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Slowing songs/mp3's for easier learning

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Algonquin

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I was just listening to an MP3 file in Windows Media Player trying to learn a lick. I was looking in the toolbar to see how I could get it to repeat automatically when I notice the 'Play' button. Within is a 'Play Speed' feature which allows you to 'Slow' down the track and still maintain the original pitch. I knew there was software out there to do this, but this was right there at my finger tips.

Probably old news to many, but I don't recall seeing a post on it.

Hope this is helpful to those trying to learn new riffs and such.

Cheers,
David
 
Cool. I didn't know that Windows Media Player could do that.

Thanks for the tip.

tung


Algonquin said:
I was just listening to an MP3 file in Windows Media Player trying to learn a lick. I was looking in the toolbar to see how I could get it to repeat automatically when I notice the 'Play' button. Within is a 'Play Speed' feature which allows you to 'Slow' down the track and still maintain the original pitch. I knew there was software out there to do this, but this was right there at my finger tips.

Probably old news to many, but I don't recall seeing a post on it.

Hope this is helpful to those trying to learn new riffs and such.

Cheers,
David
 
I found that out some time back and use it often. What's nice about it is that it doesn't have preprogrammed setting, so you can bring it back to full speed gradually as you develop your practice.

I download/burn whatever it is I'm working on and then use it as another tool for practice.

Good post for those that were not aware of that.
 
I was using that feature last week on a riff I was trying to learn.
 
One thing I should point out is that the slow play speed only works with mp3 files, if the source is a wav file it cannot change the play speed.
 
ted s said:
hmm, doesn't look like iTunes does it, guess I'll have to trash my Mac now.

Oh no, what have we here?
yikes.gif
yikes.gif
yikes.gif
 
Boy, ya just gotta love modern technology.

We've come a long, long way from playing 45 rpm singles's at 33 rpm or 16 rpm and 33 rpm LP's at 16. Pitch was consequently garbage, but a 45 at 16 sure made it easy to distinguish the movement from one note to another...
 
Another nice one is BestPractice. It's free and very small (memory wise - loads fast). What I like about it, is it does CDs in the drive or individual mp3. Does wav's also. It's pretty basic, only does the tempo and let's you make slight tweaks of the pitch. But what's really great for me is it you can save the tune with your tempo tweaks. (Be sure to give a new name so you keep the original.)
 
Attention Mac users: I've just discovered that Quick Time will allow you to slow mp3s to half speed without a pitch change. Use "show a/v controls" from the Window menu or Command-K.
 
I just found the Amazing Slow Downer on one of my Hal Leonard play-along CDs I got with my most recent Clapton book....man that thing works great!
And it wouldnt surprise me if I had it on more of these play-along CDs that Ive had forever.
I wanna install this on all my computers! :bravo:
 
If you have Winamp it works too. I use it and it slows mp3 s down. You just have to download a file or something .It's called Chronotron II and it goes with it. It works great to slow a song down! Get loop master too. It's all just programs you add to Winamp.I used them alot and they help alot!
 
Rory said:
Another nice one is BestPractice. It's free and very small (memory wise - loads fast). What I like about it, is it does CDs in the drive or individual mp3. Does wav's also. It's pretty basic, only does the tempo and let's you make slight tweaks of the pitch. But what's really great for me is it you can save the tune with your tempo tweaks. (Be sure to give a new name so you keep the original.)

Just downloaded and installed it. Works pretty well, and free of bells'n'whistles. Now I just have to start practicing more :thwap: .
Thanks for the tip.
 
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