How To Learn Songs & Prepare for Gigs - Tips for Working Musicians

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In this video I discuss how I learned 30+ songs in just a few days, and how i prepared for wildly different gigs.
I'll cover: the Nashville Number System, software and apps I use, choosing the right gear, and getting ready to fill in with Stone Sour.
Amazing Slow Downer - www.ronimusic.com
1Chart app - www.1chartapp.com
Stave 'N Tabs app - staventabs.com
Documents by Readdle -itunes.apple.com/us/app/docum...
Rock N Roll Relics Guitars - www.rocknrollrelics.net
Jeff Senn Guitars - jeffsennguitars.com
Ernie Ball Music Man JP16 - amzn.to/2ENW6HF
(Thumbnail photo credit: Stubs)
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🔴 Instagram - / rj_ronquillo
🔴 Facebook - / officialrjronquillo
🔴 Blog - www.rjronquillo.com/blog

[@stephenshaw6777]

I am the tour manager/FOH for Stone Sour. R.J. did an amazing job with the limited time he was given. Fantastic playing and spot on performance each show! Well done R.J.!

[@RJRonquillo]

Hey man!! Happy New Year! Thank you guys for the opportunity, to quote "Dirty Dancing"....I Had The Time Of My Life! lol - Take care man!

[@kirkfoster1780]

Very cool to give props Stephen! That is what this industry needs when it is deserved.

[@ResidentRob]

I was curious if you were learning material for a band with two guitars how you distinguish which parts to learn?

[@BiggestKornFan1993]

Thats awesome!!! Thank you for what you do to make a gig happen and for us fans to have a great time to forgot our problems for a little bit!!

[@lueysixty-six7300]

So, RJ, did you play with Jim Root, or fill in for him?

[@DaveEvans17]

And people think that you can just walk up on stage an make it happen "effortlessly." To make it look effortless requires a LOT of effort. Thanks for your tips. I did learn a few things.

[@pcs56]

As a drummer people always assume I can play songs without even hearing them. Drives me nuts. I want recordings as far in advance as possible. The really most important things to me are the way songs start, any starts and stops in the song, and how the song ends. It's hard to wing those things without hearing stuff ahead of time!

[@joeyhayek]

Wow I totally didn't expect that second gig to be Stone Sour. That's awesome!

[@fastguitars4380]

For the young musician, who wants to get his gigs up and running, this video is like a mini "how to" bible..

[@i.p.knightly149]

I've never tried to learn 32 songs in a week... but I've been trying to learn The Clap (Steve Howe) for 32 years.

[@billderinbaja3883]

This really strikes deep in gaining some understanding of how much a top pro musician needs to know, and how little time they have to prepare. My own guitar playing is very limited in comparison to R.J., yet many ideas here for how to move forward to the next level. Thanks so much for a glimpse into things us mere-mortals rarely see.

[@anthonynicholson5523]

This...is...gold. thank you... I have ADHD on top of other memory issues. This is phenomenal and maybe my memory isn't as bad ...I didn't know the professionals go through these depths to commit things to memory. Thanks 🙏

[@RJRonquillo]

Hope you guys enjoy this video! I totally forgot to mention that I used the Digitech Drop pedal on the country showcase, it's perfect for "tuning" down to Eb, and keeps me from bringing extra guitars. Also, "sig lick" is short for "signature lick"

[@JasminBellavance_Music]

Very helpfull! I use Forescore and its working good...Can you explaine your symboles système for rythme?

[@bogdanblazevic1699]

I recently purchased the Digitech Drop pedal on your recommendation. Eliminating 1 guitar. Even the doubters in my band 2 bands reluctantly gave me the thumbs up. I usually need to bring 4 guitars. Two open tunings for slide..Now I’m down to 3. Thanks again. I admire your practical approach. Common sense and hard work = Success!

[@frmcf]

Really interesting video RJ, A question: did you consider at any point doing the Stone Sour gig with the pedal? Or did you feel that you really needed the real downtuned guitars?

[@RJRonquillo]

Great question, I actually did consider using the pedal after I started practicing with it, it worked so well. But some of the guitars I borrowed on the road were already set up with heavier strings and tuned down, so i figured I should just get used to those.

