Musicians and home recording folks out there...

[Rabbit of Caerbannog]

I've started taking guitar lessons (again) and am looking for a free/cheap software program that will let you cut out sections of songs, loop them, and most importantly - let you slow them down WITHOUT altering the pitch (for learning solo licks etc.) I know there are high end programs out there - but I'm not "high end" enough to afford them. ANy suggestions?

Thanks
-FRB

[onebigbadwulf]

1. whoah i've never heard of that

but that'd be awesome


I always wanted to learn Jonny B Good.

[tekriter]

2. Do you use a Mac or Windows?

n/t

[Rabbit of Caerbannog]

3. Windows

[tekriter]

5. Well, if you had a Mac...

Apple recently introduced a program called GarageBand which is part of a five-program group that sells for $50.

It allows you to change the speed of loops without changing the pitch but it's Mac-only.

Sorry! Maybe some Windows shareware or freeware is out there, but I'm not a Windows guy so I don't know.



:headbang:

[ProfessorGAC]

4. There Are Hardware Options, But. . .

. . .sorry, i don't know of any software options short of ProTools, and that's not a very cheap option.

There are pretty affordable multi-effect pedeals that allow looping and slow down. For instance, the Korg AX-100 Toneworks is often available for about $129. They still make them and they're in almost every issue of the Sam Ash or Guitar Center catalogs.

I've had one for about 5 years, although i only use it for running through a practice amp.

It has the feature you're looking for in its delay function. It's also got a ton of other features that can be used to make the guitar sound really good, especially through stereo speakers or headphones. It's easy to use, simple to set up. And, if you get more serious in the future, you'd already have a pretty decent effects unit that you could use for a long time.

Full Disclosure: I don't use mine for rehearsals or stage work anymore. But, i play through a Boogie which loops to a digital time FX unit. It's a lot more expensive option, but it does sound better to me. So, the Toneworks is just an extra toy for me now. If i didn't have the setup i've gone to in the last few years, i'd still be using it.
The Professor

[Rabbit of Caerbannog]

7. I'm an acoustic guy.

Trying to learn lead blue grass etc. It's kind of hard to learn Tony Rice in real time - hence the desire to slow him down a bit.

[ProfessorGAC]

18. This Would Work, But. . .

. . . you'd have no other use for it. Actually though, i've played acoustic (miked) through it to add a little digital reverb and chorus. It gives it a nice spacious sound and makes single note ring a little brighter. If you see one used, you might want to think about it anyway, since it does some awfully cool things.

I can understand. I learned parts of DiMeola's "Race With The Devil. . ." on acoustic.
The Professor

[Trajan]

6. Try here ...

Dont have time to vet it all out: .... Good luck ...

http://harmony-central.com/Software/Windows/guitar.html

[Rabbit of Caerbannog]

9. YEAH BABY!!

Even if I don't find exactly what I'm looking for this site is excellent. Thanks! :headbang:

[Papa]

8. Use WINAMP. There is a plugin that does exactly what you want

There is a plugin for winamp that will slow down or speed up a song without changing the PITCH. Some soundblaster cards have this as a feature as well, it's bundled with their media player.

Let me know if you need more help.



http://www.winamp.com/plugins/details.php?id=12689

[Rabbit of Caerbannog]

12. Looks great. Thanks!

[boobooday]

10. Hello

I have used Sonic Foundry products in the past -- they have one called "Acid" that does quite a bit, and the consumer version is only about 50 bucks.

Other people use "Cakewalk" too.

Jeanette
http://www.wgoeshome.com

[Beetwasher]

11. Acid is good

I use acid to build my drum tracks...I bring into Cubase though...

[Papa]

13. yeah "acid" is great

Easy to use too.

[tridim]

14. Cakewalk

is now called Sonar, just for the record. :) Acid is a great looping app, the original poster should definitely check it out. Sonic Foundry makes great software.

[Whitacre D_WI]

15. Get a reel-to-reel recorder, scissors, and some tape.

[mitchum]

19. Hello, my fellow neo-Luddite!

[mulsh]

16. Guitar Notes

web site has lots of links to free stuff and share ware. check it out

http://www.guitarnotes.com/

[emulatorloo]

17. Sony Acid Screenblast

Sonic foundry was bought by sony

http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/Products/ShowProduct.asp?PID=854

[Bake]

20. Amazing Slow Downer

It's the best. Cheap, too. Maintains the pitch (or you can adjust it), and doesn't degrade the sound quality.

Bake