THE SECRET to learning songs QUICKLY on Guitar? How do pros learn 40-60 songs in 2 days?

[@acousticarchivefortwayne930]

You know, I always enjoy listening to professionals speak. The topic doesn't matter. I could be sailing, cooking, music, sports, or economics. They all have the ability to talk about their profession in a way that peels back the layers of the onion in a friendly, logical, helpful way and have a sincere desire to share what they know. Thanks Korey.

[@matt79hz]

Great comment.. your aperture is wide open ready to absorb light. 📸

[@Meechstick7]

I agree with all these comments, but I have to admit so much is way over my pay grade... and, had to chuckle at how far over my head! BUT I did learn some of the easider pieces and guardrails to collect and maybe I can figure out Rory's Overnight Bag finally... so many good songs to learn and internalize. I look forward to more! Thanks. Mike

[@tony69rocks]

Very good bite sized summary. I'm experienced enough to know and understand everything you were saying but also intelligent enough to recognize where I need to go back and spend a lot of time learning many of the elements that you put together in this short 20 minutes. I will say I think the overall biggest takeaway for me was your phrase " don't practice till you get it right instead practice until you can't get it wrong". That's a gem! 👍👍

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

Excellent! Glad it helped!!!

[@timslaughter7050]

Minor major 7 add 9 chord. Played that song my whole life and never knew that chord name. 👍 🙂 You must have a notebook to remember all those songs or you have a photogenic memory. 😂

[@coycarlson4979]

I am a fast learner - been learning for 45 years - but still don’t know the entire fretboard like the back of my hand as you do. Indeed , I have played and learned enough over the years and already know many chords in different locations on the fretboard to KNOW that YOU GIVE GREAT INSTRUCTION in this video - such as PRACTICE UNTIL YOU DO NOT PLAY THE SONG WRONG👍👍👍👍👍 as when you reach that degree of skill -it - ( the song you are learning )becomes embedded 🎸🎸🙂✌️

[@stevelaferney3579]

Twelve years ago at the age of 58 I picked up guitar and said I wasn’t going to learn it the same way I did trumpet at age 10 that led to playing pro. I just wanted to play some blues and not Row Your Boat. It’s been so much fun just playing around but I have so much difficulty learning the neck. Now that I’ve got my fingers going, reinvigorated my theory chops somewhat maybe my brain will give me space to learn those rascally note positions. Thanks for the advice on how to really learn something faster. Much better ideas than mine. You seem like a good teacher. Keep it going. Not every player is. Thanks.

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

@@stevelaferney3579 thank you so much!

[@satchrules101]

@@KoreyHicksGuitar Hey Korey great teaching, I am so happy I found ur channel!

[@sferguson1130]

I started playing guitar at age 10, taking the approach of just learning songs through tab, until I was about 20. Didn’t pick a guitar up again until I was 38, and decided to learn the correct way. I’m 42 now and I have to say, I am barely scratching the surface of basic music theory, due to how hard it is, to retain so much information. I put in a couple hours each day, with what I think is structured practice, along with plenty of time messing around with songs and noodling . I’ve studied and practiced the fretboard, circle of fifths, caged triads, pentatonic scales, etc. over the last 3 years, and I would say out of 100% of the information I study and practice, I maybe retain 5% chunks, here and there. Constantly having to go back and refresh my memory on things that I thought I had locked in. I do have severe ADHD, so I’m the complete opposite of someone with a photographic memory, or someone who just can read something once and it’s retained. I used to have to read chapters in books, 4 or 5 times over, if I wanted any chance of passing a comprehension test in school. I find it to be quite difficult, to retain and put into practice, even rudimentary theory. It’s hard for me to wrap my head around, how people are able to retain so much, but also be able to apply it at the drop of a hat. I still find it all very enjoyable, and hopefully we stick with it! Good luck!

[@djfuzzystump]

Hey Korey, I'm a relatively new subscriber but I really value your insight. For me, this video boils down to what you've touched on in your other video regarding practice regime - there are no shortcuts and if I want to be a good guitarist I have to put in the work. I'm five years in to my journey (43 now) and have always had a mind towards theory, learning the fretboard etc., but have more recently doubled down on my focus to continue improving and your videos have been helpful in giving me that nudge.

