Foolproof techniques for playing music from memory
Memorising pieces is an essential skill for classical guitarists, as it allows you to perform without relying on sheet music and helps you develop a deeper understanding of the music you're playing. Here are some tips to help you memorise pieces more effectively:
Analyse the piece: Before attempting to memorise a piece, take some time to analyse its structure, harmony, and melody. Understanding the musical elements of the piece will make it easier to remember and perform. It is also useful to listen to as many good recordings as you can find on YouTube and Spotify (or another music streaming platform). This will make you more familiar with the piece as a whole and will also introduce you to interpretations and differences that you may not have thought about previously. I encourage you to write these down either on the music or somewhere else.
Practice in small sections: Break the piece down into small, manageable sections and practice each one until you can play it from memory. Gradually piece the sections together until you can play the entire piece without the sheet music. It is important to note that sections does not mean the entire section of a multi-section piece, but rather any chunk that is doable. This can be as small as a difficult beat or even several bars. Start small and work your way through the piece.
Use repetition: Repetition is key when it comes to memorisation. Practice each section multiple times until it becomes ingrained in your muscle memory. Repeat the piece as a whole until you can play it flawlessly from memory. Remember, practice makes progress!
Visualise the piece: Visualize yourself playing the piece in your mind's eye. This is often called visual practice. The goal of this kind of practice is to be away from the guitar and to visualise yourself playing the piece. Imagine both your left hand and right hand for each note and work your way through the piece. I find it helpful to do this with the music first because it can require a significant amount of concentration if you are not used to visual practice. Work toward doing this without the sheet music. This can help you recall the notes and the fingerings more easily.
Practice with different tempos: Practice playing the piece at different tempos to reinforce your memory of the notes and the fingerings. Use a metronome. Gradually increase the tempo until you can play the piece at the desired speed. Always return to slower tempos in your practice regularly and spend most of your time here.
Remember, memorising a piece takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if it takes longer than you expected. By following these tips and practicing regularly, you'll be able to memorise pieces more effectively and become a better classical guitarist.
All the best for now - see you in the next blog!