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Help - Best Way to Learn New Songs

tunewriter

tunewriter

Jul 26, 2012
108
26
#1
We need to learn about 5 - 6 new songs a week and I'm stressing. I have years of experience in music but I play mostly by ear and a bass tab here and there. Is anyone aware of a rig where I can hook my bass up to my Ipod and hear both, at the same time through my earphones. What about a devise that slows down, or even, singles out the bass line. Anyway, you get the picture. Would like a small rig that helps me rehearse during the week. Thanks, so much for trying to help.
 
#2
If tabs for what you're learning are available, then I'd say those are your best bet. Learning by ear is a great exercise, but since you need to learn fast skipping the trial and error process is the way to go. Of course this is just my opinion, and you could be some kind of learning by ear prodigy.
 
#3
Some amps have an aux jack that you can run an iPod through. Mine doesn't, but I have seen them.

I would suggest one of these:

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They're inexpensive and they sound surprisingly good. The entire line all have a jack for mp3 players/cd players. I use it all the time for practicing at home because you can crank it as loud as you want without disturbing anyone.

Shop around though. I bought mine at a local music shop (not a chain) and only paid $30 for it. So they can be found cheaper than the listed price.


Edit: If you're a "K-On" fan like me, you can find the K-on amplugs:
k_on_amplug_1st_3set_02.jpg
 
#4
If your amp doesn't have an aux jack, plug a mixer in front,
(or into your aux return) and run everything through that.
Then put the tunes on your MP3 player or a CD, and listen to 'em till you're sick of it.
 
#8
I go to ultimate guitar tab and pull down the chord sheet. I then make up my own bass line if I can't hear the original one from the studio version of the recording on You Tube.

Also, convince the band to stick with the studio version so you aren't memorizing odd structured tunes that you can't find subs for, if that day ever comes.
 
#15
SR505bassman said:
If you have an iproduct, Ultimate Guitar Tabs Pro will do all of that in one. I use it all the time, works great!
Click to expand...

This is what I use. iPad in ch. 1 and bass in 2. Out through headphones. I use the songsheet app which is cool, as you can copy and paste lyrics and then build your own chord chart. You can also select the song you're working on from your music library and apply it to the chord chart, that way you can do everything within the app. Makes it easy to edit the chart. Works well for me. YMMV.
CC17511A-BE79-4E9F-96F8-8F1B7C2D21C5-1971-0000029FD9B6E47C.jpg
 
#17
Audacity is free (as in beer) software and has powerful editing features including time-shifting without changing pitch.

Remember, the job of the bass is to define the composition. Learn the chord changes and aim for the root of each chord on the 1 of whatever measure or half-measure that chord is on. Learn any signature licks or melodies for the line.
 
#18
Feral Feline said:
There's the "Amazing Slow Downer" app, I think it's for iPod/iPad, maybe Mac and I'm guessing PCs...
I don't know click on the link ^^^ ... Oh, and it's FREE.

There's similar software out there that let's you slow down a section of music, repeat it and keep it in the correct pitch.

Add the iRig or other brand of interface to connect your bass and hit the wood shed!

Good luck!
Click to expand...

I use the ASD, but did have to pay $40 or so for it. It works on my PC desktop, my Mac Book Pro and on my iPad. But I usually just use it on my desktop which is where I rehearse the most. I learn songs in less than half the time.
 

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