Question about how you go about learning a new song

[Ric5]

I don't read music.

I truly wish I could read music, but when it comes to bass I have not been able to wrap my head around translating those black dots into notes on my fretboard. I typically rely on tabs or charts. I know where the notes are on the fretboard, but musical notation continues to elude me.

Therefore, in order to learn a new tune I typically look up the tabs, find the song on youtube, and then break it into bite sized chunks that I'll play over and over again until I can link all the chunks together.

My question is, does anyone have a better or more efficient way to learn a new tune given my notational deficiencies?

I don't like to read music either, but to become a better musician you need to learn how the music notation system works … it is not rocket science. Learn enough to use it as a tool to learn songs. At least learn enough where you can write the name of the notes below the dots. Also learn a little theory so you understand chords and scales and how music works.

Then develop a good ear so you don't need to read very often

 

[Ric5]

This web site can help you learn songs as well

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[micguy]

I learn a new song or two literally every week - I play church gigs; today's gig had 3 new songs (8 in total - the others were in odd keys). I start with chord charts, playing along - I usually have 3 days to get those memorized well enough for rehearsal, and another couple of days between rehearsal and Sunday to polish things. One of the key things is using chord charts for just a time or two through, and then looking away at parts I think I know - although charts are helpful, you have to wean yourself pretty fast, or you'll never get way from them.

 

[richntiff]

I learn by ear. For sometimes random tricky passages I’ll use Anytune Pro on my phone to slow the passage down. I’m starting to see some real benefits from not relying on YouTube/tabs as I’m able quite often able to near the chord progression coming and just hit it. On occasion, even for a tune I’ve never heard before. For pop music, there are realistically a limited number of chord progressions. After awhile, the structure or vibe of the tune gives you clues. I like the challenge of learning by ear. And, I feel it’s made me a better player. I’m still far from a great player, but I’m good enough to play in two actively gigging bands. I’d like to think forcing myself to rely on my ear has sped my progress up. Also - I think it has helped with dynamics, transitions, groove, etc. instead of just playing the notes - as you hear from so many amateur bassists.

Just my 0.02. Everyone learns differently.

 

[Biggbass]

I listen to it and chart it out, then follow the chart until I have it memorized. Then I put the chart away and rely on my brain.

 

[bfields]

Playing along with Youtube sucks.

I used to feel that way, but I've warmed to it a little. If you learn the keyboard shortcuts for starting and stopping and adjusting speed and skipping back and forth, it can work pretty well.

I still import into more capable software if I'm going to be working with a song a while, but for something quick I stay on youtube.

 

[Cernnunos]

I don't read music.

I truly wish I could read music, but when it comes to bass I have not been able to wrap my head around translating those black dots into notes on my fretboard. I typically rely on tabs or charts. I know where the notes are on the fretboard, but musical notation continues to elude me.

Therefore, in order to learn a new tune I typically look up the tabs, find the song on youtube, and then break it into bite sized chunks that I'll play over and over again until I can link all the chunks together.

My question is, does anyone have a better or more efficient way to learn a new tune given my notational deficiencies?

Notation is a valuable tool for storing music in an exact form for other musicians to be able to reproduce in the future. That's literally all it's good for.

I grew up around classically trained musicians and notation and scale exercises were what they considered to be the entirety of music. Music was only played at rehearsals and performances. My growth as a musician was almost completely stunted. All of the joy was sucked out of the music, and it was turned into grunt work. Since then, I've swung 180 degrees from the classical world and am finding myself working more like an improvisational musician, like in the jazz world. My satisfaction level with my music, as well as my musical development has since taken off like never before.

My written music is mostly lyric sheets with chord diagrams, and a few brief notes about important melodic phrases. That's pretty much it.

To sum up, unless you have a professional demand to read standard notation, you probably won't use it.

 

[Cernnunos]

Thats sounds right. I've seen if you learn from tabs or what ever , you stay dependent on them for far too long.

Yes! I fell into that trap as a teenager, and it hindered my growth. I was also stuck in the classical musician mindset that notation IS music, and I'm just the meat-machine that's reproducing the notation. These days, I don't look at almost any notation outside of key and chord structure. Just hearing the music and knowing enough music theory allows me to fill in the rest.

 

[ZedLepp]

Have you looked into a Fretlight?

 

[bigjames]

I start by ear, but if I can't figure it out I go to Youtube. Once I find a good bass cover, I'll use it and then put my own spin on it.

I had a moment of clarity about this process this week learning "Do I Do" and trying to learn it note for note... the difference between learning a song EXACTLY the way someone else played it and learning a song and playing it MY way. I see value in trying to learn it exactly like someone else because it forces you to learn new licks / techniques, but in terms of playing a song live, I generally prefer making it my own, especially if the band I am playing with is doing the same thing.

 

[bigjames]

Yes! I fell into that trap as a teenager, and it hindered my growth. I was also stuck in the classical musician mindset that notation IS music, and I'm just the meat-machine that's reproducing the notation. These days, I don't look at almost any notation outside of key and chord structure. Just hearing the music and knowing enough music theory allows me to fill in the rest.

If the band you are playing with is not following notation then your ears and feel are your best tools in my experience. Totally agree on charts and music theory. I have not had to read music in a real way in years, but I can (former brass player and studied music in college and university).

 

[Thumpin6string]

I had a moment of clarity about this process this week learning "Do I Do" and trying to learn it note for note... the difference between learning a song EXACTLY the way someone else played it and learning a song and playing it MY way. I see value in trying to learn it exactly like someone else because it forces you to learn new licks / techniques, but in terms of playing a song live, I generally prefer making it my own, especially if the band I am playing with is doing the same thing.

I try to learn it note for note, but once I have, I put my spin on it. When have you heard a big name band do a song live with no improvisation? Even the tightest bands at least change solos, intros or endings.

 

[SunByrne]

When have you heard a big name band do a song live with no improvisation?

Great question, and I have an answer. It was when I saw The Cars in like 1985. Five guys standing stone still—ok, fine, the drummer was sitting—playing each song exactly like it was on the record. Terrible show, among the worst "big name" shows I've seen. (Depeche Mode in 1986 was also quite bad.)

 

[ZedLepp]

If you are a visual learner, have you maybe looked into a fretlight. I use the guitar version to help me with chords and where I can go on the fretboard. You can also have the tabs light up the notes on the fretboard. I know they make a bass version but good luck finding one.