Also - I suppose I should have asked this - how many times do you have to play a song before it is 'in your fingers for life'...quite often I learn a few songs, stop practicing them - and it's quite a bit of practice to get them back. And of course - it's different depending on so many things....maybe just asking so I don't feel bad for the length of time it takes for me ; )

Now some of the first songs I ever learned on the guitar are with me for life - and come to think of it - it probably took way, way, more plays of them to get them under my fingers since I was a beginner.

So often - I can play along with the lead sheet and feel like I can potentially sound pretty good - but then never get them to the point where they are in me permanently....

Back to how many times do you have to play and practice - for me, it's got to be in the hundreds, though if you start actually counting, I can see that leading to frustration.

Daily practice and review of everything learned - which can take a long, long time as your song list goes into the 'tens' - can be quite demanding and time consuming.

Again - I realize practice and time commitment separate the men from the boys....I'm just looking to make sure my practice brings the best bang for the buck - I'm not looking for any shortcuts, though for all my years, I wish I was closer to this 'play by ear' (if you know the song inside out) kind of skill.

Last edited by Joe V; 01/20/19 08:19 AM.