Free Banjo Lesson: Tips To Decrease Your Tab Dependence

[@brucesargeant6589]

Hey Mike, that's great insight. I wish I had heard this years ago:). I'm exactly at this place where I have memorized a bunch of songs from tab. But I practice without tab about 90% of the time these days. I can play most anything I have a tab for...but when I'm in a jam, I really in a jam! The songs I learn from tab AND have played a 1,000 times, I can play in the jam reasonable well, but its the other 90% of the songs that are played that are hard. Just like you suggest, I'll make up the song as I go. The trick is knowing the tune and chord progression fast enough before its over or before I get the nod...then being able to add some licks, pinches, etc. until its there. I think the best use of tab is to learn the classics (FFB, Fireball Mail, etc) so they sound right then pick out all of the licks used in these songs and be able to pull them out of your hat when you need them. The challenge for me today is cataloging these licks in my head so I can more easily remember them, remembering the tunes, figuring out where the tune is on the neck and getting the song's chording and timing right. It's a long journey home:). Thanks for posting what you do!

[@MikeHeddingMusic]

Thanks for checking out the lesson. Yes, learning and memorizing some of the classics is definitely worth it you're correct. It sounds like you're doing all the right things. Keep jamming! - Mike

[@Brian-ie2un]

7 years playing and can remember 6 songs and tab know a couple hundred. In a jam I get jammed real good.

[@stevepearson4160]

Excellent - just started trying to do this myself and this helps a lot!

[@MikeHeddingMusic]

Thanks Steve! - Mike

[@OldWailer]

Very cool discussion, Mike. This will help me.

[@MikeHeddingMusic]

You're welcome. Hope it was helpful. - Mike

[@glandersonkc]

Thanks Mike, good tips. Not knowing the song is where I really get hung up, thanks.

[@MikeHeddingMusic]

Me too. Listening to lots of different versions of the song is what helps me. - Mike

[@susanmiller9596]

What licks and tabs do u have memorized ? R they on ur site?

[@MikeHeddingMusic]

Yes, I have tons of licks and tabs on my website.

[@randy7678]

Great tips, but now my brain hurts.

[@clan_innesinnes3362]

Do you have a beginners/ intermediate coRse. If so how much

[@MikeHeddingMusic]

Yes, you can check them out here: mikeheddingmusic.com/guided You can access any of the courses with the Pro Membership. - Mike

[@clan_innesinnes3362]

Pro per month seems right for me. But my banjo is still in the post. Maybe next week Mike