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

That's awesome! If you ever need some more personalized help, I do private lessons as well over Zoom. Let me know if you have any questions!

[@MrLph427]

This is good advice, for me I’ve found repeatedly playing through the piece EXCLUSIVELY. Only play that piece over and over to commit to both brain and fingers. Rinse and repeat!

[@blakeanderson7906]

I have only been playing for a few years just playing for fun, nothing serious, just playing with my friends on the weekends. I watch a video like this and it makes me realize i have no idea what i am doing but everything you are saying makes complete sense. I need to reasses my path and change how i approach the guitar i think. Thanks, take care!

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

@@blakeanderson7906 excellent, I’m glad it was a lightbulb moment! If you want to get started down that path, I have lots of videos that can help! Let me know if I can direct you there

[@GuitarJoLa]

Man, this is brilliant! 💡💡💡💡💡This has to be the best guitar lesson ever! Huge lightbulbs for me! THANK YOU so much! 💕

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

@@GuitarJoLa excellent! I’m glad it was helpful!

[@JK-ft4kx]

Followed ya after that intro! Wowza. You're a man I can learn from!

[@freddy449]

Thank You for answering the mysteries! It reminds me of how a short-order cook can have the knowledge to prepare sooo many items of a vast menu all day long, or night. Again, you have shown us the major difference between being an amateur and a professional.

[@GUIDESPERSPECTIVE]

The first thing any musician should do is learn a song beginning to end. Just 1 song, until you can do it. Make sure it is within your reach and level, but can be a simple song. Figure out the sections, IE) form / structure, key, time signature. Intro/verse/chorus/verse/chorus/Bridge/outro. Whatever it is, understand those checkpoints in the song. Play along to the studio version until you don't need the chart or the road map anymore. 1-2 times a day, 30 minutes a day until its just natural and relaxed to do it. After you learn 1 , the second one will be much easier. and every one after that gets easier, If you have limited time to learn the song, just simplify it, You don't need to play every note in the song and every passing chord. I Every time it gets easier. The first step is to pick a song and go for it. The goal is not to learn the song, maybe it is, but the goal is the process and the rewards that come in the journey. You are learning how to learn and that process is priceless and the lessons that come from the journey that you don't even realize along the way that are being taught subliminally. Most important thing is to have fun, Don't get frustrated, move on when you are, take breaks and come back. Here is something that I see every beginner go through, If something is hard and you always get stuck in that one place, don't work on the entire section anymore, just work on the chord or transition that is messing you up. For example if you are playing a simple 1 4 5 progression , C F G, and you always get stuck moving from an F to a G, then just make a two chord jam for yourself that focuses on going from F to G for awhile then come back to the full progression when you have the muscle memory to make that transition. Finally, How many of us have learned something on the piano for example. You always start from the beginning and then get stuck somewhere, then you go back to the beginning and start again but still get stumped when you get to the part that stumps you. Well, don't start from the beginning anymore, start where you have trouble. If you always start from beginning, you will only be good at the beginning, You don't have to learn from beginning to end. Try sometime, start at the end of a tune and work bacwards or in the middle section. Its ok to jump around, I usually go straight to the parts I know that are going to be hard for me first. To each their own, learn in the style that works for you, because we all have our own learning styles. This video was spot on and Corey did a great job of how to look at the over all key and narrow down the possiblities, when you get that concept under your belt, the process becomes way more streamlined and less overwhelming. Have fun, and remember to rest your brain when it feels frustrating. Listening to the song is just as important as playing the song.

[@douglasbroccone3144]

Love seeing a master player flow like that

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

@@douglasbroccone3144 thank you so much! ☺️

[@Bozochelly]

And obviously a really good ear is ultimately the quickest (for R&R) Thanks for the vid, always helpful

[@Vesper_Songs]

I am so impressed with your knowledge and playing. I've never gotten around to learning theory and probably should. You're inspiring me to do so.

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

@@Vesper_Songs excellent! I’ve have lots of videos on this stuff that can help - go check them out!

