Memorising Long Pieces

olafgarten

Hi, I'm trying to learn Offend In Every Way by the White Stripes but am having trouble remembering the start as it is quite long (around 50 notes). What techniques do you use to remember things like this?

I have tried splitting it up into smaller sections but that hasn't helped much. Maybe I should just keep practising.

BigLicks67

Look at the first 4 bars of the TAB/Music and play through about 10 times, then put the Tab away and and see if you remember it. If not start again until you do. Then go through the whole piece the same way. 

Also, if it's melodic and memorable I'll try and work it out by ear first and then check it against the TAB.

RiftAmps

I always learn things backwards - by that I mean I learn the last phrase first, then the penultimate phrase, and so on.

For example, a four phrase section would be learnt like so:

4
3+4
2+3+4
1+2+3+4

This way, I always know what's coming next and more importantly, where to position myself ready for the next phrase.

Phil_aka_Pip

@RiftAmps interestng idea

fretmeister

RiftAmps said:

I always learn things backwards - by that I mean I learn the last phrase first, then the penultimate phrase, and so on.

For example, a four phrase section would be learnt like so:

4
3+4
2+3+4
1+2+3+4

This way, I always know what's coming next and more importantly, where to position myself ready for the next phrase.

I might try that.

Usually I just play with the CD over and over again until it sinks in.

olafgarten

Thanks, I've just about got it using the backwards idea. It really worked!

guitarfishbay

Try learning to vocalise it entirely first. If you really know how the whole part goes it'll be easier to remember how to play it.