[@RJRonquillo]

Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lX_cimqKe7uBhck

[@jimmygreen5872]

It was super awesome getting to see you with Stone Sour at the last show in Indianapolis!! When you came out with them I was like hey I know who that guy is! Lol

[@michaelcraig9449]

I hate that kind of music, this guy is a real hero to get himself motivated enough to play that garbage, I could not motivate myself to do that.

[@dubshockmedia1110]

Wicked R.j. good tips. Great to have you back

[@bobsyeruncle4841]

super cool and such a high level of expertise props to you man .

[@michaelcraig9449]

RJ you are a real inspiring pro music man, thanks for the tips on stuff.

[@Flaminghamsterboy]

Dude, you're a legend and an inspiration. Love your work!

[@dremag88]

I love these road and prep vids. Just so so helpful, thanks!

[@elehuebauchman111]

Great real world explanation of how you get things done to prepare for gigs. It answered a lot of questions that were already rolling areund in my head.

[@wgb01001]

My favorite KZbinr. One of my favorite guitarists.

[@randommann6240]

Never heard of you, I have no idea who you are. Your video came up as a suggestion in my feed. I’ve got to say, great job! Fantastic video of a professional guitarist’s world. Thank you ever so much for sharing.

[@scottmorrison3505]

Your point about listening and knowing a song in your head is spot on. I don't know how many time I just dived in to started playing along with a song only to find out later that I missed so much.

[@highstreetjackmusic]

I love your videos. It's awesome that you can cover such a wide range of stuff!

[@Jaypsl]

I truly appreciate you taking the time to do videos like this one and the touring vlogs- great to hear how a professional approaches it all. Always informative and useful; you are a total class act, RJ.

[@J3unG]

Brilliant system you have created for getting your shit together for gigs, bro. Mad props to you. I learned a few things including the new software. Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@vikas.tandon]

Such a useful topic to cover, and covered so well. I’m not half the musician you are, but could completely relate to the thoroughness and rigour that goes into preparing for a gig. Some really great tips. Thanks very much for putting this together.

[@kyleconner38]

Great video, man! Very helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to post this!

[@briandietrich1373]

Wow. So grateful for all the tips. I am glad you share so much information, Thank you!!

[@rexturner4728]

Maaaan you are versatile. From country to head banging in two weeks. Awesome!!!

[@TheJayMadd1]

Quality stuff once again, RJ - the fact you got to play live for Stone Sour is just insane! I remember going to see them way back in 2002 here in Birmingham, England (it was my first ever concert and I was about 12 or 13). Fantastic advice and I'll be putting all of this to use over the coming months as I gear up for a big show in November!

[@hack-ta-guitare]

Very useful tips, thanks a lot for sharing. Just discovered the Nashville number system. Will love it for sure :).

[@musicalmotors]

Awesome video. I don’t organize my music as well yet (still using chords/tab mix), but the parts about listening to the music first and using different tab sites/tutorials was spot on. I love playing in a variety of bands but sometimes it requires learning fast! Good tips.

[@thelowertownsound]

Awesome video, as usual. This shows that just being a talented guitar player isn't enough to get where you are, so good for you. Hard work and preparation before getting to be onstage and had banging away. I always look forward to your videos.

[@kevdob5810]

Insightful. I always wondered how pros learned songs so fast.

[@danielbell4007]

I’m surprised and impressed that you filled in for stone sour!! I associate you more with the jazzy/surf/avant-garde style guitar that you use in your Eastwood/airline demos. Very cool.

[@transformationgeneration]

That was an excellent presentation. To the point - good graphic images and understood it all in 11 minutes. Great job.

[@tedsmusic5556]

I just really want to thank you, RJ. I’ve been playing for a long time, but making charts like you suggested really is helping me learn songs for this weekend at church. The 1Chart App is great.

[@battmanvonrichtoven]

This video was hugely helpful. I love the breakdown of your process. I can apply this to my situations it’s super organized. Thank you

[@coyotepoop4140]

Just what I needed. Thanks man 🙏

[@dm6string]

R.J., you're an awesome player and very professional, watched your stuff for Eastwood for a while and I usually get something out of every video you do. Your song learning technique & gig prep is spot on, and it's basically the same process I've stumbled into over the last few years (sans the Nashville Number system-guess I need to pick that up too), wish you'd made this video 5 years ago. Keep up the good work.

[@Casey_J96]

Really interesting seeing a pros insights on charting out songs. I don’t play out much but I try to learn songs in a similar manner. Even with riff based songs I break them down into parts and memorize the order of the different riffs because when it comes down to it music is just patterns.

