How To REALLY Learn Songs

[@BryantCreative]

POV: I'm watching this video instead of actually learning the songs for the 3 gigs I have this weekend😂

[@kalkidasofficial]

Tell your band mates to play Let It Be. 😄

[@austingaines7617]

LUCKY

[@markatteberry8557]

This is the way…..

[@EddieVanAidan]

A fantastic tip I had from a college tutor, is try to play the chords of a song within a 4 fret range. You can play most pop songs within 4 frets, it teaches you triads really well, and is definitely a good way to 'unlock' the fretboard.

[@mattmurph]

Rhett is a boss, no doubt, these are all great tips. I would add - listen to the song (you want to learn) once through without even holding your guitar... just take notes on when guitars come in and out, and what sounds are most important. If you try and learn while you listen the first time, you will often miss guitar parts that are critical to the song.

[@joegriffithsmusic]

This is so true. What I found out is that if you get the structure down and memorised to the point when you're super comfortable and can also sing the guitar part (and the other instruments too for that matter), then learning the song is miles easier and can make a seemingly difficult song way less overwhelming.

[@mouthfulacoque3580]

Oh great someone stole my line

[@mattmurph]

@@mouthfulacoque3580 😂😂

[@mattmurph]

@@joegriffithsmusic That’s a good word.

[@danmurphycbc3]

Matt - EXCELLENT point. Especially the licks that back the main rhythm part - they often come in and out at places that aren't how you think they are!

[@queenhenryviii]

I like to put Spotify on random and trying to figure out the song within its time. No stopping, no going back, if I don’t get it on the first pass, there’s always next time… This is how I have fun fine tuning my ear. I’m not quite Rick Beato quick, but I’d give him a run for his money (if he were wearing earplugs). But for learning a song like I’m getting ready for a tribute show. that starts with the rhythm and getting it to where I think it’s 100%, then i try and find a video of the band playing it live. And check my work. If no luck, try snd find a couple other KZbin guitarists. Also ways to check what I got compared with how they’re playing and adjust accordingly. Then I move to figuring it out on the piano ( or sometimes I figure it out on piano first) …then drums.. then lead guitar… Let it Be is deceptively tricky. Nice one. Keep on rocking in the free world y’all.

[@jakestewartmusic]

As a sideman musician, I play lots of one-off gigs and have to learn entire setlists of original songs (often only in a few days). The thing that helps most is just listening to the song over and over - memorizing the melody, the structure, taking note of what the instruments are doing and when they come in/out, etc. Familiarity with the song is crucial to playing it well and learning it deeply. It also pays off to learn what the drums, bass, singer, etc are all doing and be able to hang because when you go to play with other people, you won't have the guitar on the record to cue you. Playing along to something is quite different than literally carrying the part yourself, even in the context of a band. I've also had lots of times where I've been asked to play what the synth/strings/sax/etc was doing instead of the actual guitar part, and either already knowing it or being able to quickly figure it out has helped immensely.

[@malepartd]

For years I used to play guitar by myself. A while ago, I picked up the bass to play with friends as a band. I realized that I was trying (poorly) to duplicate too many instruments on my guitar - even the drum on some songs! Now, I will tell the rhythm guitar to focus on his strumming, using different chord voicing, etc., and I will focus on transitioning between chords on bass - and keeping time with the drummer, of course. It's one thing to play a song by yourself, and it's another to play as a band.

[@jakestewartmusic]

@@malepartd 100%, it's an entirely different skill! Playing with a band requires you to listen to not just yourself, but what everyone else is in the group is doing. Locking in with the drums, hearing if you're playing too busy and overcrowding the mix, reacting to the other instruments, and sometimes even just noticing that the singer came in early and you need to follow along. That's one thing that you really only learn by playing with other musicians. In a jam or on a gig, I can 100% feel if a player is used to playing live with other musicians or not - it immediately comes across.

[@jakestewartmusic]

​@@MrChopsticktech Certainly, one develops those skills of time feel and listening much faster if they're playing with really great, experienced musicians. But I still developed a lot of those skills even when I was less experienced and playing with other musicians that were less experienced just because we focused on improving a lot. We practiced a ton and actively worked on our ability to jam, lock into a groove, play dynamically as a unit, and listen to eachother. We even developed gestures to communicate on stage. I think the key is working with players who take improvement seriously. That being said, I have worked with players that I could tell played live a lot, but didn't take improvement seriously and it showed. Those folks don't tend to get as much work or stick around in the scene long IME, so if you're working your way up in your scene you'll probably play with people like that less and less unless the talent pool is very small.

