Dumb question about backing tracks

Plutonium244

Plutonium244

Mar 29, 2015
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#1
First, let me apologize in advance as this is probably a dumb question, and also for the fact that you might find this post on more than one forum since none seemed to fit exactly.

I often see youtube vids etc with someone playing full backing tracks off an iPad or similar device, and playing to it, for performance (and practice I suppose). Also, obviously, I know there are ways and sources to find backing tracks for probably thousands of songs that can be utilized on a computer.

And last, some people are able to write their own full backing tracks for original tunes for easy and convenient use for live performance.

So, my questions are: 1) What is a good source for backing tracks for use in live performance, essentially in a solo context (but of course others can play along also). This would, I suppose, mainly mean standards, etc. 2) How are they conveniently played back/utilized in live performance? 3) What is a convenient, low-equipment-gear-load way to play back pre-written backing tracks (written at home on DP or Protools or basic sequencer etc)?

My goals are 1) to be able to take basic arrangements of standards, and be able to solo over them (thus having a "bass player" to cover the low while I am all over the place) both live and at home for recording, practice, and general amusement; and 2) be able to write, sequence/record basic arrangements that I can then utilize at a gig without having to bring a keyboard with sequencer/workstation and a poopie-ton of peripheral gear for this purpose.

Any help you can offer in bringing me into the 21st century on this kind of stuff will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for the help of this great community of players we have here.
 
#2
Band In A Box
It will do a small band. Simple to use. Pick a style, type in the chords and set the repeat on chorus to solo.
It has a midi conductor feature where you can jump around in a song with a midi controller. Like if you want to loop on the chorus for solos. And still have a proper ending.

iReal Pro is similar for iOS or Android but not as flexible.

Ableton live, many clips, warp, transpose, adjust tempo. Very popular software.

Or
Loop buidling, Ableton is good for this also. Live, start a drum track, record a bass part going through the song, loop on this while you add chords, loop on this to solo over. Bridges and endings can be pre-recorded clips and no one will really notice.

Presonus Notion has some live conducting features if you work in notation.

All of these have tap tempo. Ableton has Max Live module for deriving tempo from live drummer.

Livid Guitar Wing is a cool looking midi controller for a slab bass.
 
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#3
seamonkey said:
Band In A Box
It will do a small band. Simple to use. Pick a style, type in the chords and set the repeat on chorus to solo.
It has a midi conductor feature where you can jump around in a song with a midi controller. Like if you want to loop on the chorus for solos. And still have a proper ending.

iReal Pro is similar for iOS or Android but not as flexible.

Ableton live, many clips, warp, transpose, adjust tempo. Very popular software.

Or
Loop buidling, Ableton is good for this also. Live, start a drum track, record a bass part going through the song, loop on this while you add chords, loop on this to solo over. Bridges and endings can be pre-recorded clips and no one will really notice.

Presonus Notion has some live conducting features if you work in notation.

All of these have tap tempo. Ableton has Max Live module for deriving tempo from live drummer.

Livid Guitar Wing is a cool looking midi controller for a slab bass.
Click to expand...

I'm also looking for backing tracks and play along resources. I use them for my own practice and fun.

There are a couple of drum machine / fancy metronome apps that I downloaded for my iPad and / or iPhone. The best one I've purchased so far is called Super Metronome Groovebox Pro - Drum Machine. Super Metronome does provide a variety of styles and beats. Unlike some smaller apps it allows the user to change tempo, select different drum grooves / tracks, and to change the sounds of different drum beats. It definitely is much more than a basic metronome. There are enough different drum beats to occupy me for hours of playing time.

My only problem with drum machines is that I quickly get tired of hearing just drums, and want more instruments in my play along tracks.

I have Band In A Box but haven't used it for a couple of years. I'll have to get back into it and continue to learn the program, especially for the play along function.

I also have a Tascam Bass CD Trainer.

The Talkbass search function comes in handy, and I know this topic gets discussed from time to time. Still, I would also appreciate suggestions for play along resources. I especially like lots of jazz, blues and rock. I might be up for buying hardware or software, but I don't know where to look for the good quality selections. What do TBers recommend?

Thanks in advance,
Joel
 
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