[@paulrusinko666]

Excellent video and tips. Makes what I need to get in order seem so small.

[@reynaldogarcia643]

You're AWESOME mate, thanks for all your POSITIVE SYNERGY in helping us all out!!! Cheers!

[@brucemaxson3663]

Great insight and ideas, and a BIG thanks for sharing!

[@JIMIIXTLAN]

Fantastic advice RJ for someone like myself who doesn't have a lot of experience, having many jams with my friends and just winging it, it became very frustrating and unproductive and it was only until I made an effort to organize and learn complete songs that I felt I was progressing in a positive direction, your advice and tips will help even more thanks.

[@billb825]

Perfect advice. Great video. Sometimes I have to chart out tunes for our entire (cover) band - annoying. Glad to see I'm on the right path. Spotify and iTunes playlists are great. So are the "KZbin to MP3" and "SetlistMaker" apps.

[@sohailshrestha2]

Thanks man. Your tips worked.

[@renatobernal7674]

It's such a privilege for us to have access to this type of info on the internet, from a touring professional guitarist! Amazing, thanks R.J.!

[@mikebarr8682]

Cool. Great to see how versatility can pay off and keep one's self busy. Enjoy your posts.

[@doom-mantia]

Thanks dude, that was helpful! Very smart process

[@tiki_trash]

I may not be such a great guitar player but practicing while standing up really helps for me. I even throw the strap over my shoulder as a kind of reminder to try and get the guitar closer to a standing position when I am sitting down.

[@revrocks3]

R.J. Thanks for sharing all this wonderful information with us!

[@saby5075]

Wonderful video. Thanks for sharing!

[@plexidust5101]

Hey R.J. , new to your channel, and with this level of insight count me in bro, subbed and shared. Top level skills , attitude and professionalism that is surely welcomed. You sounded great and I would imagine their are so many in the field that wouldn't hesitate a second to give you a call for top notch support! Thanx for sharing.

[@gergemall]

Thx R.J. stay well

[@dihett]

This was fascinating. I am not a musician but after attending several concerts this summer, was curious about how bands learn songs and recall each note for each song. Thanks!

[@bills48321]

inspiring diligence. I bought the amazing slow downer from your tip and I really like it.

[@marsattacks7071]

Your a real pro Sir ! And an excellent communicator ! Wish you the best !

[@isaacjohnson.]

SO many tips in this vid! Awesome RJ. Very impressive. Thank you for sharing

[@cmartinrel]

Loved this. Subscribed.

[@bairesmax5965]

I m impressed .... thanks for sharing

[@birchward]

As a pro musician for over 50 years I love your videos as they are spot on ,and a great guide to helping anybody who are taking this hard road for a career ! one of your other videos made me laugh when you where on the tour bus going to a gig a long way of , you forgot to mention , the farts / no washing facilites / body sweat after gigs , and the long hours of boredom but your on the money , mentioning money , with the hours put into traveling / exspences , you find ,having a drink with mates at home , who are auto technitions etc , with pensions /payed holidays , gauranted pay per hour , they earn more than you ! but its only when your on the road we come alive ! one of my mates , played in a band called Simon dupree and the big sound , in 1965 ,they where on £25 a week , and had a certain reg dwight ( later elton john ) on organ,you have to learn your trade ! by the way after the band split he went to USA , and found / promoted a band called bon jovi etc and passed on his experiances like you , and !!! cheers mate a great share .ritchie

[@palakabrad]

Cool breakdown, RJ. Mahalo for taking the time to map out the process.. # system is the only way for me to think about tunes.. like phone #'s 🎵🎶🎵🤘🤘 Aloha

[@mikegreenebass]

those tab apps tips are an awesome tip. thanks.

[@ZackSeifMusic]

New subscriber after watching this!Much respect, and you do what I'm starting to do so I look forward to the tips from someone a few steps up. Thanks man!

[@orlandomorales5423]

Great video! I'm an aspiring pro musician and this gave me some valuable insight. It's awesome to see that pro musicians aren't above looking up tutorials on youtube to learn songs. I've been working hard on learning things by ear and figuring them out on my own. I guess as a pro you just need to learn the songs by any means necessary. Again great video!

[@ShashankNaithani]

Sir you are awesome. Thanks for sharing You music experience. I am beginner and find your tips very helpful and trustworthy.

