Software for Learning Guitar?

[denny]

First Post Here....

Hi,

Wonder what software y'all might reccommend for a new guitar player... Just got a new Tele Standard and Fender Frontman 15r for Xmas.

I have played around on various guitars and amps for the last 20 years, mostly just my trusty old classical.

I know notes and chords, and can use all of my fingers, but I want to learn some electric blues. I am currently working on "Blue Jean Blues".

My Preference is for MAC or open source software, but if there is any strong preference for Windows software like CakeWalk or others, let me know...

I am looking more for something that can play the bass and drum parts, not too sure of my ability to program complex keyboard or accompaniment in full midi.

Thanks
denny

(PS) I know more about computers and sound systems than I do playing an electric guitar... I now have my second layer of caluses on my left hand fingers... youch! HAPPY NEW YEAR.

[Lance]

I got my wife a CD on learning to play bass that ran on her PC. It was pretty good but most of the learning material is on VHS and DVD. This site has a ton of titles:

http://www.homespuntapes.com/

Also, check out:

http://www.wholenote.com/ for online lesson material. This site has browser based software that will play the examples.

and http://www.riffinteractive.com/ for online lessons. Also..the lessons include browser based software to play the material.

(added) Here's the software that I got my wife..it was pretty good in my opinion:

http://www.guitarconnection.com/Merc...gory_Code=eMed

[Michael R]

Also check out PowerTab at: www.power-tab.net, handy and free but I don't think there is a mac version.

For practicing blues I've found playing along with cd's one of the best ways for myself, and there are many CD's available with backing type tracks to play along with too, check out:

http://www.jazzbooks.com/jazzhandbook/Default.htm

Lots of good learning material there.

Awhile back I got a cheap used yamaha keyboard (one with all those preprogrammed rhythms/tones and such) to practice with. It has MIDI so I can load my own drums, bass and keys to play along with, but the couple hundred preloaded rhythms in it cover most the bases and you can control the tempo, key and backing tones/instrumets... so it's useful as a glorified metronome or just to randomly pick something and then play along with for a change of pace.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by denny

I know notes and chords, and can use all of my fingers, but I want to learn some electric blues. I am currently working on "Blue Jean Blues".

Then you're ready to go solo!!!!
I don't read music and I just know chords and some licks.

My wife got this amazing thing for me last year:

http://www.tascam.com/product_info.p..._bass_trainers



This is a Tascam CD-GT1 guitar trainer. It slows down CDs without changing the picht. It's great because I'm finally learning to play along with the CDs and getting the solo parts. I've found that some of the stuff I considered difficult wasn't that hard after all.

It ain't cheap, but it's worth every penny. I've learned so much that I wish I had this thing earlier. Of course, there aren't shortcuts; you must practice at least an hour every day and get other people to play with you.

BTW, there's one for bass too...I'm saving for my birthday...

[denny]

Just went to Apples site and saw a new version of Ilife with GarageBand... I think USD50 plus 150 for the extras (amp modelling???) looks good... just the kind of thing I am looking for... Will check back when I get it installed.

Thanks for the reminder about the keyboards. I remember seeing (a cheepo) one before Xmas that sounded amazing and had a BUNCH of built-in grooves.

Dennis

[biker joe]

I have also ordered garage band. Can't wait. I came oh so close to ordering the roland jamstation thingy and also protools mbox. Both of which are like $400. Garage band is 50 buck. Wow.

Another thing that I recomend is "the amazing slower downer":

http://www.ronimusic.com/amsldo.htm

Just a quick download away. It costs something like $40. But in my opinion is much nicer to use than the tascam cd trainer. Which I also own although it no longer works (it couldn't wistand a 1 ft fall onto hardwood floor - I know I shouldn't have droped it but still... flimsy construction)

In anycase it will slow down songs (anything in itunes) and maintain the same pitch. Very easy to use and very cool.