The Best And Fastest Way To Learn Songs

There are a range of song learning methods throughout the world. One of the most effect that I’ve found in my guitar journey is this: LEARN THE KEY!

No, I’m not talking about a musical key here. I’m talking about the key to the song. This is a small portion of the song that contains the majority of the knowledge and skill required to play the whole song. This section should be the focus of practice when first learning the song.

Let’s look at Smoke On The Water as an example. Here are the fret numbers for the whole riff (in a simplified version):

0 3 5 0 3 6 5 0 3 5 3 0

As you may notice, the majority of this song is only three fret numbers – 0, 3 and 5. Remember that 0 means your open string.

The key to the song is the very first section – 0 3 5. If you can play this section, it’s not really much more difficult to play the second section by adding a 6. The third section is identical to the first. And the fourth is just 3 then 0. So when first learning this song, it makes sense to practice 0 3 5 repeatedly, until it becomes quite easy. Then try the remaining sections, practicing them individually before putting them all together. This method is much easier, quicker and more enjoyable than trying to play the whole song from start to finish on the first go.

Learn the key to a song and you’ll be practicing like a hero in no time.