The Jazz Guitar Chord Dictionary
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  1. #1

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    ...is a very long name of a software product. I've downloaded it to my iPad, just to find out that there are pricey add-ons I probably need...but before I invest more time and money in this product I like to hear your opinions.

    Any user here that like to share a review, some pros and cons?

    I've watched some Youtube demos/reviews/tutorials and so far I've got mixed emotions, some of which is related to the concept as such and some that follows the need to learn how to use the software properly. The computer is a great tool, but can also be a time thief... I've not yet decided if I want this product in my life...

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    The Jazz Guitar Chord Dictionary
     
  3. #2

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    I have it on my regular computer. I find I rarely fire it up. As a play along, it feels clunky. Genius Jam Tracks is easier to change tempo, edit chords, loop, etc., and sounds good. The functional mapping isn’t too useful for me. I can identify basic function without it, and don’t really use anything more involved in my playing. But that is just my experience. Maybe the functional mapping will really unlock something in your playing.


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  4. #3
    I have yet to figure out how to add extensions that are not visible in the map, like common 9th-chords for example.
    I find it somewhat tedious to have to locate every chord on the map when composing/editing.

    -What's the fastest way to insert a C9-chord?
    -What's the fastest way to remove extensions for chords suggested by the map, for example substituting an A7-9 with a plain A7-chord?

    Edit: I found a YT video (a bunch of videos seem to be the only available manual) that shows how to change an A7-9 to a mixo A7. Still, it appears it's not possible to enter 9th, 11th or 13th chords because the Berklee alumni think they're all 7th chords (as the 9, 11 and 13 are in the scale)

    When I write C9 i mean C9, not C7. For improvisation purpose C7 is sufficient, but not for comping. When I write C13 that's what I intend the comp to play, not C7.
    A C9M has a different sound than a C7M even though they share the same function etc.
    Last edited by JCat; 01-02-2023 at 12:32 AM.

  5. #4

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    I have a ticket open with the developers because when I open the program on my main 27" Apple Display connected to an Apple Silicon M1 Pro, I see the analysis section (the Main page) waaaay off kilter

    I also don't see the cool aged paper background I can see on my iPad. I need the larger view because it's impossible to read on a 14" Retina screen. I think the bitmap they use as the foundation image does not scale.

    Mapping Tonal Harmony Pro-screenshot-2023-01-04-8-39-58-pm-png

  6. #5

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    Reviving thread as I took plunge with MacOS version. It does sound better than iReal but I'm having same issues as OP.

    Any other opinions from those that have tried it?

  7. #6
    I'm using the tool occasionally. I didn't download the song library, but I add my own material.
    I think the software is useful for some applications in standard jazz and latin. My main concern is its limitations regarding certain extensions, chord inversions/slash chords and some voicings/chord interpretations that sometimes sound out of context.

    Players need to use proper voicings, and of course we cannot expect a software to understand what's proper or not in a particular context. However, some b7th-voicings won't sound very good when you intend a 9th or a 13th chord, but those are not available in the map and you can't stop the software player from occasionally (too often) playing b7th voicings with the 3rd on top. Drives me nuts.

    Also there are only a handful slash chords available in the map, partly because most of the time a slash chord could be interpreted as some other chord, but then again it's all about the voicing if such other chord would fit in the context (It typically won't because it then got the wrong bass note/root).

    There are ways to trick the software, for example sometimes you could make a temporary change of key to get access to a certain slash chord (it's not a modulation or anything, just a limitation in available slash chords/inversions in a given key). Sometime you could use the sound of the #11-chord to simulate a 9th chord etc...

    ...which inevitably leads to the fundamental issue; In order to make a (software) model we need a set of rules. You may find those rules supporting or limiting. Sometimes you may question the rules, i.e the very theory that constitutes the foundation of the model.

    Still, If you play around with the software for a while you'll be able to enjoy many jazz standards. You'll get a rhythm section to back up your lead practicing. And you can use the map to correct Real-book errors. And you can use the map when writing and arranging, to name your chords properly. And you can use the map in your harmony studies (as long as you are aware of its practical limitations. Remember, it's basically just a model of a very complex universe).

  8. #7

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    Jcat,

    Thanks for the reply. It supports my to date somewhat limited exploration. However, it leads me to conclude, other than it being not quite as "hi-fi", iReal is more flexible and efficient.

  9. #8

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    IME, it certainly sounds better than iReal; more realistic instruments, better grooves, etc. Unfortunately that’s about the only thing good I have to say about it. Not at all user friendly. No manual or instructions other than a bunch of videos I don’t have time to watch, they all go way down into the weeds pretty quickly and you never know if you’re going to get the answer you were seeking until you’ve invested a lot of time in the video. Another major issue is every song starts with a verse of cut time, then moves into swing - every song, every time. I tried to contact them for help on that, totally non-responsive. I see this product as a waste of money.

  10. #9

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    I typically use MTHP because it sounds better. It is easy to pick a song, adjust the volumes, pick a piano player, and go. Anything outside if that tend to be a task. I do not blame the developers. I blame my unwillingness to really read the manual. However, the manual seems to be difficult to utilize. Theoretically I could read through the manual, but I typically learn by wanting to do x, and then finding the solution. Also I am not
    going to sit through youtube adds to watch vids.

    There is also Genius Jam Tracks. If I want to quickly write out a chord prog, that is what I use. I think it sounds better the iReal, but not by much.

  11. #10

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    Isn't Genius Jam Tracks iOS, only, no MacOS?

  12. #11

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    Quote Originally Posted by jhbpa
    Isn't Genius Jam Tracks iOS, only, no MacOS?
    Sadly, yes. I wish they would port it. I do like it better than iReal.


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  13. #12

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    Quote Originally Posted by st.bede
    I typically use MTHP because it sounds better. It is easy to pick a song, adjust the volumes, pick a piano player, and go. Anything outside if that tend to be a task. I do not blame the developers. I blame my unwillingness to really read the manual. However, the manual seems to be difficult to utilize. Theoretically I could read through the manual, but I typically learn by wanting to do x, and then finding the solution. Also I am not
    going to sit through youtube adds to watch vids.

    There is also Genius Jam Tracks. If I want to quickly write out a chord prog, that is what I use. I think it sounds better the iReal, but not by much.
    Where might one find this manual? All I have been able to locate are very subject- specific YouTube videos.

  14. #13

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    Quote Originally Posted by kevmoga
    Where might one find this manual? All I have been able to locate are very subject- specific YouTube videos.
    Mapping Tonal Harmony Pro 10 User Manual MacOS Version – mDecks Music Blog

    It's called a manual, I'm not finding it all that useful.

  15. #14

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    The staff panel never layout never displays correctly for me when I try to add a song. As a beginner, I like the panel to help me analyze a tune, but a few tunes I like aren’t in their library.

  16. #15

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    Quote Originally Posted by Unclegrumpy
    but a few tunes I like aren’t in their library.
    Try adding them yourself, good exercise. Instead of starting from scratch, find a tune in the library that has similar structure and/or progression (ie 32 bar AABA or 12 bar blues) Use the keyboard graphic to change the key and go from there.