There’s a Google Chrome extension called Transpose. Can use it to go transpose a song on youtube/spotify/anything in a web browser up or down as many semitones as you want in real time. That’s what I use.
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Device to help practicing songs in transposed keys?
- Thread starter high mileage
- Start date
Garageband can change keys and export if you have a Mac.
New band the singer is always changing the key, I'm considering it a learning experience, as I see this often it might be a good still to have, hopefully if gets easier.
I tend ro learn songs by patterns, but if I think in chords it does seem to be easier. You can run out of fretboard if you think just in patterns. I'm still experimenting though.
New band the singer is always changing the key, I'm considering it a learning experience, as I see this often it might be a good still to have, hopefully if gets easier.
I tend ro learn songs by patterns, but if I think in chords it does seem to be easier. You can run out of fretboard if you think just in patterns. I'm still experimenting though.
Is there any kind of device or software that you guys are using to practice songs in a transposed key, for learning cover songs? I usually play along with the recording of song to learn it, but if we're going to transpose then I have to re-learn it in the new key. Then it's tough to practice it that way later without causing confusion later on what note comes next. Ask me how I know...
It's been awhile since I tried to find something that would help, ideally to play the song back one step up or down, maybe more, to match what we're going to do. There are pitch controllers for CD and tape players but nothing I'm aware of for MP3 or iTunes stuff. Any ideas?
I use Moises
Pitch Changer & Shifter: Adjust Audio Pitch Online Instantly
It allows me to mute/solo individual instruments and change pitch: essentially you can practice along to the original recordings if you mute the bass.
Another vote for Moises.
And avoid using open strings. Particularly if you play in band where you might need to try a few play-throughs in different keys with the whole group, to match a vocal range or whatever. Much easier to transpose if you can keep using the patterns you learned and just move the whole thing up or down the neck.
And avoid using open strings. Particularly if you play in band where you might need to try a few play-throughs in different keys with the whole group, to match a vocal range or whatever. Much easier to transpose if you can keep using the patterns you learned and just move the whole thing up or down the neck.
I use Audacity, which is freeware... You can either shift by semitones for transposing purposes, or by fractional amounts if you just need to shift a recording that isn't quite in A440 to a pitch where you can play in tune with it. I just used it last week to pitch shift a song file down a whole step for a new band I am in, because they play it live a whole step lower than on the original demo recording. The new bassist in the band (I'm playing guitar) was also grateful for the altered song file.
ive been using a free app from the Android Store - Up Tempo - I use it for exactly what you are describing and its been working for me
Number system for me. We shift keys constantly at church and when you think in numbers, it doesn’t matter what key they want it in. The (1) opens up the entire fretboard up and down the neck as far as the 5 positions. All you have to remember is the progression (1,6,4,3,5…etc). So if they want it in Bb, Ab, etc.. doesn’t matter. The progression doesn’t change…just shift your hand.
If it's just up or down a half step, you can simply tune your bass up or down and then play to the original record in the position you'll play it with the band.
Then there is the Digitech Drop pedal which works quite well for down tuning.
...and of course the above mentioned software choices that allow to pitch the original song to the key you want to practice in.
Then there is the Digitech Drop pedal which works quite well for down tuning.
...and of course the above mentioned software choices that allow to pitch the original song to the key you want to practice in.
I`m more of a visual/pattern guy so I usually set up 2 basses with different tunings. Once I learn the song in its regular tuning, I grab the transposed bass. I can`t see this method being terribly effective if you have a last-minute fill-in gig, but when you have the time, this works for me.
+1 on Audacity. Easy, easy. I used it routinely to shift songs that the singer wants to sing lower/higher. I also use it to try and shift songs that aren't at 440 A, like some of those recorded back in the 60s, when they likely just tuned to the piano in the studio. And I use it to shift songs recorded a half step low (Eb) back to 'normal'.
Modern DJing software does a decent job live on the fly. Try Virutal DJ, which is free as long as you're not using it to make money and don't need to connect a hardware controller.