[@JeffRutherford-hm6yu]

I am 74 years old and played blues and soul in the 60s with a school band. Had a guitar through the 70s and marriage etc etc. started playing again after trying to ( unsuccessfully trying to teach my two daughters to play guitar) when two 70 + friends bought guitars and wanted to learn. Big problem to preach musical time to these guys. Both of these guys are no longer with me and I wish to improve significantly. Just found this wonderful teacher of music and looking forward to following his great teaching in the future. Jeff

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

@@JeffRutherford-hm6yu Jeff, thank you so much for the nice comment and I wish you much luck on your musical journey! Let me know if you have any questions questions or how I can help!

[@JeffRutherford-hm6yu]

@ Have not really picked up a guitar for several months since a group of people I played I have not seen for a few months ( had cataract surgery and could not drive) so I am going to start again and get back to playing and the rejoin this group

[@JeffRutherford-hm6yu]

Am looking at your untuned vid now and love the way you go about this! I am retired and living in Spain now. Luck and Success to you.

[@JeffRutherford-hm6yu]

Sorry, Korey. Predictive text is rubbish sometimes. Looking at your KZbin vid. Power to you. I like Clapton, SRV BB Gar Moore and Beck. Keep up the good work.

[@ronhope3970]

Cheers Korey, Great advice. Thanks for sharing.

[@swainsongable]

So glad I'm just a songwriter and am therefore able to leave all these technical details to the pros :)

[@justacat382]

Your knowledge on music and on the instrument is astonishing. Thank you for sharing it. I’ve improved my understanding of the guitar because of your videos.

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

Awesome! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@ruthsmith1472]

Brilliant stuff Korey, I found this reassuring and inspiring! Really interesting and useful advice here for those of us stuck in a loop and seemingly not going anywhere! Have to get the fretboard theory down once and for all..! Thanks and god bless.

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

Thanks for watching, and good luck getting that fretboard theory down!

[@bartmason9916]

I can play it up here, mmkay. Excellent video!

[@TheRealMarkyPea]

Scales are bad, mmkay

[@lifelongfan07]

I can say, listening is VERY important.

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

👍 YES

[@Nicky-T]

I like your "guard rails" metaphor.

[@HocusPocus6969]

Wow, that is a great lesson, thanks!

[@fifteenthfret]

God bless your musical discipline.

[@CuZn7030]

I should’ve never stopped taking guitar lessons-haha😂

[@TheTimeProphet]

It takes me months to learn one song, and even then I make mistakes. Wish you were my guitar teacher.

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

I do give lessons via Zoom!

[@gerysasko3410]

Korey, great information. I sure could use that system you mentioned by the acronym! What model I names is that? Sounds fantastic.

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

Check out my Patreon - all the info is over there!

[@markstuart2115]

All i need is this concept of theory applied to bass guitar and im set :)

[@andrewodonovan9494]

Mind blowing!

[@stemajor7]

A fellow AS-2000 player 👍

[@skipneumann1]

Great video- I just reached my 50th year of teaching guitar- crazy I know. In teaching, there is before the internet and after the internet- KZbin being the most significant change.The challenge today is convincing students that should really know what they are playing beyond the tablature- what the names of the notes are and everything that knowledge can do for you. Steve Vai was sent home by Joe Satriani when he couldn’t find an F# note on the B string… every student could use that lesson

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

Thanks! It’s amazing that you’ve been teaching for so long, it’s true, the internet has changed everything!

[@drothberg3]

I have acquired a good bit of this in my 55+ years of playing guitar. I do think that pros have different skills and bodies of knowledge and acquire them in different ways as each person has his or her own interests and learning styles. There is no question that you need to understand music theory and harmony and have a good ear and know where everything is though. I don’t think everyone does it in as systematic a way as you’re presenting.

[@AvishekKun]

Fretboard, chords different locations n inversion

[@MarlonG527]

Great content

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

Thanks Marlon!

[@stofffpv3128]

picked up some little gems from this video

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

@@stofffpv3128 glad I could help!

[@checkedoff]

How long start to finish would a typical song take for you? Could you do a video going through you learning an actual song and the thought process as you're doing it?

