For example, in my case, the digits of pi. I memorized the first 191 digits using this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDiSYp_51iY and then I extended the rhythm to 238 digits (and also corrected an error in my recitation by accidentally leaving 2 digits out). I can recite all 238 digits rapid fire, like a human computer (4-5 per second). I know that if I use the major system, I’ll be a lot slower, which is a concern. I’m also getting to the point where rote memorization of the digits (what I’ve been doing for digits 191-238) is failing me, so I was thinking of switching to the major system. How bad would it be to have a different method for the later digits than the earlier digits? Or do I need to encode all 238 digits I know this way as well for consistency?
Unless it bothers you personally there is no need to re-encode the digits you already have.
Say there are three books in a series: you got the first one as a .pdf and the other two as physical copies on your bookshelf… do you need to get the first one as an actual book?
Say you got the first of three movies in a trilogy on DVD and the other two on iTunes… do you need to get the first one on iTunes as well?
Interesting analogy, and I can see that. I’m more of a bit concerned with the disconnect between the two methods, like knowing that I would be supposed to jump from a string of random numbers into the major system immediately at a certain digit or otherwise my recitation fails.
It depends on how many digits of pi you want to do in the end. If you’re looking at 500 total then you’d essentially rework 50% for reasons of “consistency”. If you’re looking at 5,000 - 10,000 digits it’s only 2.5 - 5%.
Not sure how you use your major system, but let’s say you place 5 digits per location, so 50 locations for the first 250 digits (roughly the 238 you mentioned)… how long does it take you to place those 250?
If it took you 5 minutes to do so, you’d get about 500 point in speed numbers in memory competitions. The world record is more than double that in 5 minutes. Say it takes you 10-15 minutes, then why not just do it if the consistency factor bothers you. If those numbers seem completely out of reach, it’s a whole different story…
You can also have a look here for some more ideas on how to structure the learning of pi:
Very interesting. I currently use a 2-digit system, with an adjective for accommodating 3 digits (92 = bone, 392 = my bone, etc.). Maybe I’ll use a proper 3-digit system once I get it set up.