My process is generally as follows:
- If you play guitar, memorise the melody as written, and also one octave higher. If you play it as written for guitar, it’ll probably sound too low because notes on a guitar are written on the staff one octave higher than they actually are to reduce ledger lines. I’ve always found this confusing, but perhaps the diagram below will help.
- Analyse the chord changes, using roman numerals.
- Memorise the chord progression, thinking in terms of the numerals outlined in the previous step.
- Learn to play the chord changes, using multiple inversions so that you have some options and avoid repetition. Ideally practice the song in multiple keys. Again, thinking in terms of roman numerals rather than chord letters.
- With a loop station or play-along software, practice arpeggios and scales for each chord using only eighth notes and without rests.
- Once comfortable switching scales for each chord change, I practice improvising in a manner which ideally resembles the melody.
- Lastly, be patient. I’ve been at this for a long time, and every song remains a unique challenge.
