Relative minors

[skeller047]

@thomsax I wasn't criticizing the idea of using backing tracks. I have no problems with that at all. My SoundCloud channel is me plus backing tracks...

I just think that Karaoke in general is aimed at people in bars who want to make fools of themselves. Or people throwing a party. As a source for backing tracks, maybe not the best choice.

 

[Pete Effamy]

Actually I was more concerned with the actual key, not whether it's major or minor. G#/Ab minor is unusual to say the least. I know of instances where tapes were sped up on purpose to sound more peppy or something, just curious about the actual history of this recording.

I must admit, I was wondering why he chose G# minor.

 

[Pete Thomas]

..I seem to really have to defend myself on here not expected really..

I apologise for that.

But to be fair a lot of us have to do that from time to time.

Maybe it's complete wrong that an international saxophone forum is covering backing tracks and basic questions about playing songs with backing tracks?....So what shall a backing tracks player/user do? Search for info elsewhere or be a problem at a saxophone forum?

We can and should answer questions about backing tracks - we have a much broader scope than purely discussing saxophones. Hence the different section for more general music related questions.

 

[eb424]

I apologise for that.

But to be fair a lot of us have to do that from time to time.


We can and should answer questions about backing tracks - we have a much broader scope than purely discussing saxophones. Hence the different section for more general music related questions.

Bit i dont understand why Pete..I asked a genuine question..I wish i had your talent but i dont..

 

[Pete Thomas]

Bit i dont understand why Pete..I asked a genuine question..I wish i had your talent but i dont..

Yes absolutely it was a very genuine question and was answered in post 2. ie Hit the Road Jack cannot be in Ab major and you are correct in saying F is the relative minor. Obviously (if you are to believe me) someone at karaoke version put something incorrect on their site.

 

[Guenne]

I've often found that when playing in a more - well - commercial environment, that people name the wrong keys songs are in.
An example would be that when playing the last 8 bars of the A section as an intro in "Can't help falling in love", you are starting on the 4th degree of the key, not on the root.
More "jazzy" examples would be Autumn Leaves or All the things you are 🙂
There may also be errors when there are intros which lead (or may not lead directly) to the tonic.

 

[Pete Effamy]

I've often found that when playing in a more - well - commercial environment, that people name the wrong keys songs are in.
An example would be that when playing the last 8 bars of the A section as an intro, you are starting on the 4th degree of the key, not on the root.
More "jazzy" examples would be Autumn Leaves or All the things you are 🙂
There may also be errors when there are intros which lead (or may not lead directly) to the tonic.

Yeah, and Night and Day starts (in the Real Book, minus a verse) on a m7b5

 

[jazzdoh]

So what shall a backing tracks player/user do?

Maybe Eddie needs to source backing tracks that are more suitable to playing saxophone instead of Karaoke tracks that are meant for vocalists.

 

[eb424]

Maybe Eddie needs to source backing tracks that are more suitable to playing saxophone instead of Karaoke tracks that are meant for vocalists.

Tbf they are only generatedvlike biab.. you can remove lyrics and any instrument you like. Change key except from major to minor apparrantly..

 

[jazzdoh]

Tbf they are only generatedvlike biab.. you can remove lyrics and any instrument you like. Change key except from major to minor apparrantly..

The point I was trying to make is there are sources of backing tracks that are more suitable to your instrument, after all if you go out for a coffee you don't go to B&Q for it, maybe not a good example but you get the point.

 

[Pete Thomas]

Change key except from major to minor apparrantly..

What you need to understand is that changing from major to minor is different to just changing key as it changes tonality or mode and doesn't necessarily change the tonal center, which purely changing key does. You'd save yourself a lot of time by doing a basic theory course.

 

[thomsax]

Maybe Eddie needs to source backing tracks that are more suitable to playing saxophone instead of Karaoke tracks that are meant for vocalists.

If you're going to play the vocal lines with your sax a good karaoke recording is fine. I have done this many times. I learned to play along Otis Redding and The Mar-Keys sax leading version of the great soul ballad "I've Been Loving You Too Long" (Redding/Butler). Later on I found a karaoke version in the same key(s), length so I could try to play the lead sax. I think songs like this is very suitable for all sax players. An easy song, just play and make your sax sing. Bring all the soul into your sax. Fine tempo. Big sax tone and stretch out.

This is a good sample of RockSax. You can use karaoke recordings in more than one way!

View: https://youtu.be/T0zROagSE7U?si=oe01UMprWCGdlUq6

View: https://youtu.be/VurfkexeyUA?si=BsmHwpDfcAOc7Kcz

View: https://youtu.be/JXs44p3Yz0c?si=0vAOUJ3RvMhj81yR


Of course you learn and play with a karaoke recording.

Back to Topic; "Hit the Road Jack". Keys, minor or major ......

 

[eb424]

If you're going to play the vocal lines with your sax a good karaoke recording is fine. I have done this many times. I learned to play along Otis Redding and The Mar-Keys sax leading version of the great soul ballad "I've Been Loving You Too Long" (Redding/Butler). Later on I found a karaoke version in the same key(s), length so I could try to play the lead sax. I think songs like this is very suitable for all sax players. An easy song, just play and make your sax sing. Bring all the soul into your sax. Fine tempo. Big sax tone and stretch out.

