem with that, I just wish I knew when I have got it down for good. Perhaps it is my age... I wont see 50 again.

edmidlifecrisis · #2 02-13-2010, 06:35 AM

Let me know when you figure this out, I have exactly the same problem and could use a solution (other than a brain transplant). Still working on it.

irishryno · #3 02-13-2010, 06:42 AM

I started out the same way. The route I took was to take the first two lessons and incorporate them into my practice. So when doing the major, minor, pentatonics, blues scales, i would simply put those lessons in. Granted, when you start out, you want to do 15 or 20 minutes at a time. Slowly work up the amount of time you spend practicing. Soon you will work up to a longer practice session. Biggest thing is switch up your routine to keep it fresh. That would be my suggestion. Have fun.

Billnc · #4 02-13-2010, 09:04 AM

Review the things you've done previously. You'll find what used to take you a very long time will take only a couple minutes of brushing up. What you do not use all the time you will forget. Also a lesson should cover one aspect at a time. You could work on reading, then an arppeggio then a song. But you do not want to sit down til you learn all your scales, 5 songs and sight read impossible stuff. That is the problem with a DVD usually, it tells you a lot, you work on a lot. Work on one thing and move on. I've forgotten plenty.

fearceol · #5 02-13-2010, 10:25 AM

Thanks guys ! Nice to know it's not just me.. !! I do make a habit of revising. On the plus side is the fact that if I do forget something when I go back to it, normally it does not take me too long to nail it again. I'll take on board your suggestions.