iReal b -- Smartphone app for chords / backing

[saxplorer]

I've just downloaded this: iReal b. It's a smart phone app for iPhones and Android, based originally on The Real Book, but now opened up for other tunes. It's nowhere near as capable as something like Band-in-a-Box, but is astonishing for a phone app. A large library of songs available: I've just tried it on "When I Fall in Love" and "On Green Dolphin Street", and it's amazingly capable. All for £6.99, and no, I'm not on commission 🙂

Btw, this is different to the earlier version "iReal Book", which only had chords, this has a player as well.

 

[Dave McLaughlin]

I agree - but it would be better still if it could play in concert pitch while displaying the chords for a transposing instrument.

 

[saxplorer]

Dave, it can do just that. Choose the transposition for your instrument at (menu)/Settings/Global Transposition, and then transpose your piece based on concert pitch. It will play according to the transposition of the piece, and display respecting both transpositions

For example I have set mine for Tenor sax, and if I look at "All of Me", as published, and it shows "Current Key:C (Bb-part) Default Key:C". If I transpose the piece to G, it shows "Current Key:G (Bb-part) Default Key:C" .... if I Then go and choose alto ... it shows Current Key:G (Eb-part) Default Key:C.

Chord symbols change as you would expect them to. Can't ask fairer than that!

 

[Dave McLaughlin]

Doh! How did I miss that? Thanks.

 

[trimmy]

I have this app but still don't know how to use it properly

 

[Pete Thomas]

I have this app but still don't know how to use it properly

I just downloaded this today (for mac OS X, not the mobile version) and it took me a little headscratching as there's no manual, but I got there in the end.

I can help answer some simple questions possibly, I've already done one backing track.

 

[Taz]

I've already done one backing track.

Er no one likes a show off!

 

[trimmy]

Thanks for the link Andy very helpfull,

 

[jazzdoh]

Thanks for the link,i think this is a great app especially if you are into jazz

Brian

 

[dolbob]

I'm a phone phobe , without an Android phone or tablet, any one know of a cheap way in to be able to use the iRealb ( i'm on Windows ,not Mac.

 

[jazzdoh]

I'm a phone phobe , without an Android phone or tablet, any one know of a cheap way in to be able to use the iRealb ( i'm on Windows ,not Mac.

Don't think there is going to be a windows version according this forum thread

http://irealb.com/forums/showthread.php?2034-Windows-solution-for-those-mac-haters-soon


Brian

 

[Dave McLaughlin]

I'm a phone phobe , without an Android phone or tablet, any one know of a cheap way in to be able to use the iRealb ( i'm on Windows ,not Mac.

You could try Impro-Visor. It's not as intuitive as iRealB, but ultimately more powerful. You can write melodies, or even get it to generate its own. If all you want is the chord sequences, you can join the Yahoo! user group and download "The Imaginary Book".

 

[dolbob]

Thanks for the suggestions, I understand Kindle fire will use the iRealb app( whenever its available ine the UK ) are there any other similar Android platforms?

 

[Pete C]

Pity it doesn't include melodies as well as the changes eh?

 

[QWales]

I think it is worth reviving this thread. No one mentioned that you can go to their website and download thousands of backing tracks absolutely free of charge. It took my approximately 5 minutes to download 2000 tracks onto my iPad.

 

[Saxade]

Yes Its Fantastic.... how We wish this resource was available when we were young.... Sorry You well maybe young!!!

 

[Saxade]

And on that Note "Smart Music" is another fantastic learning tool ... getting better all the time ... just renewed my subscription for something like $30.00 a Year. Play along, play solo, exerciser's etc and it will check and show you if you have played a wrong or incorrectly timed note... well worth the money IMO

Ade

 

[U CAN CALL ME AL]

I have this app on my ipad if you tap on the snowflake and go to the store you can buy an in app addition, "scales". This will alow you to see the appropriate scale chart for the chords as they are being played. Unfortunalely not available my old iphone due to slow processor but I believe it works with the new iphone 5. Christmas is coming!

 

[QWales]

And on that Note "Smart Music" is another fantastic learning tool ... getting better all the time ... just renewed my subscription for something like $30.00 a Year. Play along, play solo, exerciser's etc and it will check and show you if you have played a wrong or incorrectly timed note... well worth the money IMO

Ade

Sounds very similar to My Note Games which is an app for the ipad that does the same sort of thing. Sounds good though I'll look it up. As for being young, I guess it depends on whos perspective you are coming from.

 

[jazzdoh]

Great program,I've got it for Mac and iPhone,its saved me loads of time when i have had to transpose chords sheets for gigs when a different singer uses a different key for a jazz standard.

The backing tracks are ok and simple to use.

Brian