This might seem like an easy or trivial topic. But it occurred to me that, in regards to doing cover material (or original I guess), there has to be more than one way to learn songs. Some guys chart out entire songs, while some guys memorize a song. What's your method for learning a song?
I've experimented with writing out song forms (Intro, Verse 1, Chorus, Verse2, etc.) to better aide in me learning material. I had hopes that the group I gig with would also find it helpful, but they don't seem to think of songs in the same way that I do. For them, it's more "play this chord change 4 times, then this one 2 times, ... And while I understand that sort of thought process, I sort of think that's not a great way to learn material. This communication breakdown sometimes surfaces when they mention part lasting "4 times", when in my head I have to translate that to 16 bars (as an example, the number of bars obviously vary). More often than not, I simply feel when 16 bars has passed or I just know the song from memory. I almost never count out measures or chord changes as they go by, because I don't have to. Most of the pop/rock stuff isnt something I have to think about, but I suppose its different for everyone. I mean, there are certain fills or feels that you have to be cognizant of, but beyond that, feels like autopilot most of the time. But maybe I'm missing something.
OT:
Is there a reliable source for charts for modern music?
Methods for learning a song
- Odd-Arne Oseberg
- Posts: 1531
- Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2010 8:04 am
- Location: The physical plane.
- Contact:
Re: Methods for learning a song
Writing quick charts that can get you through a gig in one or two listens is a good skill to have and a necessity if there's a lot of material to learn or there is only a short time to learn it.
If I have a lot of time, then I do enjoy just putting the song on and just listen a play along to it as many times as is need to get it internalised.
If I have a lot of time, then I do enjoy just putting the song on and just listen a play along to it as many times as is need to get it internalised.
Re: Methods for learning a song
I'm on a similar boat. I generally play pop rock / song oriented music but i have to learn 'em fast. I recently am having to sub for a top 40 band in town and I had to figure out a way to learn alot of songs (30) for one nights' gig. I'm relatively a self taught drummer / reader (except for rudimentary snare drum reading books) so I just had to use what I know. Fortunately I read some articles by Billy Ward, Jim Riley and Nate Morton where they would just write a number of bars per section then separate that 1 bar where there are some type of ensemble figure. Also, I realize one of the most helpful things is knowing exactly what the tempo is (so i'll always have the "TEMPO" app on while I listen to the music and then "tap in" the tempo) then write the BPM in the corner somewhere. Sometimes I will leave the click "ON" in my IEM's and play along during the gig then turn it off if someone's pulling me away.
here's an example of my chart - "Rolling In The Deep" by Adele... (it's not perfect, but it gets me somewhere in the ballpark, the rest is up to my ears / memory)

After a while, I noticed these shorthand charts started accruing, so I just bought a 3 ring binder at walmart along w/ protective sleeves for pages and just kept them in there. I'm starting to (at my liesure) scan these charts in and am uploading to my account on box.net (there's also dropbox) that way, if don't happen to have my binder OR may lose it someday, there's always a way to either download it and print it out or just download it to my 'box' app on my phone or laptop.
I will start out by "penciling" in the chart and once i feel fairly confident that the song is pretty close, i'll go over it w/ a sharpie marker so that I can see it fairly well on a gig (if i use the binder) since most gigs I play at have dark stages / colored lighting. some / all of this may seem rudimentary but thought i'd share anyway for those that don't have any form of method in doing so.
here's an example of my chart - "Rolling In The Deep" by Adele... (it's not perfect, but it gets me somewhere in the ballpark, the rest is up to my ears / memory)

After a while, I noticed these shorthand charts started accruing, so I just bought a 3 ring binder at walmart along w/ protective sleeves for pages and just kept them in there. I'm starting to (at my liesure) scan these charts in and am uploading to my account on box.net (there's also dropbox) that way, if don't happen to have my binder OR may lose it someday, there's always a way to either download it and print it out or just download it to my 'box' app on my phone or laptop.
I will start out by "penciling" in the chart and once i feel fairly confident that the song is pretty close, i'll go over it w/ a sharpie marker so that I can see it fairly well on a gig (if i use the binder) since most gigs I play at have dark stages / colored lighting. some / all of this may seem rudimentary but thought i'd share anyway for those that don't have any form of method in doing so.
....ALWAYS let the Wookie win....
-
- Posts: 433
- Joined: Mon Oct 11, 2010 7:00 pm
Re: Methods for learning a song
I use Sibelius.. Here's a typical chart... The tricky part is knowing whether or not you will remember any thing about the song before you play it.
Sometimes there's not alot of time and too many songs to learn so trying to remember the details of the basic patterns can be hard by memory so I try to put in the major details sort of half real chart and half cheat sheet...

Sometimes there's not alot of time and too many songs to learn so trying to remember the details of the basic patterns can be hard by memory so I try to put in the major details sort of half real chart and half cheat sheet...

