learning songs by ear, any tips

[JDC]

looks like I'm doing rhythm guitar for my mate's band, the stuff is already recorded but I gotta learn it by ear, it's not something I've practised much, any advice?

I'm gunna get the mp3s off him later and shove them into guitar rig so I can slow them right down

any general advice on learning songs would be useful as I tend to learn half a song and get distracted and end up widdling instead, especially if it's a tricky solo or riff I can't get up to full speed

[horsehead]

I'm the same at the moment mate, learning songs (famous ones though, but the prinicples the same), I usually start by just figuring out which note it is on a single string. Then try different chords based on that note etc. etc. Not exactly a great help, but a starting point

[hunter]

meet with the other guitarist and practise the stuff together, quickest way

on tricky parts, use the webcam of you laptop to record

That's how I did it, we met 4 times and did 3 songs each time. Super efficient.

[hamfist]

meet with the other guitarist and practise the stuff together, quickest way

on tricky parts, use the webcam of you laptop to record

That's how I did it, we met 4 times and did 3 songs each time. Super efficient.

+1, if you don't find this sort of thing easy.   If he really is a "mate" then it won't be a problem for him, will it !!!

[sgmypod]

also make sure guitar is in perfect tuning..or else will throw you out..I find the more I practice at this the easier it gets..although I find on easier songs..I add bits, must be my subconscious thinking surely they must be harder

[38thBeatle]

I find that writing out a chart for a song works for me.The very fact that I have written the chords or riffs down and also the arrangement helps it stick in the brain...mostly.

[Ochaye]

a good tip is to listen to the BASS.....9 times out of ten they are playing the root note and from there simply determine the chords colour,maj min.......

[indysmith]

I find that writing out a chart for a song works for me.The very fact that I have written the chords or riffs down and also the arrangement helps it stick in the brain...mostly.

That's really interesting actually. I have an extremely photographic memory, so I might have to try that later!
Thanks

[Philosoful]

I have tabbed tons of stuff so am alright at working stuff out - like guitar, practise is the obvious number one.

WMP slower downer thing in the enhancements section is very useful, as is the wow effect to boost/cut the guitars.

Trying to hear which string certain things are on really helps a lot too, hear the tone - you can play stuff at the same pitch at various places but only one way will give the most similar sound to what you're trying to learn.

A cool way of working out chords (hardest thing to work out in my view besides really low stuff) = to play the high E and find a note that sounds right/very in key with the chord/is a note of the chord, then repeat for the string lower repeat etc jumping straight into getting the chord right with all it's notes first time = not going to happen unless your exceptionally talented.

[JustBecos]

If they recorded the it multitrack see if you can get the individual track recordings. Listern to the guitar on it's own should make it easier, especial if they use chord fragments  with the bass completing the chord. Should also make it easier to hear whats going on if there are lots of layers.