[@jakestewartmusic]

@@MrChopsticktech Yeah man, it can be tough to start an original project. That's where my heart is, too - these days I only play with artists that do originals. If you don't have singer/songwriters or original artists in your town, I'd say to write your own stuff and see if you can find people who either want to join your band, collaborate, or be your sidemen if you're willing to hire people out and pay them for their time. Best of luck!

[@lamafarmers782]

Great video Rhett, there is so much to be learnt that it is never ending..thanks for sharing your ideas...BTW were you were using your FX3 ?

[@fullbeans983]

Then there is me, never finished learning anything I just hop between the 100s of songs I want to learn but only focus on one until I think it sounds good, then comes the never ending quest for perfection whilst still hopping between songs.

[@OldeDog_NewTricks]

Brother is that you?😢

[@TheMountainLynx]

Regarding music theory, I'll repeat a fantastic piece of advice I once got from a high school music teacher: "You have to know the rules before you can break them."

[@mikehill3426]

Low f chord sounds like root, 3rd and octave. Not root 3rd 5th.

[@RhettShull]

You’re right, I misspoke there.

[@jamesfetherston1190]

Funny. The “Let it Be” / “No Woman, No Cry” progression was the song that I spent so much time messing around with voicing and inversions.

[@EC2727]

Step 1: Get your "edge-of-breakup" tone ready. ;D

[@DerekBolli]

I used to play "cowboy chords" on an acoustic guitar and loved it. Couldn't play barre chords to save my life. Now I play "cowboy chords" on a MIDI keyboard but not as much as I'd like. Still great fun. Working my way through the Beato Book v4.0. I'm on page 9 LOLs 😆🎵

[@michaelhayes2794]

Being a keyboard player as well as guitar helps you visualize the different position available for any chord combination.👨🏻‍🦳

[@Jesse615]

Totally agree. I play mainly guitar and bass, but started on piano. In fact, this is one of the first songs I picked out by ear on piano. Anyway, just as you say, playing keys makes you think of the song and voicings in a completely different way, which is then translated into how I play guitar.

[@alexander_winston]

The best way to play a cover flawlessly is to…. hire Rick.

[@alexander_winston]

@@MrPeak111 hilarious!

[@jeremyfried5463]

I have learned a lot of this and applied it with out knowing I was using theory. Like the circle of fifths and just learning the notes of each chord and rearranging them to do different voicing and inversions. Most of it comes from learning songs and adapting it to how would have written the songs.

[@AntonioRockGP]

I really thought you were going to talk about analizing the chord progression with the function of every chord and then apply it to originals or use that information to be able to play a lot of songs just by knowing the basic progression... But that analysis was good to. It was more about arranging. But it's a very relevant topic as well

[@NagoyaHouseHead]

Excellent stuff bro. As a singer songwriter I would also add that being able to sing the song, all the lyrics, from start to finish, will definitely help you pull the song deeper inside of you. Even if you're not a singer, you'll own the song thoroughly. Also, after I learn a song in open chords, I like to use a capo and learn the song with a different set of open chords. I like to know a song in the original open position and two other capo'd positions. I find it helps with understanding the relations between different chord shapes. I'll also change the key of the song to suit my voice. There is no reason you have to stay in the original key.

[@dieterheinrich8377]

At 6:18, you are saying root-third-fifth but it sounds like you're playing root-third-octave.

[@OrangutanJ4488]

I actually hate learning songs. Writing is way more fun to me.

[@misterknightowlandco]

I thought I was the only one

[@robhand7205]

The point on attack on the dude playing floyd is one of the most important things ever! You can replace some bends with slides and vice versa but the attack is soooooooo important.

[@grene1955]

This is one of the best videos you have done. I have been playing covers and originals in bands for 40 years, and one of the things I stress to band mates when learning a new cover, is that no matter how apparently simple a song seems to be, when you break it down, you always find unexpected techniques or "hidden" parts that surprise you and show you why that particular song had that "special something" that made it great. Keep up the great work!!!

[@igormonteg9074]

So true! I'd also add the harmonic analysis. Try to learn functions and describe any song with just roman . It's something that will help a lot to songwriters/ composers. And you'll be able to modulate the whole thing up and down to different keys easily!

[@radmed979]

Also have to say your not one of those cocky players. You can never stop learning. No matter how so called good musicians think they know it all, especially on you tube.

