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All Thumbs
Aloha
35 Posts |
 Posted - 06/15/2010 : 3:09:41 PM
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I apologize if I'm bringing up a topic that has already been covered on Taro Patch, but I did a search and did not see that this topic has previously been addressed.
I am looking for software that slows down music without altering the pitch. I've found references to several such software manufacturers on the web (e.g., Amazing Slow Downer, Sound Surgeon)and have reviewed the the available information on such software. My question is whether anyone has tried any of these, and if so, what are your impressions of the software packages that you've tried? Do you find them helpful? The product descriptions and examples that I've seen on the web are impressive.
Although I can read some music and am fairly proficient with tablature, I typically learn new melodies using a combination of sheet music/tablature and ear. It takes me a while to pick out a melody by ear alone, and many of the melodies that I try to learn are not tabbed. I am trying to wean myself of tablature and rely more on developing my ear. Would a CD looper that slows down music help in this endeavor?
Mahalo nui loa for any feedback that folks can share.
All Thumbs
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I have learned that there lies dormant in the souls of all men a penchant for some particular musical instrument, and an unsuspected yearning to learn to play on it, that are bound to wake up and demand attention some day. Therefore, you who rail at such as disturb your slumbers with unsuccessful and demoralizing attempts to subjugate a fiddle, beware! for sooner or later your own time will come.
Mark Twain
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RWD
`Olu`olu
USA
850 Posts |
Posted - 06/15/2010 : 4:08:52 PM
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I pretty much do the same as you...I learn from tab and by ear. Sometimes I will work on a tune (by ear) for a very long time and slowed-down on-pitch music is a great way to speed it up the learning. I use a Tascam machine and not software. I think these machines or software are great but some take immense pride in not needing one. I can get all but some fine point without slowing things down but the short story is I still use one.
Damn, now I feel like I got to say something more on the subject.
I really don't mind if anyone wants to oppose this opinion.
The point of Slack key is to do your own thing, but I still want to learn licks from other musicians. Before I jump off to do my own thing I want to know what they do. After that I can take it, leave it or change it.
One Hawaiian philosophy I have heard time and time again is to learn by watching and don't ask questions. That would force you to develop your own style because you probably can't duplicate the music note for note. But sometimes I think if you only play like that, it verges on taking the easy way out (lazy). It is easier to play crappy arrangements your own way than to learn a really tough song from a great player.
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Bob |
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JimC
Lokahi
USA
135 Posts |
Posted - 06/15/2010 : 4:10:27 PM
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| I have found the amazing slowdowner very helpful and it has a looper as a tool. You can cut a small section of a song slow it down and loop that section. Save the sections as part 1, 2 and so on until you have covered the whole thing. I also save them at 50% and 75% of actual speed so you can work yourself up to the right tempo. |
Jim
http://www.ohanahulasupply.com
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Hookani
Lokahi
232 Posts |
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Trev
Lokahi
United Kingdom
265 Posts |
Posted - 06/16/2010 : 02:15:33 AM
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| I found out about Audacity through this forum. I've used it to slow one thing down to learn it. Suddenly what I couldn't figure out before, I suddenly could. I agreee with Hookani, give it a try - it worked fine for me. |
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jlsulle
Lokahi
USA
284 Posts |
Posted - 06/16/2010 : 05:02:20 AM
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| I use both Audacity and the Amazing Slow Downer and I think they are both really good tools. Jerry |
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Mark
Ha`aha`a
USA
1628 Posts |
Posted - 06/16/2010 : 08:46:17 AM
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I agree with the sentiment that one ought to put your personality into the music. And that is certainly made manifest if you try to replicate something that you hear as it wings by..
That being said, I finally broke down and purchased a copy of the Amazing Slowdowner cuz I was trying to wrestle with an obscure 11 bar mando-banjo blues by the Mississippi Mud Steppers... in Bb, no less.
I'm sold. Great tool. You can retune the recordings (tunings from 78s are notoriously unreliable due to the differences in modern vs vintage playback systems). You can slow down without returning--or do both. And you can slow down a little, or a whole lot.
It also works admirably with a CD, eliminating the need to rip the audio first. Handy.
You can speed it up, to, if you want to see how fast you can play Whee Ha Swing.....
Audacity will also do the trick, but the Amazing SlowDowner is quite elegant.
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FROPPE
Akahai
USA
81 Posts |
Posted - 06/16/2010 : 1:34:17 PM
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I've been using Amazing Slow Downer for a while, and have found it to be very helpful. It's easy for an old, worn-out, technology-challenged geezer to use! So, if I can get some benefit, anyone can!
Froppe |
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CD Loopers
