Programs to play over

[Radiobass81]

I really want to improve my improvisation, but the only way to do that is to keep practicing, and without something holding the chord changes or whatever, it's just out of place. Is there any program I could download that I can put chord changes on and it plays them, so I could play over that?

[o b s]

If piracy is your thing then download the latest version of Reason, if you have a MAC then use garageband. If neither then this came up from a quick google search for 'free midi sequencer': http://www.anvilstudio.com/ I think it'll work with windows built in synth, but if not you can get a cheap synth like Alesis' Nanosynth (I picked one up for £50 the other week). Thats just the first viable thing that came up though, you could probably explore this avenue further.

If you have an acoustic or electric guitar then just record the changes into audacity and loop, it'll be muck more organic that way anyway.

[PietroCrespi]

I just record myself with an acoustic guitar on a little cheap portable cassette player my mom used in the 60s.

[o b s]

http://www.sonicspot.com/sequencers.html more free sequencers

[M__]

The best thing you can get is Band in a Box.

You can put in all the chord changes, select styles, background instruments and a lot of other cool stuff. It's exactly what you are looking for.

edit: you can get the demo for free which is slimmed down and probably work, but id suggest just buying it.

[Akira]

I was coming in to say BiaB, but M beat me. It's a wonderful practice tool.

[arrell]

http://www.sonicspot.com/sequencers.html more free sequencers

Wow, good stuff.