I should have added to my post that understanding music theory is a big help. If the progression of chords or notes of a song 'makes sense' they are easier to remember and also it's easier to improvise. When I was in my teens I memorized all 5 billion notes to a version of Bach's 'Jesus, Joy of Man's Desire'. I'd go half way through and hit some awful discordant note... later with some they under the belt I might not get the 'right' note everytime but it is rarely the 'obvious' wrong note. Or, if I get off track. I can tread water with a few bars and then get back on track.
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