Can anyone recommend a backing track app for iPad?

[alembic1989]

hi.
I'm searching for an app that will allow me to play a bunch of chords of my choosing to a rhythm track.
Most of the chords are 'strange and pretty off the track' ..so I need to be able to 'input the notes' myself.
Also the rhythm tracks are in odd time signatures.
Can anyone point me in the right direction.
I am composing some tunes, and want to practise improvising over said chords.
I would really appreciate any help.
Raj

[Skol303]

In a word: no... sorry! I can't think of an App that would fit the bill specifically.

The closest I can think of would be:

[url="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/amplitube/id373524000?mt=8"]Amplitube:[/url] lets you connect your bass/guitar to your iOS device using one of these [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/iRig-Guitar-Effects-Interface-iPhone/dp/B003W47NII"]cable thingies[/url]. Includes a bunch of amp sims and FX, plus a virtual drum kit that you can use to jam along to. [i]But[/i] it doesn't include a keyboard on which you could set up chords [i](so not really what you're looking for!).[/i]

[url="http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/nanostudio/id382263651?mt=8"]Nanostudio:[/url] a really quite fantastic little DAW software - you can use it to create full tracks quite easily. Has a multitude of keyboard synths on which can write chords using a 'piano roll' (not notation, but easy to use). But... as far as I know you can't connect your bass to it and jam along at the same time.

So yeah. Apologies for the quite useless suggestions!

Other folks here might be able to offer better ideas.

As a 'Plan B', I'll reiterate the usual mantra of suggesting you go about this using a digital audio workstation (DAW) software on a 'regular' computer, rather than trying to find a suitable App. [url="http://www.reaper.fm/"]Reaper[/url] is an often recommended product (it's available for free as an unlimited trial version) and you can download numerous free virtual synths (as VST plug-ins) on which to write chords, beats, complete songs - whatever you fancy. Plenty of tutorials on YouTube to get you started.

The snag is that to use Reaper (or any other DAW software) you'd need an audio interface ([url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/FOCUSRITE-SCARLETT-Audio-interfaces-USB-Red/dp/B005OZE9SA"]like this one[/url]) to connect your bass to your computer. The advantage is that this set-up would enable you to write entire compositions from the comfort of your potting shed.

Any questions, just give us a shout here

Paul

Edited October 8, 2014 by Skol303

[andybass87]

I use Chordbot on android, but i believe it is on IOS, not perfect but allows you to input any chords you like, and loop etc. I use it for improvising walking bass lines over chords. does the job in that sense.

[the boy]

Mainstage is awesome but to the best of my knowledge there isn't an iPad version yet. However if you have a Mac it works really well. In fact it's superb.

[alembic1989]

Thanks chaps