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@reachcast Good thread. It is a very common problem being able to play on demand and remember chord progression and lyrics, and yes as pointed out in comments above, most of us use printed material in virtual open mics that we might attend. Even at in person open mics many players use printed material to assist. I just had this exact thing happen to me when I went back to visit friends and family in Indiana and Illinois. A friend asked if I would bring my guitar. Knowing that I won’t remember even the first chord, let alone any lyrics, I took a binder with printed chord sheets – didn’t do me any good. As soon as I tried playing, my thoughts got jumbled and I couldn’t play, and I couldn’t get my voice above a whisper. It’s a dream of mine to pull out the guitar and just play unemcumnered – Praxtice, practice, practice. Have your significant other, kids, or a best friend be your audience as you practice.
My thoughts on memorizing songs. To learn and remember a song, break it down. Start with just the chord progression and melody. Play it until you have it memorized (I visualize the paper. It’s like reading tThe chord sheet, but in my head. Once you have this down, add the lyrics. First, make sure you know the lyrics in full before adding them.Break it down by verses and chorus and bridge. Be able to play the 1st verse and vocals before moving forward.
The TAC daily lessons are meant to teach you foundational skills and for practice every day. Whether you remember it or not is not the issue. Even without recall of the material, your mind and muscles paid attention and were taught the material. You will have progressed in your learning.
Hope you’re finding some gems in all the posts.