How do you approach learning new material/songs?

Billy Henderson · From: Portland, AR, USA

I am searching for the quickest, easiest and most effective way to learn new songs. Thanks in advance

Jeff Garden · From: Center Sandwich, New Hampshire, USA

For what it's worth, here's how I approach it...
Get a CD of the tune you want to learn.
Get some kind of recorder that can slow down sections of the song - this really helps for figuring out fast steel parts. I've got a digital "slo-mo" recorder which really seems to work for me.
Make up a chord chart of the song to show chord changes and different sections (verse, chorus, bridge, etc.) You can use the Nashville numbering system or write out the chords in the key they're actually played in. For some reason, I seem to be able to pick chords out from a recording better on a six string guitar and then transfer the chords to pedal steel.
Figure out how to play the chord chart in several different positions on the pedal steel neck (pedals up/pedals down, etc.) so you can play "pads" in different positions for a little variety on subsequent verses. Write down on the chord chart the "tab" neck positions for the chords when you figure them out - i.e. under the G chord write 3 or 10AB etc. Jeff Newman was real big on just playing two notes of the chord as opposed to three - letting the rest of the band "fill in the holes" so things don't sound too cluttered.
Mark off on your chord chart where the steel fills and steel break are in the song.
Use your "slow down" recorder to break down the fills and break on the actual recording. With a basic knowledge of the chord structure you can figure out where a lot of the licks start and finish.
If you're concerned about learning a passage note-for-note print out a page of blank pedal steel tab paper (available here on the Forum) and write down the fills and break as you figure them out as a memory aid until you learn the tune.
Then practice it a lot!
Once you're comfortable playing along with the recording, try things out with your band.

Jim Sliff · From: Lawndale California, USA

Wow - that's an admirable amount of effort. I'd never be able to do it that way myself.

As an "ear" player, I'll listen to a "new" song repeatedly while driving until it's petty well embedded in my brain cells. Then I play it, without stopping and see what I come up with. There WILL be some clams, and it will not be a perfect copy...but I don't WANT a perfect copy of somebody else's stuff. If it' has a really convoluted chord progression I'll write down a simple chord chart - the name of the chord with slashes underneath representing beats,although not that accurately as I'll figure out timing changes much better by ear.
_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional

James Morehead · From: Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.

Excellant plan, Jeff---simple enough I could even do it. Cool

Larry Strawn · From: Golden Valley, Arizona, R.I.P.

Jim S. and myself are pretty much on the same track.
As an "ear" player I need to have the melody pretty well in my head. If it's a strange, or complex chord progression to me I'll write out a chord sketch.
Then I just start working with it, playing it over, and over out of different positions until it feels good to me. I try to learn the hooks, and signatures as closely as I can, but to try and play it all note for note, no way I'm not that good. Oh Well

Larry
_________________
Carter SD/10, 4&5 Hilton Pedal, Peavey Sessions 400, Peavey Renown 400, Home Grown Eff/Rack
"ROCKIN COUNTRY"

James Morehead · From: Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.

Actually Larry, You still have to play by ear, the slowdown recorder just helps you cut through the chase fast, eliminating a lot of "poking around in the dark", until you stumble across it. I use one that will loop phrases--very handy. YMMV

Brett Day · From: Pickens, SC

I think the best thing to do is to first listen to the song and its' steel parts, then get behind your steel and play along with the song to see if you can play the steel parts. As far as solos go, first listen to the steel solo really close, then play along with the song and see if you can play the same solo or if you want to be more creative, come up with your version of the solo. Another great idea is to add steel to a song that doesn't feature steel or play a steel part where there ain't a steel part.

Brett

Mike Perlowin · From: Los Angeles CA

Moon in Alaska · From: Kasilof, Alaska * R.I.P.

When I want to learn an Alan Jackson, I get the CD, play it several times, figure out the chords and sit down and learn it on steel.
When I wanted to learn "Wind Beneath My Wings, My daughter bought me the sheet music.
For me it depends on the song.....
Moon
_________________
<<Moon>>
==Carter S-10==
1962 Fender 400
== Evans FET 500 Custom LV ==

http://www.geocities.com/moon9999610/alaska.html

Andy Sandoval · From: Bakersfield, California, USA

I use Band in a box to practice with so it's just a matter of figuring out the chords and making a rhythm track that I can slow down, speed up, or change keys. If I can't figure out the chords to a song, sometimes I find a midi file of the song and import the chords from it into BIAB. I also like to use tabs to find the easiest place to play a certain phrase or lick, then it's pratice, practice, practice. No shortcuts there. Confused

Tony Prior · From: Charlotte NC

Exactly like Jim stated. I too am primarily an EAR player and pray for good recall Smile

IF it is on the way to a gig it is a CD and listening over and over.

Even at home the primary method is by listening , first for the overall chord progressions , then for familiar phrases to understand where the player may be coming from on the fretboard. I try to get the signature phrases close so the Music will be recognizable especially if there are dominant Steel phrases or TELE phrases. I don't go for an exact copy of whats going ,just close .

There are always exceptions, those songs I chart, play thru them in the chord progressions first, then off to melody and phrases. Those are not songs I will play that night, or perhaps any night soon Sad

Jim Sliff · From: Lawndale California, USA

Bob Hoffnar · From: Austin, Tx

If I need to play the exact parts from a recording I use:
http://www.ronimusic.com/

The amazing slow downer.

Lately I have been trying to nail the Bob Dunn solo from Milton Brown's Musical Brownies version of Avalon.
_________________
Bob

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