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

That’s a great idea - I’ll do it!

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

rockn bro 👍

[@ShaneFrameSessions]

Spot on!

[@anthonyoconnor6633]

Korey,.. love your content, very informative and clever, the other day you said about your students that you use a word for their practise sessions... Scales, Chords, Arpeggios and Inversions, but I cannot remember or find the the KZbin video, any chance you could let me know the full saying, I am using this for Guitar and Piano practise, I now have a plan to work on, Thanks Tony

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

@@anthonyoconnor6633 SCATIR - Scales, Chords, Arpeggios, Triads, Improv, Reading (sight reading) Then repertoire

[@anthonyoconnor6633]

Thank you... This is now my practice routine.. many thanks

[@billyvitale8994]

Excellent..however the real answer to the question on how to learn songs quickly..is to study and practice diligently for a very long time...:-) not exactly a quick solution is it..but what is prescribed here is no gimmick it is what it takes..I would add that each individual has their own inherent capabilities and aptitude in learning ..just as each person is unique....players like Django Reinhardt for example probably knew nothing about theory but had the ability to translate thoughts and emotion into melodic lines ... something that very few can do even knowing all the theory there is to know...keep up the good work

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

Thank you!

[@user-qg5ki5lg6s]

So very informative! Any suggestions for vocals if you have to sing as well as play?

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

Yes! Vocal majors I know would do all the same basic exercises with SOLFEGE, scat improvise, sightsinging exercises, etc. I encourage guitarist to sing what they play as they’re playing it as well. That can be a tremendous help! Singing the chord, singing the scale, the goes with it, etc..

[@ajb7786]

Key of F# Major is one of the most common keys used.

[@Hereweare75]

Amazing video. Can you recommend your favorite books that can cover each topic? I am a beginner and starting late in life.

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

@@Hereweare75 I’ve got a video on that - Books EVERY Guitarist Should Read! | The Guitarist's Bookshelf kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2e4qqymoZJqeac

[@petermarkovic8837]

This is very interesting. I have subscribed. :) Is there a resource that you might recommend for learning the scales, chord position, etc.?

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

@@petermarkovic8837 yep, I have lesson videos and all that stuff! How To Memorize All Notes on Guitar | Note Recognition Exercises that Will Transform Your Playing kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXW1iWVrZtN7has All 84 Major Scales and Modes in Every Position for Guitar, Made Easy | Guided Practice Session kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqTVYa2Hns6Wi7M Ultimate Modes Lesson for Guitar | Dorian, Mixolydian, Lydian, and more all explained in 12 keys kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHTCZY1jf9Z0mJI

[@1977jazz]

There is a lot of great information in this video but let me make sure I'm understanding correctly... Learn 40-60 songs in 2 days. It's easy, (1) first you figure out the key: Play major scales to identify the key. Use logic to narrow down common keys for the genre. (2) Collect elements of the key: Ensure you can play all chords in every location on the neck. (3) Learn the song from the ground up: Identify the key and overall chord movement. Follow the bass to understand the chord progression. (4) Memorize the chord quality and specific melodies. Play along with the recording: Practice until you can play the song through three times without mistakes. (4) Repeat this 60 times in 2 days. See I thought the pros were just using lead sheets on new gigs.

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

@@1977jazz pretty much, with the added benefit of every song you learn, you learn more things that are going to show up in the future. Some songs have common chord progressions, and it just takes a few times running through it to put everything together and you’re done in a few minutes.

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

Also, this is assuming a pretty long practice day. When I joined Cowboys Dancehall back in 2013, there were hundreds and hundreds of songs on the list and I was putting in 12 hour days working them up.

[@1977jazz]

@@KoreyHicksGuitar Makes sense... I can tell you've put some long days in. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@jeffjames9568]

So a large brain combined with great ability

[@Bozochelly]

Absolutely, it takes lots of time and study to even get to this point. And even then learning nearly 20 songs perfectly in a matter of hours is a reach and a half for most...

[@jeffjames9568]

@ i can play and learn some songs quickly but that level is crazy and im not on it

[@koreyarmstrong456]

Nice name 👍

[@alanreynolds5430]

Nice Ibanez - Is it a AS 93?

