Backing Tracks for Scale Practice/Ear Training

[doppo]

Hi TB Community,

This seems like a pretty simple request, but I've spent hours looking on the net to no avail.

I'm looking for simple backing tracks to help me learn what the colours/characteristics of the different modes/scales sound like.

Basically, my theory is it's only when I play a major 3rd on top of the root chord that it will sound like a major third.

For a basic example, say I'm practicing the C Major Scale up and down the neck starting at the bottom E up to the highest note on the neck:

If I play over C major chord, it will sound like the C major scale
If I play over A minor chord, it will sound like the A minor scale

So does anyone know where I can create/find just basic chord backing tracks for me to practice my scales over?

Thanks in advance

[skeptikal]

Two threads below this one..


free jam tracks for us bass players

[cmewhinney]

Hey Doppo,
I have used these CD's for many, many hours and they are a huge assett. Here's the URL:

http://www.jimstinnett.com/cds.html#anchor4ths

Each track goes through the cycle of 4ths starting on C (so C-F-Bb-Eb-Ab etc. etc.) several times in major, minor, and dominant (mixolydian). When you first star off, start each scale on the A string and shift to each new position. When you get extremely comfortable with that, you can start playing them on two strings. Make sure you play the tracks all the way through- it's about reps. Don't just play them until you can do it right, play them until you can't do them wrong.

Good luck!
Chris

[WhiteKnuckles]

Hey Doppo,

I just want to make sure you and I are on the same page.

Originally Posted by doppo

For a basic example, say I'm practicing the C Major Scale up and down the neck starting at the bottom E up to the highest note on the neck:

When you say you are playing the Cmaj scale up and down the neck...are you just moving the scale shape up and down the neck or are you playing the notes in the Cmaj scale starting from the bottom E (E-F-G-A-B-C-D-E)?

Regarding the Cmaj and Amin...they are relative to each other. Same notes...different starting position.

[doppo]

Originally Posted by skeptikal

Two threads below this one..


free jam tracks for us bass players

Thanks but thats not really what I'm after,

What I'm after is less musical, just literally the chords playing a drone in the background so I can hear the relationship between each note in the scale and the root.

but I see what you're getting at, and I'm sure there a plenty of you who believe the best way to train the ear/learn the relationship by playing along to tracks like that.

When you say you are playing the Cmaj scale up and down the neck...are you just moving the scale shape up and down the neck or are you playing the notes in the Cmaj scale starting from the bottom E (E-F-G-A-B-C-D-E)?

Regarding the Cmaj and Amin...they are relative to each other. Same notes...different starting position.

I mean starting from the bottom E, and playing the notes in C major up the neck.

Sorry I haven't explained myself very well.

If I play the notes in the C major scale over an C major chord, the scale will have the major quality, if I play the notes over an A minor chord, the scale will have a minor quality.

What I'm really interested in is learning the sound of all the OTHER modes and scales, I already know my way around the major and natural minor scales to be honest.

as another example, i would look to practice the notes in C major over a G minor to learn the characteristic sound of the G mixolydian scale.

Does that make sense?

[WhiteKnuckles]

I get ya.

You could always download the Band in a Box Demo.

You can program it to play whatever you need...granted the midi sounds are kinda crappy in the demo version and you'll have to re-download it every few months, but it should work for ya.

[manbass]

BIAB does this well. Just input Cmaj about 12 times, click the repeat button on and it will do what you are looking for, Step up or down in Key...whatever....great suggestion I had forgotten about using mine that way...normally I just transpose with it.

[spiltmilk_2000]

I get you, so you play cmaj scale from c to c over a cmaj drone...
then c maj scale from d to d over a d minor drone to get the sound of the dorian mode into your head...
from e to e over an eminor drone to get the fridgian (sorry for the spelling!)
and onwards...

Sounds like a great idea and i cant believe it hadnt occured to me!

Just one question... what is BIAB??
Thanks!

[powerbass]

i would recommend Band in a box as well. You can download lots of pop and jazz tunes from the internet and play the changes/scales to these tunes. You can also view and print the bass lines then play along w/the tune reading the written bass line. You can also mute the bass line and play w/just the rhythm section. I find BIAB really helpful as a fretless player - mute the bass line and play along w/the piano track allows me to dial in my intonation. You can also add your own chord changes and play along to those. pgmusic.com/

[ryco]

Maybe you would find these book/CDs helpful.

Here's one for Major and minor and one for Dominant V7.