[@hlynurth6259]

Loved that 6th voicing, filled out the sound beautifully.

[@bfish89ryuhayabusa]

To me, "really learning" a song is less about fully understanding the music and being able to play it in different keys or contexts, but seeing what is going on under that, which I think is best attained by listening to live versions to hear how it changes, and what its range of variations is. Getting the right chord inversions can be a major part of the character of a song. I also try to find video to see exactly how it's being played to get into the logic of how it works better. Then, you can understand what matters to the song and what can be changed to maintain the spirit of the song. (of course, if you completely change how the song sounds, then the original spirit is no longer as important)

[@noseconeprophets]

Most people know theory and don't even know it.. Like me. Never had a day of schooling but learned the neck an a I think alot like Rhett when it comes to breaking down cbords.. good stuff.

[@unclesixer]

I don't leave many comments, Rhett, but gotta say this was an excellent video, thanks so much for the perspective.

[@kujob6442]

As a bassist, guitar players sometimes need to know how to play the in the lower registers using different inversions, because bass players are somewhat rare, and you need low end in your music. But if there’s a bassist, let him do his job. Lol Great video Rhett.

[@eddiecarter9831]

I've been playing guitar since around 13 years of age, and I turned 50 this year. I've dabbled here and there in basic music theory, mainly for the purpose of teaching young guitarists and understanding myself what I was teaching them. Over the years, I have continued to attempt learning at least enough to communicate with other musicians in a band setting, etc. I am finally releasing original material on my on, playing most of the instruments, and I really want to take it further, much like what you've talked about here. Many times, however, when watching videos on theory, I get frustrated and confused, I'm guessing because they are over my head. I love Rick Beato, but I don't always know enough to grasp everything he is saying, though I still manage to learn from it. This was great! If your course is anything like this, then it might be the thing I've been waiting for! Thanks, Rhett! Thanks for keeping it musical and simple!

[@karll3119]

Whenever you say "cowboy chords" it gives me the will to learn what's next and step up my game. I am a long time musician but very short time guitar player. Thank you for being there. You sound like a fantastic human being through what you achieve 🎸

[@blakebellis]

Richard Ramirez on lead much? 😬

[@thedys70]

errr... killer lead....?

[@devinmansanarez3260]

I like numbers with lyrics. Learning to sing and play a song simultaneously has helped me learn songs much faster than I could before. It helps my right hand find some order and helps me find spaces to add fills. It also keeps me from over-playing. Rhett, you were actually the source of knowledge about the number system, so, thank you for putting it out there.

[@georgebox1870]

How to fool a fool to pay for nothing. Please stop.

[@822nivla]

I was hearing "Waltzing Matilda" during this breakdown. Just me, I guess!

[@thedys70]

No mate, you got me hearing it too now lol!

[@smkh2890]

Thanks for this. I need to study my chord voicings!

[@wackywankavator]

Or the right in-song guitar tuning. Or buy 20 guitars and keep switching out til the notes match. 😕

[@jimmrvos2930]

This was very insightful Rhett! It’s so tempting to just learn the basic chord progressions of a song and move on to the next song you are interested in. But going down the path that you laid out makes the song much more interesting and musical without making it difficult. It just requires a bit more thought and creativity. And that’s what make music magical! Thanks!

[@skipneumann1]

Super useful ideas when you are in a two guitar band This also gives me new material to have my students work on- if they can do this with a song it would be an eye opener for them Thanks for the video

[@devingrubbs]

The correct voicing thing annoyed me when I was starting out. I always wanted to learn exactly how the artist was playing, and I’d sift through tons of cowboy chord versions on UG before I found something accurate. Taught me early on to rely on live videos if I wanna nail someone’s style. But I do agree that being able to play the same song in a lot of different ways is more practical. I could stand to do more of that for sure.

[@mars6433]

I picked up guitar because playing football hurt and I wanted chicks.

[@javiermp81]

What helps me to really learn and master a song is transcribing it and creating tablatures. I then try to publish them online, and others users rate them or sometimes even correct mistakes.

[@WhiteDove73-888]

I started writing songs immediately. I learn riffs and that’s it. Cover bands have ruined rock n roll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@nostro1001]

Yup - clearly this vid hit a home run for many. Gotta concur here, some excellent insight. 😎

[@thebeamerdreamer]

Great video as always Rhett, when I read the title at first I was confused what "tips" Would you be giving . Thank god I clicked on this video.