- Pocketplayer
- Posts: 1716
- Joined: Fri Oct 22, 2010 5:41 am
Re: Methods for learning a song
Nice job Chooch...my charts are even more 'cookies on bottom self'...tempo, punches/breaks
& signature fills ala Jackson Browne Runnin' on Empty or Separate Ways...
I had a similar experience...one gig w/about 25 songs...many I knew, but the bass player had
Steely Dan complex and was way too picky...when in doubt I play time and try to hit the punches.
Every band needs a cool bass player that knows how to communicate and not live in his rat hole
live.
I am amazed how many guitarist want to start tunes w/o a click off...just whatever they feel
at the moment.
Rehearsal and live can be two different animals on the sub-gig...people change live when cleavage
and smiles are within arms reach.
This is an art form...the quick learn when subbing or filling in.
& signature fills ala Jackson Browne Runnin' on Empty or Separate Ways...
I had a similar experience...one gig w/about 25 songs...many I knew, but the bass player had
Steely Dan complex and was way too picky...when in doubt I play time and try to hit the punches.
Every band needs a cool bass player that knows how to communicate and not live in his rat hole
live.
I am amazed how many guitarist want to start tunes w/o a click off...just whatever they feel
at the moment.
Rehearsal and live can be two different animals on the sub-gig...people change live when cleavage
and smiles are within arms reach.
This is an art form...the quick learn when subbing or filling in.
Jeff Porcaro Groove Master
http://jeffporcaro.blogspot.com
http://jeffporcaro.blogspot.com
Re: Methods for learning a song
At school we had to learn so many songs every week, I think it was to learn the ability to do it. It worked.
Honestly I just listen a time or two, then play along a few times. Muscle/Music memory tends to do it's job for me and I trust it. I've found trying to chart stuff just gets in the way, over complicates what is a relatively simple issue.
Besides for most the pop crap it's SOOOOO predictable, it's almost funny. Nobody knows the drum parts anyway. It's all about the gist of the feel. It's cover gigs, you gotta ramp my pay up a LOT more for note for note replication.
Unless it's some cool drumming shit, then I'll actually learn it because then it's bettering myself as a player to try and capture those moments/feels.
Honestly I just listen a time or two, then play along a few times. Muscle/Music memory tends to do it's job for me and I trust it. I've found trying to chart stuff just gets in the way, over complicates what is a relatively simple issue.
Besides for most the pop crap it's SOOOOO predictable, it's almost funny. Nobody knows the drum parts anyway. It's all about the gist of the feel. It's cover gigs, you gotta ramp my pay up a LOT more for note for note replication.
Unless it's some cool drumming shit, then I'll actually learn it because then it's bettering myself as a player to try and capture those moments/feels.
- Pocketplayer
- Posts: 1716
- Joined: Fri Oct 22, 2010 5:41 am
Re: Methods for learning a song
Besides for most the pop crap it's SOOOOO predictable, it's almost funny. Nobody knows the drum parts anyway. It's all about the gist of the feel. It's cover gigs, you gotta ramp my pay up a LOT more for note for note replication.
Unless it's some cool drumming shit, then I'll actually learn it because then it's bettering myself as a player to try and capture those moments/feels.
lol...please hit the signature fills...for that one drummer in the audience!
Then again, the drummer for Michal McDonald, Yvette Preyer, played I Keep Forgettin' w/8th notes.
I still can't forgive her for that. That's like playing Wipe Out on a kazoo.
Jeff Porcaro Groove Master
http://jeffporcaro.blogspot.com
http://jeffporcaro.blogspot.com
Re: Methods for learning a song
Pocketplayer wrote:
Then again, the drummer for Michal McDonald, Yvette Preyer, played I Keep Forgettin' w/8th notes.
I still can't forgive her for that. That's like playing Wipe Out on a kazoo.
I don't know Pocketplayer -- that's one of those songs that (to me) is like having sandpaper rubbed on my ears. Any change has to be an improvement.

Re: Methods for learning a song
Pocketplayer wrote:lol...please hit the signature fills...for that one drummer in the audience!
If there are I try to! But most the time there really isn't much signature anything (drum wise) with the cover bands I play for. Or the dynamics of the playing situation doesn't allow for getting even close to the recorded drum sound/feel.
- Rhythmatist
- Posts: 220
- Joined: Thu Oct 14, 2010 4:46 pm
Re: Methods for learning a song
I don't do very many of those pop gigs anymore...most of what I need to have charts for are original music. I do several dates every year where I need to listen-listen-listen to the material first usually living with it in the car for a day or two to get familiar. I then sketch it out, but I'll be as minimal as I can. I find it's much better to have less to look at since there will often be visual cues that I might miss if my nose is in a chart. If a tune is in AABA form with no deviation from 8 bar phrases I'll just describe the feel (ala Charlie/HT Woman) and maybe note the form for solo sections, breakdowns etc. Then I'll leave some space at the bottom to chart the ending if needed. Occasionally, I'll put together a full blown chart but only if absolutely necessary. There are times when I will do a complete software notation chart and then reduce it to bare minimum for my performance cheat sheet. This is just to have a visual reinforcement along with listening. This is very effective when there are figures to catch that I don't want to have to be reading on the gig. It also comes in handy if I'm going to do the same gig a year later...handy for reference.
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: Bing [Bot] and 52 guests