[@fernriver]

Awesome man, thank you! Loving your stuff more and more all the time, thanks again!

[@RKBibleStudy]

That’s exactly how I do that. I also live and work around Nashville. Great video!

[@johnmoses8964]

Great stuff man!

[@BobbyBBetlejewski]

GREAT JOB RJ!!!

[@sebastianibanez7681]

Great video ! I usually spend a few days just listening to the songs over and over, writing down and trying to memorize them before i grab the guitar or the drums.

[@freight_train13]

Great video and works great for amateur musicians too who just want to fill in on some gigs/not deal with the hassle of running your own band (like me!). Showing up for an audition with great charts that you've actually practiced and not just jotted down one time is a great way to lock down that spot in the band!

[@georgevalenzuela2489]

Great video R.J.!

[@cabbycabby1770]

Really a pro man, this shows it!

[@billducas]

That's almost like the way I do it. Got called the other day 2 days before a 3 hour gig. Had to really cram for it. I actually like doing it that way without rehearsing. Keeps you on your toes and the spontaneous part of it is great. Most the musicians I play with don't like rehearsing, as it takes the spirit out of the song.

Amazing video! Thank you so much, man!

[@MartinCliffe]

Really useful tips. Congrats on the cool gigs!

[@bernardmarlow9727]

Thankyou for posting this video, I'm a bassist & a local band want me to learn there set list in the same amount of time you had. All tips gratefully received 👍🎸

[@ericcoombs]

Great stuff RJ! Thanks man!

[@ralphhyland8661]

This guy is a real pro. Dig it.

[@carsickphil]

Great information. Superb delivery.

[@renzodilorenzo]

Unbelievably informative. Mindblowing!

[@scottdematteo]

Wow! Excellent tip video. Thank you so much for spending your valuable time to help us all out.

[@patricksalembier7352]

Great stuff!

[@mrjaydlyon]

Awesome RJ! More proof of you high PRO ability.

[@marcalving1753]

Love your vids RJ!

[@RossCampbellGuitarist]

Great video dude!

[@stevepartain864]

Wow, this is a great video on how to learn allot of songs quick, but you have to be a great player with a great mind and memory. Well done Sir.

[@emmanuelwolf6568]

I'm just turning 39 I thought I was too old to sing again but you've inspired me to keep going.

[@mondrian57]

This is great! You made me think about how to be more efficient in preparation for gigs. Many thanks!!!

[@00xanawolf00]

Fantastic video. A ton of useful tips and tricks. I can't even imagine doing what you did- and in such a short time span! I get really intimidated when learning a new set list; I always want to learn my parts note for note (as recorded in the studio version). But I finally realized that most bands don't even play their own songs exactly the same as they did on the studio album. I know it sounds obvious, but that was a big deal for me when I realized this simple thing! Now I feel much less stressed and anxious about learning new songs for performance. Your video here was stellar, and I learned a ton of useful stuff.

[@RJRonquillo]

Sometimes I like to learn everything note for note, but or course it depends on the gig. A lot of times i learn a solo note for note and put my own "brand" on it - sliding or bending into notes, adding extra notes, etc.

[@Journey-of-1000-Miles]

Solid tips! I pretty much use the same methods, but the video is still very helpful. Good luck, and congratulations on the success!

[@samxday]

So cool that you got the Stone Sour gig. Excellent.

[@michaelhawkins6149]

Excellent video. All musicians should watch this...it would save some frustration.

[@BlackRaven156]

Love this!

[@tombundick1536]

Thanks, man. This is extremely helpful information. Subscribed.

[@terranceturner7972]

Great stuff! Subbed man!

[@GO-ej1pg]

Oraley RJ. This info was GOLD! It’s great to look inside another musicians head in terms of gig prep. Thank you bro. Keep rocking dogg! Puro Kung fu magoo

[@kevanbaconofficial]

I'm a fairly competent bassist, I've filled in for friends when their regular guy is sick or on vacation or something. I obviously used the "listen repeatedly until memorized, then play over and over" technique, but never thought to create my own shorthand tabs. Most of the bands are riff based, but some are more blues oriented, so that'll definitely come in handy when it comes up again. Thanks for the idea!

[@dgcwrite]

You amaze. Thanks for sharing so much.

[@redstrat1234]

Amazing to see how a pro works. Great work sir

[@PedroBernardiGuitarra]

What an interesting video! Cool insights all around