[@t.r.1708]

Let it be is the first song I learned chord completely by ear on the piano!

[@SeanKerns]

Love this. Thanks, Rhett. I need to be reminded to look at different voicing for chords more often. The right voicings are often what make the difference between sort of playing a song, and really having it sound right.

[@Projacked1]

I like to add a tip; remember the importance of closing your eyes while listening/ learning

[@johncarini3213]

Rhett, wish I discovered you earlier...first saw you with Rickeato, I should known better!

[@snakemont]

Thank you this was such a cool and beautifull Video! There is no Plan B! This Video reminded me of that again at minute 6:52!

[@andigisler]

Good stuff but I think one major thing is missing: Learn the MELODY! Play it on guitar and try to match the phrasing of the melody as closely as possible. This will also tremendously help your soloing and writing skills. Actually SING the melody first and see how the words connect to the melody. 'Let it be' is a PERFECT example of this. Many guitar players think a lot of songs are similar only because they ignore the melody/vocal line. The connection of melody and chords is where the magic lies. Of course many rock songs are riff-based and less melodic but in terms of phrasing and linear movement its really the same deal.

[@TheProgrammerGuy]

"The older I've gotten"... YOU'RE A FREAKING KID! :)

[@leehelppie4544]

good info...i don't know how well i could apply these techniques, but a really great concept...

[@andredavis943]

Is your guitar music theory descriptive enough for a blind person to follow. Like describing finger placement instead of saying “like this”.

[@h.markhorton8188]

How about a video where you show and talk about learning a more complex song using online tabs and chords, often wrong, songbooks. Any the real old fashioned way, listening to the record? Which one of these to rely upon most? Least? Thank you, sir.🎉

[@BeNNstAh]

Love how you did this video with a one pickup guitar. Almost as if you're secretly trying to convince everyone a single pickup guitar is all you need. Man, I should start looking for a junior. My bank balance sends it's regards.

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

Nice to know, the Beatles (i.e. ....) wanted to write their own Bridge over Troubled Water, and this became Let It Be. So it should have the same gist as the Simon and Garfunkel song.

[@mykaub]

assistant coming in clutch! Nice work! Cheers from 🇨🇦

[@Dixavulpine]

hey Rhett you commented on one of my vids but it wouldn't show what it said but thanks for the support

[@antoonhermans8953]

ahummm , yeah well , i've been playing for 40 years now and i haven't gotten any futher then level 1-2 ( cowboy and barre chords ) , now lately i am trying to understand these triad inversions , but like always with all music theory it gets so complicated that i don't understand it anymore , even the circle off fiths is like : say wath ??? !! . it's a shame though because i would really like to understand more about music theory because i fully realize it's the language that a real musician needs to learn in order to grow , maybe in a another live perhaps : ) .

[@perniciousreaper4393]

You have a similar approach to theory as John Frusciante. So many rock guitarists eschew music theory for the reasons you mentioned, but he's found a way to make it work for him rather than to limit him. Use it like a map, not turn-by-turn GPS.

[@doublek321]

At 6:18 I think he's playing root, 3rd, octave (6th string 1st fret, open A, 4th string 3rd fret) rather than "root, third, fifth".

[@martingalicia36695]

This is how I get through learning 3-4 gospel songs each week. Good video!!

[@jankymcjangles3817]

It's funny because I barely enjoy songs. I like patterns most and pieces like classical instrumentals mostly.

[@TeeDOG6]

I am a hack, but music theory allows me to see different options. And anything that violates the theory, simply needs to be managed carefully.

[@simpwood4973]

I always thought that that the piano voicings are c in root with a doubled c, then 2nd inversion g, 2nd inversion a, fmaj7/e, and then resolve it. If I play it like you said on the piano it sounds weird. Just my ears?

[@robocop6444]

A player that can do simple things extremely well, is better than an ok player that can do tons of stuff. I only learnt this very late, feel, groove, rhythm, dynamics were all ignored on the quest to do more stuff on the guitar. My fretting hand was the king and my playing hand was the bastard child of a leper. Music theory was for pianists and nobody needed to know the notes on the fret board. Fast forward 20 years, I am now showing my playing hand move love and attention. I understand that music theory is an old scroll map showing me the way towards nirvana, not gold and gems. I still blow chunks out my ass but I understand why!

[@dkerwood1]

I thought we were reviewing a crappy 70's "learn to play" book (perhaps even with a floppy vinyl record in the back).

