If you want to really learn a tune, you should learn it in every key. Start by learning it in all the regular keys, like Bb, C, D, etc. Basically, the regular keys are those with the least amount of accidentals.

On a side note, learning tunes in all keys also includes, indirectly, learning scales in all keys, too, but we’ll save that for a future post.

In my opinion, one of the best ways to learn tunes is by ear. They stick better in your memory, and your ears [actually, your brain] will become much better at recognizing sounds and finding them with your instrument. You can use Audacity–the free program I’ve mentioned before–to change the key of a tune you’re learning. Below is one of my Audacity tutorials that shows you how to do this. Hope you find it useful.

Want to learn more about the best ways to practice? Get an e-mail with a discount code when The Practice of Practice is published (June, 2014). To learn more about the book, check out a sample from The Practice of Practice.