It's been several months since I persuaded myself that I had to get hold of an iPad! Mrs Scroblene had bought one, and now uses it constantly for all sorts of things, especially reading, and the odd mind game, but I had other plans!
People here, who have known Scrobs for the last seven or so years, have often been subjected to several sorts of musical taste, wishes, manufacture even, and also how he dealt with the innovation of computer generated music during the days when money was no object.
There are several iPad apps for music generation, and some are pretty weedy, but others are terrific, and can unleash all sorts of fantasy at the touch of a screen! My favourite is Music Studio, here...
... and I won't bore you with what it does, other than it costs a few quid, but is marvellous for writing and playing virtually any instrument you care to pick up - but on a keyboard. However, the top pic shows a similar app, Garage Band, which is very common now as it's free, and that has so much to offer as well, but in a different way.
One of the great advantages of the app, is that you can lay down a backing track, with drums, bass rock organ, etc, and then get onto the smart guitar page, and play like you've never played before! I have a certain amount of difficulty holding down a chord on a twelve-string guitar these days, and I don't have an amplifier for the electric ones, so for some time I was bereft of a favoured pastime, although Mrs Scroblene was delighted not to have to listen to a muted strumming while I was oblivious because of my earphones!
The other day, a chum on another blog reminded me that one of the most hallowed guitar solos ever, is David Gilmour's Comfortably numb from 'Pulse - live' which has always been a firm favourite, and it has been played under a myriad of circumstances, so it was no small challenge to write the backing tracks, and try my luck at the solo!
I just have to say, it works, and the big smile just won't go away!
12 comments:
That sounds like fun. What else to do when the rain is horizontal? I keep promising myself I will learn the harmonica.
Lils, just see the app if you can! The Grateful Dead's riffs, changed on your command will also change your life - believe me!
(Or are they not allowed to do that...)?
Being stone age in my musical beliefs I'm a bit unsure about this but I'll give it a whirl.
Thud, I was the same, and watched Jeff Healey with total awe, as he plays in the similar position, but of course, on a real guitar!
For the cost of one minute's download, and no fee, there's so much to offer, and the sounds are very authentic - there's even a 'Liverpool Bass', so now you'll have to try it out!
I still think Music Studio is better for composing, and instruments, and I'm not really a masterful keyboarder, but both apps can easily fill up the time I used to use, watching rubbish television!
You can also i,port ready-made loops, and add audio as well, so plenty for you to do now you've nearly finished The Bothy!
hey Scrobs - I checked out that link, and the youtube page is plastered with, errr, young ladies, offering their (quite good) renderings of the Gilmour
Tina, Angell, Noelle, Sylvia, Juliette, Juli, Julia, Anastasia - I lost count!
do all guitar solos get so much youtube cover by young ladies?
Great tip.
If you fancy an electric guitar Harley Benton do a good range. A measly £100 gets you a LOVELY looking Les Paul (well reviewed by my guitar blog chums.)
They do look god, don't they Nick!
The link I was given was from another lovely lady too, so I'm not really sure who knows best...
They look marvellous, Elecs - thank you!
I still have a very nice Yamaha electric guitar, which I had to re-wire after mucking it all up some years ago! And I still have to use a Flyspec, as Mrs Scroblene has forbidden anything over 5 decibels - except the dog...
Enjoyed that Scrobs - thanks for posting it.
"Comfortably numb" is how I hope to be feeling next Friday morning after a spot of essential major surgery next Wednesday, which I may or may not survive.
If I don't, may I say I have enjoyed reading your postings over the years and joining in the splendid and sometimes hilarious banter etc.
If I do, however, I shall return in about a month to plague you again! You have been warned! TTFN.
Reevers, I sincerely hope it all turns out well for you!
If they allow you to take your phone with you, you can keep up with all the banter without leaving your tubes!
Best wishes anyway!
tqvm, Fingers, knees, arms and eyes all securely crossed!
rvi - never had the pleasure, but good luck mate
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