I just discovered an easy way to get the notes (written down as D, G etc)
from a CD. I have windows ME but would expect any version of windows to work. Simply play the CD and run that wonderful free program Syaku8.exe (get it from http://www1.ocn.ne.jp/~tuner/tuner_e.html ). If you run the amazing slow downer ( from http://www.ronimusic.com/ ) at the same time then plenty of time to write down the notes.
Aren’t computers wonderfull 
Brian
I was just wondering, before I even start considering buying slow-down software, if there is any for free?
Thanks,
Dan
i know that there is for midi files http://sharewaredirect.tripod.com/karaoke.htm
There is a Winamp plugin called Pacemaker.
You will need Winamp v2 (not v3).
And also the Digital CD Reader Winamp plugin.
After you get it all installed and configured, it works very well. You can change tempo (speed) and/or pitch independently.
The commercial app “Amazing Slowdowner” has extra features to help transcribing music, though.
Yes there is. I use it every day. There is a free plug-in to Win Amp, which is itself free, made by the same people who make Amazing Slow Downer. Win Amp is a music playing software. Just go to the Win Amp website (I don’t have the url with me but you can search Google for Win Amp) and download Win Amp and the slow downer plug-in. You may have to hunt around just a bit to find it. This combination works great. You can also adjust the pitch independently from the tempo.
Mike
There’s yet another program that you might look for, called “Audio Expander,” or sometimes it’s just listed as “Expander.” It’s freeware but it’s only for Windows… You might give it a try…
I have been using a real fine piece of software called TRANSCRIBE, which can be acquired on a free 30 day trial basis from Seventh String Software.
The URL is: http://www.seventhstring.demon.co.uk/xscribe/
I paid the one time $40.00 fee after the trial period and have been using it ever since. When I re-formatted my hard drive, the provider was most acommodating in providing me with my long forgotten account number and a new clean copy. It is easy to install and use. You can get it for MAC or Windows.
Good Luck!!
Tom D.
Thanks for the link, Tom D. !
I see Transcribe! also does slow-downing. It ain’t cheap, but looks like all I ever wanted as a software to help practicing.
Also, the current version of Windows Media Player (which is free) will slow anything down as much as half speed. It won’t, however, adjust the pitch.
Unfortunately that only works if you have Windows XP…
For the Windows OS of all flavors, I think you could use Winamp with the PaceMaker Plug-in for free. There is also the LoopMaster Musician’s Tool for getting those hard licks down.
How’s it going, orbis, got those yelps down yet?
Roni Music also makes a free Winamp plugin to slow down music.
http://www.ronimusic.com/winamp.htm
Note that this plugin doesn’t work with Winamp 3.x. So you’ll need an earlier version, which you can find at the following link.
I tried it. It works okay, but I’ve never liked the Winamp interface. Also, since I’m a whistle rookie (whookie?), I need more help. How about something like, “Okay now he’s playing a D?” Or better yet, “Now he’s covering all the holes.” 
Brian, how did you get Syaku8 to display the notes when you play a CD? Will it work with mp3s too. I tried it last night, but couldn’t make it work.
Lawrence
Oh, that’s called “listening” and you just need to put in around 7 years of listening (maybe more) to develop the ear to what the player is doing and with what whistle. 
Many, many thanks!
-Daniel
Brian, how did you get Syaku8 to display the notes when you play a CD? Will it work with mp3s too. I tried it last night, but couldn’t make it work.
There is a manu/auto button. Make sure it is set to manu.
Set display to Freq. Var.
Set option sound input to CD
I also had microphone plugged in but that is probably irrelevant.
Yes I just played an mp3 with real player and syaku8 responded.
I hope that helps.
Brian