Originally Posted by: alrecattoHello,
I am new to GuitarTricks and not so good with computers and technology. I would like to use Guitartricks on my Mac, play guitar thru my computer and also use headphones at the same time. I do have garage band installed on the computer. Is this possible? If so, how? I am not wanting to record music just use the lessons and backing tracks and play guitar thru the computer. I will need to use headphones as I don't want to distrub the wife and kids while they are sleeping.
Thanks for the help!
As mentioned, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a great interface to connect your Mac. I use the 2i2 to connect to my Mac Mini and I love it.
You will need to spend a few dollars to get your connection and software up and running but once that's done, you have more than enough to play with.
If you want to save $50, go with the Focusrite Solo $109. Same thing as the 2i2 but with only one channel. For your purposes, it'll be more than enough to connect to you Mac. However, even though Gargeband is awesome, it's a bit clunky for using as a standlone amp via your comuter, you'll want to get an amp sim program (amp simulator).
Last year I bought Positive Grid's Bias FX 2. While the app sims sales page seems overwhelming and like any new program, there's a little bit of a learning curve, I found it very easy to use once I figured out a few things (like selecing the input device a la the Focusrite) and messing around with amp and effect selection. That didn't take terribly long though. It's on sale right now for $59, down from $99 and there is A LOT of stuff in there for $59.
Key is that you can use these tools both as a standalone (meaning that they are not reliant on a recording app like Garageband) and for recording when you get there and they work with Gargeband.
This is what I use, You can also look at IK Multimedia's iRigs and Amplitube series. I own Amplitube for a number of years ago and they were very good too but I do prefer the Bias FX stuff. It's a more natural sound.