[@stevedangerslifemusic8323]

Hi, yes interesting, can you please developed more this 06th voicing ? Sounds great !

[@robertbeasley9321]

Nice vibe tone. I use the Aquavibe and find it very inspiring. Your sound with the vibe reminds me of George Harrison.

[@rendyandrian7149]

I'm a fan of two electronic musician. The first one doesn't want to learn music theory because he is afraid it will hinder his ability for composing song. The second one knows enough music theory and he uses primarily his intuition for composing song. He already applies his music theory knowledge subconsciously when making song. The result is songs from the first musician sounds simpler and more or less the same. The second musician makes more diverse song. He used to be a gigging musician and now doing more soundtrack work and won many awards. Although I love both musician, I notice the one who knows music theory has more music vocabulary than one that doesn't.

[@jrmatute2056]

Excelente sugerencia para continuar aprendiendo...

[@radmed979]

Dude your cool been playing guitar since the 80s like your approach especially for new players.

[@genepoole1771]

Learning theory may well be great for unlocking creativity, but what help is it to a person if they don't have any creativity? Utterly useless.

[@YTSlide]

To me this lesson is the music version of "Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach them how to fish and they'll never go hungry".

[@CradleRawk]

Top video! Really wanna try this song now, and bust out my Boss Rt-20. Thanks Rhett

[@briangriffin2676]

where did you get that ugly guitar ? looks like it was made from a 1940 kitchen cabinet door that was painted many times and never striped . good content on the video .but the guitar hurt my eyes .

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

I was a bit confused, when copying the fingering (you may call me deaf) that in the sequence starting a 3:43 the descending part at the end were double stops and no triads (where it was triads, triads, triads 😅)

[@johnvcougar]

Hey wow, Rhett, you have a skinny halo thing going on your thumbnails! Shining light you are ...

[@neanderthalsnavel7411]

"Play along EZ Music books" they sound nothing like the song... lol!

[@theena]

Thanks to you open chords are now Cowboy chords in my head.

[@geofflee6295]

The third last chord in that F run down sounds really off. Should be a G major. Ends G F C.

[@alexmiller3857]

Video collab idea. Have another KZbinr write a short song and go through how you would learn something hearing it the first time.

[@rocknrollteacherpy]

Great tips Rhett!! That 2 guitar version of let it be was beautiful!

[@castronicolai]

Thats it. Theory is a tool. If all you have is a screwdriver, you won't get nails well placed on the wall.

[@MrLegion501st]

This was nice to watch. I'm a beginner, and I tried to learn this song by strumming but yes, you loose many things from the song and when you don't have many tools available because well, you are a beginner, is difficult to add more to the songs, but videos like this one are really helpful to gain more experience and gain more skill and resources to your playing.

[@Danilo8208SS]

Lol he lost me at “we al love to learn songs”. I hate learning songs that’s why I’m here.

[@dmacattack3405]

Great video Rhett. One step further I always incorporate to truly learn a song is to learn the melody. It helps me make informed decisions on chord voicing, changes, and improvisation.

[@harry-callahan-aka-dirty-harry]

Very very good video! Thank you. From Brazil.

[@pawlowski6132]

8:20 can someone expound on the concept at this point? It was just kind of glossed over. Thanks

[@ksgtrpkr]

Sic lesson Rhett! Fabulous idea and your playing was phenomenal!!

[@michaelvarney.]

Wait… you have actually not learned all that many songs completely… so now you will share the secret of how to learn songs completely?

[@DevinBellROCKS]

Don’t Look Back in Anger is so influenced by Let It Be!!

[@bronyraur661]

I heard no woman no cry when you played just the chord progression in the beginning lol

[@tucktuckfloof]

Learning from a bass player's perspective is about learning octaves so you can do the solo in this song lol.

[@fivestring65ify]

Yep

[@sj99ward]

I hear 1st 3rd octave for the F major at 6:20? I saw it before I heard it. Great video and nice guitar.

[@charlygoehring6155]

HEY, no hangups withe video, well done! Not to mention the topic!

[@jimbob7332]

More theory....give me all the theory....I want to know the way of the thing i love.

[@dulla8469]

what the hell are those 3 silver rectangle thingy that have Googles Logo on them installed on your rack

[@jerrycunningham7635]

this is great! ... but i really think you should have a plan B :/

[@manuelhe46]

The only way I truly learn is when I know I’ll have an audience for that song