an interesting learning realization

[fazool]

I've been playing pop/rock as a hobby for my while life.

About a year ago I got serious about challenging myself to learn favorite songs that I thought were "out of my reach"

At the same time, this would teach me new techniques.

I took up several classical pieces first. My method is to study a section or phrase until I have it down, then add the next phrase or piece to it.

Sometimes I would focus on just the new passage.

This worked well for me (and that's just for me).

I've recently taken on a very tricky fingerstyle piece (tricky bass drone and thumb independence).

Well, I was doing the same thing and had a phrase that has tripped me up so I would not move on to the next.

I decided to add the next phrase and suddenly could play the first one better.

I then realized - I had to have an entrance AND an exit from the phrase to learn it properly.

My mistake had been attempting the phrase and then stopping like a brick wall at the end and repeating it.

It was counter-intuitive to me but add MORE to the phrase made it easier (for me) to master each piece.

I do not suggest there is any wisdom in this and it is not advice for anyone. I just shared it because I found it interesting to realize that something unexpected worked for me and, in retrospect, it makes so much sense.

[rick-slo]

Adapt yourself to the requirements of what you are working on.

[Erithon]

This is excellent advice. And it applies to more than just phrases of a melody or sections of a song.

For example, when I hear a musician play a fill, I often also hear a slight hesitation at the end as they try and navigate back to the main riff, rhythm, or whatever. That hesitation can take the shape of a fill that's out of time or just a fill that trails off and leaves an empty dotted quarter note at the end; this is easily remedied by thinking about where you want to end up and practicing those transitions.

[rick-slo]

Originally Posted by Erithon

This is excellent advice. And it applies to more than just phrases of a melody or sections of a song.

For example, when I hear a musician play a fill, I often also hear a slight hesitation at the end as they try and navigate back to the main riff, rhythm, or whatever. That hesitation can that the shape of a fill that's out of time or just a fill that trails off and leaves an empty dotted quarter note at the end; this is easily remedied by thinking about where you want to end up and practicing those transitions.

Yep, as soon as possible start thinking ahead the notes you are actually playing.

[pieterh]

Good advice! When rehearsing in band situations I find it is useful, when focusing on a section of a song that needs to be tightened up for example, to start a few bars before hand so that we improve the section in context and not in isolation.

[TBman]

I'll always work a little entry ramp and exit ramp into a rough section. It's all part of learning the flow.

[KDepew]

Great advice! Thanks for sharing it here.