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

@@alanreynolds5430 thanks! It’s the new Japanese made Ibanez Prestige AS2000

[@lionfeather]

Many times, the band doesn't have all the instruments or backups that a record does, so you can't always depend on some of the cues to be there. Any advice on how to compensate for this?

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

@@lionfeather that’s a really good point, I guess I would say I still hear those cues in my head, even if they’re not present in the band, I guess? Often times I am asked to play pedal steel or Fiddle parts for songs, for example, without a fiddle player on Amarillo by morning, I would play the melody on guitar. Great question though.

[@douglasbroccone3144]

I likely could learn all that except sight reading … I don’t think it would be possible

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

Get the modern method 123 by Bill Leavitt books. Within six months you’ll be up to speed at 15 minutes a day!

[@robertstan2349]

you don't have to learn it note for note. get the broad picture and fill in the rest yourself. this allows you digest a vast number of songs in a short time. the vast majority of your focus should be on the 'rhythm', not any lead work, unless it's really a strong recognizable part of the song. the more time and less songs you have, the more detailed you can get but honestly, imho, pouring so much into some one else's material isn't the way to go, you want to be you, so balance that out.

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

@@robertstan2349 well of course that depends on the gig. If you’re getting paid to reproduce somebody else’s songs note for note, then that’s what you have to do. In the house bands in DFW, that’s pretty much the case everywhere and you could get let go for not playing songs like the record. Some solos can be improvised, but it’s song dependent.

[@huhawnawno]

Went from good to ok to what is happening to frozen out thanks to youtube cross country echoing back and forth and checking if the auto resolution is at the right setting. Hate it.

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

@@huhawnawno man that’s unfortunate

[@Cpt_Adama]

How about after getting the song down, then practice with a backing track without the part your doing?

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

That’s a good idea, too, although that additional step usually isn’t totally necessary

[@mrebysan]

Scatter has 2 ts

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

@@mrebysan it’s an acronym 😁

[@manfredoliveras3196]

Listen, repeat, learn the notes by name, until you cannot play it wrong 19x, 20x that's the way.

[@avatar90404]

What is the guitar model?

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

Ibanez Prestige AS2000 - the new Japanese AS200

[@leechild4655]

@@KoreyHicksGuitar I`ve heard great things about that model. comfort playability solid construction and sounds like an L6 if you want it to without the price tag. nice!

[@jimdep6542]

What would be a situation where you'd have to learn 40 to 60 songs you're not familiar with in 2 days ?

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

Usually when you’re doing a sub gig or there’s an opening. Usually when there’s a need for a lead guitar player in the band, it’s one of two reasons. Number one, the old guitar player got fired on Saturday night so you have until the next week to learn the tunes, in the country scene, we play Wednesday through Saturday night so you have until Wednesday. Or, the guitar player quits after getting paid on Saturday night which gives you the same timeframe. Of course I’m talking about pro gigging bands that play multiple nights a week and playfour sets a night. We had a set list of about 350 tunes and played about 60 to 75 songs per night.

[@jimdep6542]

@@KoreyHicksGuitar 75 songs a night ? How many sets were you hired to play ? Don't get me wrong, I am impressed with your skills, but point is , is that a band isn't going to hire you on such short notice if your are unfamiliar with most of their material.

[@JohnTimothy-m8x]

Was gonna fkn walk rite past pass, smattering of curses headed u way . BUT. DAMM SON ,PRACTICE I SHALL. U IS PURDDY GOOD.. B

[@bobobrien8968]

O.k.

[@TheRealMarkyPea]

60 song gig?!? You playing with Springsteen?

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

@@TheRealMarkyPea almost all honky tonks and dance clubs in Texas are 9-1 or 2am. 4 set nights are very common, 3 to 4 nights a week with 15 song sets. Covers is the way to make a living in TX.

[@Miskatonic_Alumnus]

Q: THE SECRET to learning songs QUICKLY on Guitar? A: Git gud, newb!

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@byroncjohnston1]

I'm so cool. Just ask me.