Learning a song that's always intimidated you...
 

So since it was really rainy yesterday on Memorial Day here in the south, I decided to sit down and try to learn a song that's always been on my list of songs to learn, but I've been too chicken until now. Anything by Julian Lage is enough to make you sweat, but I've always wanted to learn how to play "Day and Age."

What about you? Learn any new songs this weekend? Anything you want to learn but haven't gathered up the nerve yet?

Here's my attempt. Needs some work lol, I get sloppy towards the end. Flatpicked only, because I suck and fingerpicking bass lines lol. Played on my 000-28, recorded with iPhone 8+

https://soundcloud.com/user-95645654...ge-julian-lage

I learned, well almost, Sweet Melissa this weekend. It isn't a really intimidating song, more of a song I've always liked but never sat down and tried to learn.

I'm starting to work on Classical Gas. So far I've got the main theme under my fingers. Hopefully I won't hit any deal breakers as I progress.

A year ago, I took the plunge and decided to try learning my favorite acoustic piece. It's a very challenging piece and for 30+ years I just deemed it "out of my reach".

I found an approximate tab for it and I stumbled upon a pretty close video tutorial. I combined those together with "The Amazing Slow Downer" and wrote out what I feel is the right tab.

I then set out to learn it. It took me about two months to master it. I did about 45 minutes every single day, adding a phrase once I mastered everything beforehand.

Since then, I found my approach slow but successful. I've used it for another such song, then another.

So, now I am working on a few more and they are (as is typical with me) slow but steady progress. I definitely take the tortoise approach in the studying race.

I purchased the music for Yenne Lee’s arrangement of Autumn Leaves last week. Its well over my skill set at this point and I think it will be a piece that requires several years before I’d be able to play through smoothly. I doubt I’ll ever play it as cleanly as she can, but I’d be happy if I can play it through somewhat decently. I just feel I need to have one piece that requires me to really push past my comfort zone so this is the one for now😉

Jeff

Nice thread! Tortoise beats hare every time.

That's an approach I find myself doing more and more.

There's a piece I've always wanted to tackle. I probably should give it a go.

Working on some fire and rain by James Taylor.

I have been working on Wild Horses by the Rolling Stones for over a year now.
While that sounds excessive, it is usually 10-20 min per day.
When I started I could not play any form of a Bm chord.
Now it is at about 90%.
Adding different picking and fills to sound smooth is also about 80-90%.
I have watched EVERY youtube instructional video many many times.
At least I am not tired of the song yet. :)

Great song. It is one of my go to chord progressions when auditioning guitars!

I did the same thing with Tangled Up in Blue on a rainy day here on Sunday.

Be interesting to see how long I can retain that one in my memory!

One of my all time favorites.
I still play it, pick in hand, because I like the feel of it so much as a strumming song, and also to practice electric.
In the original recording, the 12 string guitar is tuned to open G. (Additional guitars are in standard, and one is in Nashville tuning.)
Just strumming the tune using chords in open G tuning really brings out Keith’s signature “sound” much more so than in standard. Definitely give that a go if you haven't already.
One of the all time great Rolling Stones songs, and another gem in Keith’s stash(imo).

Lots of great choices in here!! Good luck to all!
I started about 15 months ago working on the Cal-Jam version of Still You Turn Me On by Greg Lake... complete with arpeggio. Totally daunting song but worthwhile when it starts coming together. I figure another 15 months should do it. :)

I don't know about "intimidating" but I have been working on classic rock tunes with guitar parts I really like. Latest is CSNY "Almost Cut My Hair." Also trying to polish up Big Brother's "Piece of my Heart."

I love it when I can play something I have always enjoyed listening to.

I am working on memorizing Buddy, Can You Spare A Dime? and American Pie. I can play them both, but I have to sight read them. I dont have a hard time memorizing songs, but these two give me brain farts. The 2nd one is harder. The progressions are pretty straight forward, but I have to sight read it just to sing it. Lots of change in tempo and dynamics too. Very fun song to play.

Fleetwood Mac’s (Lindsey Buckingham’s) Never Goin’ Back Again. It is an absolute beast for me and while I can pick it very slowly getting it to speed is a never ending quest.