In the old days, I used to drop the needle on the LP and scribble the words as fast as I could write... it took 3,4 listens to get them close.. then recopy and listen more to get the chords... sing along with the record a bit, then practice by myself.

I kind of miss that, now I generally get the lyrics from the net, and figure out as much as i can without referring to the recording. then I refer back to it, correct anything I've remembered wrong- and if it's an older song, listen to a variety of covers on youtube...

then I try to use different instruments and see if I can get the song over, like a uke or an accordion... if it's for my group, I'll focus on the particular instrument I'll use- and get that part solid.

mike

: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/4/mikesiegelmusic.htm
: http://www.halloweenrevue.com