I use the "Amazing Slow Downer" app on my phone. As the title says it slows down playback which can be handy if you're learning fast single note passages by ear. But it also transposes. Been using it for years, works great.
sorry, i'm not getting your difficulty: if you "re-learn it in the new key," what's the difficulty "later?" TIA
Passinwind
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There are also free apps that import from the Ultimate Guitar database and allow transposing and lyric editing. Songbook Pro was a couple of bucks IIRC and has been very handy for on the fly open mic bass backup requests. Also great for mashing up your own arrangements of standards; download six versions of Over The Rainbow, cherry pick the coolest parts of each after picking a key and transposing all 6 charts to match, etc. And in our jam space we can cast to a big screen and go over parts as a group as well.
IMHO I feel that if someone can't sing or play a song in its original key, they shouldn't play the song at all.
Learn the Nashville Number system. Everything else is a waste of time. You're going to find yourself on stage one night prepared to play a song in A and the singer is going to turn around and say, "let's do it in C#. One, two, one two three four.." No app is going to save you in that situation.
Yes -
Seventh String Software - the home of Transcribe!
Seventh String Software - the home of Transcribe!
www.seventhstring.com
And... if you want to add to the efficiency:
AIRSTEP Smart Multi Controller | XSONIC
AIRSTEP is an unprecedented foot controller, which can control almost all music-related devices and software around you. AIRSTEP can control all devices with the MIDI interface. AIRSTEP can wirelessly control software on mobile phones, tablets, and computers via Bluetooth MIDI and HID.
xsonicaudio.com
I have these buttons set up on mine:
REWIND - PLAY - FAST FORWARD - MARK BEGINNING OF A LOOP/MARK END OF A LOOP (and the loop starts when you press the button the second time).
I know you didn't ask about a pedal but I had the software for a couple years actually before I thought about using a MIDI foot pedal to increase efficiency. It's a game changer.
Also, am sure other midi pedals would work, the one in the link is just the one I use and know to work.
I’m not a master of technique by any stretch of the imagination, so all I can suggest is what has worked for me for almost half a century. Basically I memorized the intervals on the fret board and play by position rather than by note names. Don’t freak, there aren’t that many intervals to memorize.Is there any kind of device or software that you guys are using to practice songs in a transposed key, for learning cover songs? I usually play along with the recording of song to learn it, but if we're going to transpose then I have to re-learn it in the new key. Then it's tough to practice it that way later without causing confusion later on what note comes next. Ask me how I know...
It's been awhile since I tried to find something that would help, ideally to play the song back one step up or down, maybe more, to match what we're going to do. There are pitch controllers for CD and tape players but nothing I'm aware of for MP3 or iTunes stuff. Any ideas?
For instance where I start is find the lowest root of the scale in the proper key. You should know at this point that to go from the tonic to the 4th interval is always one string down towards the floor, or one string up and two frets down. It doesn’t make a different what key you are playing in. The fifth interval is the opposite, it’s either one string up same fret, or one string down and two frets up. For accidentals mentally I apply a plus or minus a fret.
Your need have a good knowledge of major and minor scales and modes, which since you been learning songs by ear already you have this down. Frankly most commercial music for the bass is usually 80% just basic chord changes 1–4-5 and intervals. Off of that box, find your other intervals.
Generally I play in larger ensembles, with horns and singers and learned to play in off keys. In addition to working with singers, arrangers as well as in recording sessions, it’s not uncommon to have to have to change keys on the fly when time is money. This works for me.
I use Reaper. I have project files set up for practicing with a song on each track. Right click / properties and you can adjust the pitch by semitones or in between. You can also adjust the playback speed without affecting the pitch.Is there any kind of device or software that you guys are using to practice songs in a transposed key, for learning cover songs? I usually play along with the recording of song to learn it, but if we're going to transpose then I have to re-learn it in the new key. Then it's tough to practice it that way later without causing confusion later on what note comes next. Ask me how I know...
It's been awhile since I tried to find something that would help, ideally to play the song back one step up or down, maybe more, to match what we're going to do. There are pitch controllers for CD and tape players but nothing I'm aware of for MP3 or iTunes stuff. Any ideas?
