how to slow down audio in garageband

To slow down audio in GarageBand, you either change the project tempo (BPM) or time‑stretch specific regions using Flex Time.

Slow down entire song (Mac)

This is best when you want the whole project to play back slower.

• Open your project and note the current BPM in the center of the control bar at the top (for example, 120 BPM).

• Click the BPM value and type a lower number (for example, from 120 down to 90) to slow everything down.

• If your audio regions are set to Follow the project tempo, they will automatically stretch to match the new tempo.

Use Tempo Track for gradual changes

Use this if you want ritards or gradual slowdowns in certain sections.

• From the top menu, go to Track → Show Tempo Track , or press ⇧ + ⌘ + T.

• A tempo lane appears above your tracks; click on the tempo line to create points.

• Drag points downward where you want the song to slow down; create multiple points for smooth ramps.

Slow down specific audio regions (Flex Time)

Flex Time lets you stretch only certain clips or moments without changing the global tempo.

• Select the audio track you want to affect, then enable Flex by clicking the Flex icon in the track header and choosing a Flex mode (like Monophonic or Slicing, depending on the material).

• Make sure Follow Tempo & Pitch is enabled for that region if you want it to react to tempo changes; otherwise, you can work manually with Flex markers.

• Click inside the audio region to create Flex markers on transients, then drag a Flex marker slightly to the right to stretch and slow that part of the performance.

Slow down on iPhone/iPad

On mobile, slowing down is mainly done via song tempo.

• Open your project in GarageBand and tap the wrench (settings) icon.

• Tap Tempo , then drag the Tempo slider to a lower value to slow down playback.

• This affects the whole project, so it is ideal for practice, transcription, or learning parts at a reduced speed.

Quick tips and use cases

• For practicing a solo: lower the global BPM 20–40 points until you can comfortably play along, then gradually raise it again as you improve.

• For creative slow, “stretched” effects: combine a lower project tempo with region‑level Flex editing to exaggerate certain notes or transitions.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.