Every musician has a goal whether you play an instrument or just sing there is one primary goal that every musician has:
"TO LEARN AND MASTER A SONG""
Whether it is your first song or your hundredth song the concept remains the same. Here are my tips with some extra tidbits of information on how to learn a long
1) Purpose
You got to have a goal in mind. What is the purpose of learning the song? Is it for a wedding, party, concert? What are you looking to accomplish?
2)Strategy
Again, if it's your first time what strategy do you have in mind? Are you going to play this by ear or by sheet music?
3)Finding the key
This is the first step to mastering is finding the key? If you are learning to play by ear this is first thing. Keep in mind there is no sheep music to help you. This comes down to skills. If you are trying to learn to play by ear this is a skill that you can learn.
Check out this free 30 minute video lesson on finding the key. Like it really nails down the concept.
4) Know the notes and scales
Finding the key is the easy part and you are the right track. However if you don't know the right notes and chords that go with it you could be on your way off the track and down a mountain.
The scales are highly important because they go with the chord that you are going to be playing with it.
For example: C major: C D E F G A B C.
C is 1, D is 2, E is 3, F is 4, G is 5, A is 6, B is 7.
Consider scales as numbers this becomes extremely helpful in the long run.
5) Know the chords that go with the scale
1st tone = Major Chord
2nd tone = Minor Chord
3rd tone = Minor Chord
4th tone = Major Chord
5th tone = Major Chord
6th tone = Minor Chord
7th tone = Diminished Chord
This applies ONLY FOR piano, keyboard, bass, guitar. This doesn't apply for vocals and drums.
6) The bass note
When I am saying bass notes I am refering to the root of the chord. For example: A C major chord has C as the bass note. Don't be putting all the attention on the melody of the song and the riffs and runs you should focus on the bass player. Focus on what they are doing.
When you are listening to a song I would suggest turning up the bass boost on your headphones and taking a listen. When you key in on one paticular instrument you will be more keen to what is happening.
7) Put it together
This is the fun part once you are comfortable with the song and all the necessary parts to it you just need to put it together. This is a step that will take time to master and you will improve. If you hone in on this skill you will do excellent.