How do you folks learn songs?

[Mr_roadstar]

MySpace has become a valuable reference for me. My wife I worked out the vocals for "When Will I Be Loved" yesterday using this:

http://www.myspace.com/stoneponeys

Yeah, I know, it's a crime nobody in the band has any of the Stone Poneys CD's...

The Bear

[ubetcha]

I started on piano at 6, got to John Thompson 6th grade & said screw this. I learned to read music, however. Took up french horn, but no joy there..that instrument is for congenital OC constipated types. Finally found my voice with the tuba in 7th grade, and I have played it professionally for 35+ years. I believe that drummers & bass players are the only guys who always have fun playing music. The guitar was always an avocation, I have never tried to apply the same discipline to it. I don't want to, the guitar is always fun to me & my tuba is more like a job. It's only fun at showtime. I'm a natural at the tuba, but I'm basically a hacker on the guitar. A man should know his limitations. Aside from the easy stuff...CFG, GCD, EAB, DAE etc....I STEAL whatever I can. I never dance, I'm watching somebody's fingers instead. I do have a good memory. And I am not above taking advantage of human frailty...buying a loadie a bottle or whatever. Hey...at least I'm honest. Fact is, the history of popular music is 98% stealing other people's ••••, & 2% true inspiration. I just do it for personal satisfaction, and (usually) not for personal gain...so I do not feel (too) guilty about it. It never comes out the same anyways, because the last thing I ever want to do is sound like anyone else....even if it were possible. So my advice is to STEAL every lick you can, & make no apologies about it. It's traditional. No man is an island, and everyone learns something from someone else...by hook or by crook.

[cmangeot]

Im 30 yrs old now, started at age 5.  Learned by ear, with slight influence from scale books.  other than that, I feel that learning with a mix of 70% ear, and 30 percent theory, just for structure, will produce a great result.

[chazmo]

Tube, guys,

So I went to chordie.com and from the tab I was able to learn John Mayer's intro to "Why Georgia, Why?"  Awesome!  Who'd'a thunk to use the thumb for the low G!  These are great references, guys!!!  Thanks for the suggestions and thoughts.

Ubetcha, cool thoughts on the biz.  I tend to agree that the most fun is had by the amateurs, and I'll count myself among them.  I know quite a few professional (classical) musicians who have achieved real station in life, and it's a surprisingly uncomfortable experience for many of them.  You'd think they had it made (and they do), but they don't see it that way...

[Mr_roadstar]

"Who'd'a thunk to use the thumb for the low G!"

Seriously? You never heard of a "cheater" G?

Ya'll must be "highbrow" players...

The Bear

[chazmo]

Bear, I'd definitely heard of it, just never used it.  In my case, I learned a lot of rhythm guitar many, many years ago, and y'know it's tough to teach an old dog new tricks. ;)  No cheater G for me, just lots of barre chords.

In this case, I couldn't figure out how John Mayer was using his left hand, but the tab clarified it!  As ubetcha said, learning by strict imitation is the way to go.  At least for a non-pro like moi!  This way I can entertain my family and still keep my sanity. (well, arguably)

[Mr_roadstar]

That thumb is indispensable if yer gonna play "Highway to HeII". It's the only way I know to add the low F# to the D chord.

The Bear

[chazmo]

Cool.  I'm adding "highway to heck" to my list. ;)

[sixvsix]

My initial lessons were classical so the thumb never really came in to it. Then I saw a picture of Hendrix somewhere and spotted the thumb. Comes in handy

six

[ibanezfreak1960]

I cant use my thumb like that because of a cut I recieved when I was young. But when I do play the D/F# I use the index finger on the F# and play the D with the remaining 3 fingers. or I'll barr an open C on the second fret if if the chord does not require the open D and A stings.

[ibanezfreak1960]

Here are some example pics..

[chazmo]

Freak, yup, that's exactly how I've done DMaj with the F# bass in the past.  That said, using the cheater thumb would free up your index finger or pinky for some hammering, if needed.  Anyway, seems like a good tool to develop!

I'll know I've truly arrived when I start using the mike stand as a capo and my teeth for picks. I haven't seen that mentioned in the tabulature!

Rock on, folks!

[ibanezfreak1960]

I used the mic stand the other day as a slide. I hav'nt done that in years. I used to be good at it but now I just use one of those fancy glass tubes that fit over my finger.

[Mr_roadstar]

Okay, Freak, you win. I can't do that with my hands. And I sure as heII couldn't get to the G from there cleanly. Hence, the thumb !!

The Bear

[ibanezfreak1960]

I hear ya Bear. I tried the thumb thing yesterday and can't cut it. Scar tissue just makes it impossible for me. I realize we all have different hand and finger sizes. I have a friend that whos fingers are so fat he ordered his guitar from Taylor with a 12 string sized neck with a 6 string headstock so he could play it. So the bottom line is whatever works for the player himself is the best way.