Learn the medley of the song and then begin to build my chords upon that and then I find what I need to change in the base.
I pretty much do it the same way. I think it's because my ear for the bass isn't tuned in like my ear for the melody is. Sometimes the bass note isn't anything in the chord you're playing, that's why for me it's easier to use the melody line.
Question: "How familiar are you with the "Numeric" system? Knowing this system will help you to detect the
pattern of a song.
Here's what I suggest ...
1.) Take a song you really want to learn ... (This helps you stick with the song until you learn it.)
2.) Break the song down into parts ... The "Intro", the "Verse", the "Chorus", and the "Bridge".
3.) Look for the pattern or group of chords for each part and try to feel the flow of chords as they move
through the song.
4.) Learn each part well ... (Sometimes the verse and chorus have the same chords and progression, that
makes it easier to learn a song.)
5.) After you find the chords to the song, write the number of each chord next to the chord. For example:
1-4-5-1 ... Soon you'll be able to spot the patterns just by hearing it.
Here's a little note:
I play over at the Hospice occasionally, and I get requests now and then. Well, to make a long story short, I wanted to learn the song, "Moonlight Serenade" by Glenn Miller. Now, to begin with, that's not the genre of songs that I'm familiar with. However, by following the steps I just shared with you, I can gladly say that I've learned it, and it's a beautiful song.
God bless you, BroAllan