This is a good sample of RockSax. You can use karaoke recordings in more than one way!

View: https://youtu.be/T0zROagSE7U?si=oe01UMprWCGdlUq6

View: https://youtu.be/VurfkexeyUA?si=BsmHwpDfcAOc7Kcz

View: https://youtu.be/JXs44p3Yz0c?si=0vAOUJ3RvMhj81yR


Of course you learn and play with a karaoke recording.

Back to Topic; "Hit the Road Jack". Keys, minor or major ......

Lovelly

 

[thomsax]

@thomsax I wasn't criticizing the idea of using backing tracks. I have no problems with that at all. My SoundCloud channel is me plus backing tracks...

I just think that Karaoke in general is aimed at people in bars who want to make fools of themselves. Or people throwing a party. As a source for backing tracks, maybe not the best choice.

Karaoke Version have sing along backing tracks but they also have costumes backing tracks as well. You can mix or remove instrument and vocals. Of course, this is nothing you or any other of the fine sax players here at CS use. But it's useful for me.

I have posted this YT clip earlier. I was going to play (tenor sax) "The Snake" on tenor sax. I removed horns, vocals, strings ...... so I got a better feeling for the song. I realized that to play sax on this song was not easy .... so I sang as well.

What I really would like to have when I'm learning songs by ear from backing tracks or records, is a foot switch so I can pause the backing tracks and repeat what I have heard without moving my hands. Maybe there are something like this already on the market?

I have made a fool of myself lots of times. I know one thing for sure, I haven't made my last mistake or fool of my self .... .

Here is the short "Snake clip". Karaoke .... ??????

View: https://youtu.be/ENmrZkB9CTM?si=0g7hj9OCoDO-aHcb

 

[thomsax]

Lovelly

Maybe you should give songs like this a try as well. Of course, it's very much what kind of music you like. I'm an incorrigible romantic, so I've always been open for this kind of music.

Tempo is slow, few and easy chords, an easy melody, put all the soul you have into your sax ...... . A perfect care home song.

 

[eb424]

Karaoke Version have sing along backing tracks but they also have costumes backing tracks as well. You can mix or remove instrument and vocals. Of course, this is nothing you or any other of the fine sax players here at CS use. But it can useful for me.

I have posted this YT clip earlier. I was going to play (tenor sax) "The Snake" on tenor sax. I removed horns, vocals, strings ...... so I got a better feeling for the song. I realized that to play sax on this song was not easy .... so I sang as well.

What I really would like to have when I'm learning songs by ear from backing is a foot switch so I can pause the backing tracks and repeat what I have heard without moving my hands. Maybe there are something like this already own the market.

I have made a fool of myself lots of times. I know one thing for sure, I haven't made my last mistake or fool of my self .... .

Here is the short "Snake clip". Karaoke .... ??????

View: https://youtu.be/ENmrZkB9CTM?si=0g7hj9OCoDO-aHcb

Ĺol...try the foot pedal by air turn you can change the settings..Great bit of kit i bought but never use..got to get back on the snake..hmm ill have to pop over..

 

[jazzdoh]

If you're going to play the vocal lines with your sax a good karaoke recording is fine. I have done this many times. I learned to play along Otis Redding and The Mar-Keys sax leading version of the great soul ballad "I've Been Loving You Too Long" (Redding/Butler). Later on I found a karaoke version in the same key(s), length so I could try to play the lead sax. I think songs like this is very suitable for all sax players. An easy song, just play and make your sax sing. Bring all the soul into your sax. Fine tempo. Big sax tone and stretch out.

This is a good sample of RockSax. You can use karaoke recordings in more than one way!

View: https://youtu.be/T0zROagSE7U?si=oe01UMprWCGdlUq6

View: https://youtu.be/VurfkexeyUA?si=BsmHwpDfcAOc7Kcz

View: https://youtu.be/JXs44p3Yz0c?si=0vAOUJ3RvMhj81yR


Of course you learn and play with a karaoke recording.

Back to Topic; "Hit the Road Jack". Keys, minor or major ......

I get it and those are good examples, but generally Karaoke backing tracks are usually meant for singers, I just think there are backing tracks that are designed especially for melody instruments ie saxophone, trumpet flute etc and these would save Eddie from a lot of heartache at this time in his musical journey.

 

[Pete Thomas]

but generally Karaoke backing tracks are usually meant for singers, I just think there are backing tracks that are designed especially for melody instruments

I don't understand, what is the actual difference in the track whether it gets added to by a singer or an instrumentalist?

 

[Pete Effamy]

A good difference would be a backing track specific to falling in “the meat of the instrument “ ideal range for each instrument. Being able to specify a key when you buy it.

 

[jazzdoh]

I don't understand, what is the actual difference in the track whether it gets added to by a singer or an instrumentalist?

Well the ones that are designed for instrumentalists should be a key that suits his /her instrument,mainly talking about backing tracks that come with books.