[srick]

I’m late to this thread, but have an observation that might be of help. I have had the same issues with tab. Funny thing though, with an in person lesson, I pick up and remember the tune much better. Toby Walker helped me figure this one out - while he was playing , I was watching his fingers on the fretboard with all my attention. Then I found my hands mimicking the chord shapes. I was also listening intently to the sound. Toby called me a visual learner.

Now, when I do a recorded or online lesson, I enlarge it to full screen, then I listen and watch while I play along. If that’s not working well, I’ll repeat a section and \or slow it down. The Vidami pedal has been a recent addition to my practice and it allows all of these functions to be controlled using the foot switch. It really enhances my progress.

The other factor that improved my memorization skills was playing at open mics. Performance pressure and the fear of failure is a very powerful motivator!