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Guitarists, how do you learn to play a new song?

Posted on 7/4/24 at 4:47 pm
Posted by 053wab
Charlotte NC
Member since May 2023
269 posts
Posted on 7/4/24 at 4:47 pm
I started playing guitar in the mid 80s, at 12 yrs old. First 3 years I had a cool teacher who taught me the basics and then I'd bring a tape w some of my fav songs and he'd teach me how to play them. Absolutely loved it. He stopped teaching so I had to learn by ear... it was a grinding task and half the time I'd give up.

But about 15 years ago I started learning songs through guitar tabs... which is the way I learn now (unless it's really hard and I go to YouTube). Now I'm seeing a lot of ads in YT and FB for "premium" tabs that include video and much more detailed tabs.

How do most of you learn? I'm curious about these new paid premium tabs are worth it.
Posted by High C
viewing the fall....
Member since Nov 2012
59313 posts
Posted on 7/4/24 at 5:05 pm to
Me after about three months of attempting to learn guitar in college.

Posted by A12 Oxcart
On the float out in the Belt
Member since Dec 2022
1004 posts
Posted on 7/4/24 at 6:05 pm to
I use tabs but don't do the paid premium route. There are enough free sites and free YouTube videos with tabs, and you can always play them at 25% speed if they don't.

I use them to learn the basic positions/strum patterns of a song.
Posted by LSU alum wannabe
Katy, TX
Member since Jan 2004
27569 posts
Posted on 7/5/24 at 6:35 am to
quote:

can always play them at 25% speed if they don't.


I’m a pretty laid back guy. But I cannot learn that way. I always end up out of time because I can not quiet the song in my head. I know the tempo in my head and can’t get it out.

It’s great for passages of songs to pause and stare at a left hand and figure out a chord.
Posted by rintintin
Life is Life
Member since Nov 2008
16953 posts
Posted on 7/5/24 at 8:09 am to
Tabs, it feels like cheating but it's just so damn easy. Basic songs you can learn in a few minutes.

Ultimate tabs had a special like 10 yrs ago and I bought the premium membership for life for like $90. Still use it alot.

That being said, more complex stuff I still watch youtube videos as a supplement. And while Utimate tabs library is massive, some stuff you can't find and I'll learn it by ear. Takes longer but feels a little more rewarding.
This post was edited on 7/5/24 at 8:14 am
Posted by A12 Oxcart
On the float out in the Belt
Member since Dec 2022
1004 posts
Posted on 7/5/24 at 8:11 am to
quote:

I’m a pretty laid back guy. But I cannot learn that way. I always end up out of time because I can not quiet the song in my head. I know the tempo in my head and can’t get it out.

It’s great for passages of songs to pause and stare at a left hand and figure out a chord.
I understand. I usually only do it for solos if the tab doesn't make sense, or if I need to use a different finger for easier transitions.
Posted by rintintin
Life is Life
Member since Nov 2008
16953 posts
Posted on 7/5/24 at 8:42 am to
Exactly, solos for sure.

Learning different finger placements or note combinations. Always easier watching someone play it.
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