Is Genius Jamtracks a play-along?
Even though Genius Jamtracks was not designed to be used as a standard play-along it can most definitely be used as one. However, the main focus is on polyrhythms. It is the tool to guide you through the process of mastering rhythm in general and metric modulation over changes in particular. Up to now, play-alongs have focused on the harmonic part of jazz improvisation, while the tools available for the study of polyrhythms have had a mathematical approach laying emphasis on analogies and patterns. Genius Jamtracks puts the two together. With Genius Jamtracks, you can work on the polyrhythmic ideas consolidated by the masters of jazz improvisation, in the context of actual songs following the chord changes and the song form.
How can I get the latest content for my app?
New songs automatically appear in the online library and are free to download.
What is the minimum version requirement for Genius Jamtracks?
Android, 4.4 or later version.
Just got a new device, do I need to pay again?
No need. As long as you use the same account that you used for the original purchase, you can re-install GJT free of charge.
I have an Android phone and a tablet do I need to buy it twice?
Nope. As long as you use the same Google id on both devices, you can download it on all your Android devices from the Google Play Store.
How do I update to the latest version?
Easy-peasy! Simply go to the Play Store, look for Genius Jamtracks under Purchased Apps and download the latest version on your device.
Can I download more than one track at once?
Yes. Click on the Select icon in the top right corner of the library and select the tracks you want to download. You can select all by clicking the “Select all” button that has now appeared at the bottom of your screen. Once you’ve made your selection click “Selected” and the download window appears. Click “Download”.
How do I delete a song from the Library?
Swipe left and press “Delete”. If you wish to delete multiple tracks at once, press the Select button in the top right corner to select the tracks you want deleted, press “Selected” and delete.
What’s with the “per section” categorization?
Genius Jamtracks is not your standard play-along although it can certainly be used as one. Its main focus is rhythm and polyrhythms in particular. When studying such a subject, song form, as well as the duration of each section, makes a world of difference. Genius Jamtracks is set up this way to make sure you master jazz song forms and never get lost in them again.
Polyrhythms button
It opens the Polyrhythms section of the app. The Edit button appears (use this to setup the song). The polyrhythms map appears on the left following the selections you have made in the Edit section.
Edit?
By pressing Edit the Apply Polyrhythms page will open. Here, you see a chorus of the song divided into sections (e.g., if the song form is AABA, you will see 4 sections named A, A, B and A). Here, you can choose a different polyrhythm for every section and for every instrument in each section. You can add more choruses and set each one up any way you choose – or remove any extra ones. The Randomize All button fills up the map with random polyrhythms.
What’s with the dots under the chart?
Here, you can follow through the selections you made in the Apply Polyrhythms page. Each dot represents a section of the song (e.g., if the song is AAB, there will be 3 dots for each chorus). Next to each dot you can see the polyrhythm assigned to each instrument. Click on any one of them to start playback from that section.
Adding polyrhythmic content to a specific instrument
On the Apply Polyrhythms page, press on the symbol corresponding to the instrument you want to edit. The list of available polyrhythms will appear and your selection will apply only to the chosen instrument.
Adding polyrhythmic content to all instruments
On the right side of the Apply Polyrhythms page you will find the Section column. Press on the section you wish to edit and your selection from the list of polyrhythms will apply to all instruments in that section
How many choruses can I play?
As many as you like.
How do I turn the metronome on/off?
On the top right corner there is a metronome on/off button. Just click on it. Additionally, you can access it from the mixer panel where you can also go to adjust the volume.
Can I start playback in another section of the song?
Click on any of the dots found on the polyrhythms map and the playback will begin from the section you selected.
Instrument transpose?
Click the Settings tab, (you can find it at the bottom of the screen below the library)There you will find “Instrument Transpose”. By default this is set to C, however you can change that and GJT will save your preference.
Can I save my settings for the song?
Yes. Click on the upload icon on the bottom right of your screen and press Save. Set a name for your track and press Save. You can access your saved tracks through the library. Songs and exercises with saved versions will have the text “Saved versions” written below them. Click on the song and choose between the original and saved versions.
Can I edit the songs?
Every song in Genius Jamtracks is created individually so that each one is as close to the feel of the original song as possible. For this reason, the ability to edit is not available. However, soon, in an upcoming update, you will be able to create and save your own songs with Genius jamtracks. Stay tuned!
How do I find my saved songs?
You can access your saved tracks through the library. Songs and exercises with saved versions will have the text “Saved versions” written below them. Click on the song and choose between the original and saved versions.
Having trouble?
If you are experiencing problems with the playback, first try restarting your device. If this doesn’t work, try deleting and redownloading your library. If none of these works, feel free to contact us.
