Memorizing of tunes - Page 2

Ed Fuqua · #21 06-16-2009, 03:18 PM

Here ya go. It's post #8....

emilio g · #22 06-18-2009, 12:30 AM

I struggled with this one for a while. Basically I just asked everyone I could find how they did it then put together a few different ways to stimulate my brain from different angles.

Two ways that consistently help me to hear a tune on the deepest level are Ed's exercise, and transcribing a player I really like (which is usually Red Mitchell, but others greats like Ray, Ron, PC). Both methods get me to really hear/feel the changes and melody, as well as shine some light on new vocabulary. Probably because they both involve a lot of really intense listening.

However if something really isn't sticking, learning the tune on piano usually fixes the problem. Also, singing the melody or roots can help clarify things too.

Unfortunately, there have been times when I had to cram lots of tunes in for an exam or something. Whenever I did that, I could thump out the form, sort of solo, and survive playing the head out. And I wouldn't remember the tunes a month later. If I went back and listened to any recordings of that stuff....it was never pretty.

Take the time to really learn a song permanently.

YamBass · #23 06-22-2009, 06:58 AM

Learning the tune on the piano would fix you this issue. I mean, with the piano keys you can "see" the chord notes and play the chords, along with the melody. I've always done that, because that's when I understand where the melody goes and what my bass line should sound.

JoeyO · #24 06-27-2009, 07:40 AM

Hi Folks, I have two questions, sort of related: when learning tunes, listening to the disc and playing along, occasionally I find that the disc is either a little sharp or flat. Seems my options are to tune my bass to the disc or find a cd player with pitch control. What do y'all recommend?

Also someone mentioned in this thread that it is good to practice/learn tunes in all keys for various/obvious reasons. I love this idea but usually for me at this point when learning tunes I am playing along with the disc. What is a good approach for this?

Oh yeah, I am new to this forum. Though I have been reading for a few months now this is my first post. I just started this year trying to learn to play DB. Trying to practice everyday. Focusing on learning M, -, and dom scales in all keys, two octaves, various cross overs. I wrote all these out so I can learn to read as I am trying to internalize the scales. When it come to reading I find it difficult to follow the music and have correct intonation ... without watching my left hand.

Also recorded the scales on a piano so I can play along helping me with intonation. So my approach I have been practicing the scales (arco and pizz) and trying to learn songs. Also have a couple playalongs and and ear training. Reading Rufus, Coker, and Levine. Expect to start focusing on arpegios and ii-v-i in all keys. My goal is to commit to this for a year hoping to be able to jam with humans at that point. And look for a teacher once I have basic scales nailed/internalized.

Ok now I'm just rambling on ... I guess I am just sort of excited about all this DB stuff!

Paul Warburton · #25 06-27-2009, 08:08 AM

Hey, Joey. Did you follow Ed Fuqua's link above? What did you think?
Are you familiar with his book?
http://www.shermusic.com/new/1883217504.shtml
Do you have it? Get it. (please)
What do/did you think?

JoeyO · #26 06-27-2009, 09:00 AM

Yeah this sounds like a a great addition to my growing collection of "aids". Right now I am playing a lot of root - five just to get through a given tune. Walking and swinging is where I am string to get to. Hey now I know what to use my father's day gift card for!

fdeck · #27 06-27-2009, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeyO

Hi Folks, I have two questions, sort of related: when learning tunes, listening to the disc and playing along, occasionally I find that the disc is either a little sharp or flat. Seems my options are to tune my bass to the disc or find a cd player with pitch control. What do y'all recommend?

I tend to re-tune, or simply stay off the open strings, which is a good exercise anyway.

If you really get annoyed with a particular recording, or want to study it extensively, you can always load it into your computer and change the pitch in (for instance) Audacity.

JoeyO · #28 06-27-2009, 10:16 AM

Yeah staying off the open strings is what I have been doing. Sometimes it has me second guessing myself not being all that confident / accurate w/ my intonation yet.

Just downloaded Audacity ... this could be a cool toy to mess around with!

seanm · #29 06-27-2009, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeyO

Hi Folks, I have two questions, sort of related: when learning tunes, listening to the disc and playing along, occasionally I find that the disc is either a little sharp or flat. Seems my options are to tune my bass to the disc or find a cd player with pitch control. What do y'all recommend?

All of the above? If it is just a little off, I just deal with it. I've played with too may guitar players who are a little off to let that throw me

If I am just going to play to the recording a few times, I just retune the bass. This tends to work best since retuning is easier than using the pitch correction IMHO. However, it is a pain in the butt to have to keep retuning then tuning back.

So if I am going to be doing it a lot (i.e. it is going into my standard practice rotation), then I take the time to correct the pitch.

Tip: If you can find a place in the where there is a well defined note that is very dominant in the mix, loop the note in audacity and you can use a tuner and pitch correction to get the note just right.

jsbarber · #30 06-28-2009, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZonGuy

if I ask you to memorize the number 1415926535, you may have problems.

Not really, just put 3. in front

Jim

Will Yager · #31 06-28-2009, 12:52 PM

Math jokes?!

joemato · #32 07-11-2009, 03:31 PM

I hear the stock progressions and tend to try to look for what sets each song apart(the hook). I play with a piano player and keep in sight of his left hand so that if he throws in a modification. I can keep with him. The lookng really helps when he has accented
something. Same goes with the drummer, you have to watch him also. I turn on a radio station and play along, that keeps you on your toes. The hardest thing for me is when somebody says one thing then plays something else as it takes time to pick up that it ain't so! I call a une in G but eveyone else assumes I meant Gmin or Bb Keeps you honest.