Program to play (just) chords at specific tempo

mister-o · #1 04-01-2010, 06:01 PM

So I'm looking for a program that does something that I think would be fairly basic, but I'm having a really hard time finding what I want! (I checked out the free software sticky thread, I've done a number of searches, both on Google and on TB.) I want a program where I can set the tempo of a song, specify a chord progression, and have it play back the chords at that tempo. And that's all. I just want to solo over chords.

Even if all I could get was one chord held per measure, I'd be happy, though if I could specify "play straight 8ths" or "play straight quarters" that would be preferable. I don't want something like Band in a Box where it seems like I would have to fight with it to disable all the extra instruments and play a very simple rhythm. Not looking for bells and whistles, just looking for an easy way to practice playing over chords and progressions without pre-set "styles", without having to be physically present with another musician, and without having to learn the guitar and record my own backing tracks.

I've seen things like activebass.com's Track Builder, which comes close. However, it imposes a style selector that forces certain rhythmic structures.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

Rockman · #2 04-01-2010, 06:01 PM

Band in a Box is exactly what you want.

mister-o · #3 04-01-2010, 06:03 PM

Rockman, I've played around with BIAB in the past and it was not obvious to me how to get it to do what I described. Can you elaborate a little?

Beginner Bass · #4 04-01-2010, 06:03 PM

That's one thing I use Guitar Pro for.

**251** · #5 04-01-2010, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mister-o

Rockman, I've played around with BIAB in the past and it was not obvious to me how to get it to do what I described. Can you elaborate a little?

Sad to say, you will need to spend some time with BIAB to learn to use it. The interface reminds me of Windoze 3.1 software & there is very little about it that is intuitive.

That said, entering 1 or 2 chords per measure, setting a song style, changing tempo & key are easy to learn, remember & use. I suggest the built in tutorials. PM me with contact info, if you are looking for specific songs.

mister-o · #6 04-01-2010, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 251

That said, entering 1 or 2 chords per measure, setting a song style, changing tempo & key are easy to learn, remember & use.

It's the "setting a song style" that has me hung up. I don't want to hear someone else's interpretation of what a rock rhythm should be. I don't want a preset to nudge my playing along with the chords. I just want some straight 8ths or quarters (hell -- halves, wholes!), and from what I've played around with in the past, it's not at all clear how to do that. If someone could show me that, I'd be all in for BIAB.

ggunn · #7 04-02-2010, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mister-o

It's the "setting a song style" that has me hung up. I don't want to hear someone else's interpretation of what a rock rhythm should be. I don't want a preset to nudge my playing along with the chords. I just want some straight 8ths or quarters (hell -- halves, wholes!), and from what I've played around with in the past, it's not at all clear how to do that. If someone could show me that, I'd be all in for BIAB.

Any MIDI sequencing program can do what you are asking; you just have to learn how to do it. Yes, there is some work and a learning curve involved. Some keyboards will basically play a square wave (on and off) of a note or chord; you could buy one of those. Or you could teach your little brother to play the guitar and make him play what you want.

barbe-et-hache · #8 04-02-2010, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beginner Bass

That's one thing I use Guitar Pro for.

+1

Guitar Pro will do what you want easily, if you don't want to pay for it, you can use TuxGuitar which is a clone.

http://www.guitar-pro.com/en/index.php
http://tuxguitar.herac.com.ar/

superbassman2000 · #9 04-02-2010, 08:56 AM

this might be a little insane, but what about something like finale notepad? it's only 10 bucks and you can have it play whatever you want it to play, and in whatever style you want it to play, because you write it all yourself

mister-o · #10 04-02-2010, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barbe-et-hache

Guitar Pro will do what you want easily, if you don't want to pay for it, you can use TuxGuitar which is a clone.

Just downloaded TuxGuitar and it looks like it'll do exactly what I want. Thanks for the GP suggestion, and thanks more for the TG suggestion!

Much appreciated.

**251** · #11 04-02-2010, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mister-o

It's the "setting a song style" that has me hung up. I don't want to hear someone else's interpretation of what a rock rhythm should be. I don't want a preset to nudge my playing along with the chords. I just want some straight 8ths or quarters (hell -- halves, wholes!), and from what I've played around with in the past, it's not at all clear how to do that. If someone could show me that, I'd be all in for BIAB.

I've just used BIAB as a practice tool so I'm not fussy. Styles have to come 'out of the box'. Good luck.