For guitarists looking to improve their playing, enhance creativity, or prepare for performances, backing tracks are an indispensable tool. These pre-recorded musical accompaniments provide the essential rhythm section, allowing musicians to practice scales, improvise, and refine their solos in a more dynamic context. Fortunately, a wide range of websites offers high-quality backing tracks for guitarists of all skill levels, spanning genres from rock and blues to jazz and metal. This article explores some of the best websites offering backing tracks for guitarists, making it easier for musicians to find the right resources to elevate their playing.
1. JamTracksByNed
JamTracksByNed is a well-known platform for guitarists seeking professionally crafted backing tracks. What sets it apart is the vast variety of tracks available in a range of musical genres, including blues, rock, jazz, and more. One of the standout features of this site is its carefully designed tracks that cater to different skill levels, from beginners to advanced players.
JamTracksByNed also offers several unique features, such as the ability to adjust the tempo and key of each backing track. This is an invaluable tool for guitarists who may want to start practicing a track at a slower tempo before building up to the original speed. Additionally, tracks are often accompanied by high-quality audio and detailed chord progressions, helping musicians better understand the harmonic structure of the song. This website also offers video tutorials and lessons, making it a one-stop-shop for those looking to not only practice with backing tracks but also improve their overall playing technique.
2. YouTube
YouTube is perhaps the most accessible platform for finding backing tracks. A simple search for “guitar backing tracks” yields an endless array of options, from individual tracks to full-length playlists designed for different genres. What makes YouTube particularly appealing is its sheer variety and accessibility – nearly any genre or style of music can be found, whether you’re looking for a smooth jazz progression or an intense metal riff.
Many YouTube channels specialize in backing tracks, offering both free and premium options. Some of the most popular channels for guitar backing tracks include “Elevated Jam Tracks,” “Quist,” and “The Backing Tracks Channel.” These channels provide an extensive catalog of professionally recorded tracks, often complete with clear chord progressions and varied tempos. For beginners and intermediate players, YouTube also offers videos with visual aids like chord charts and play-along sections, which can be incredibly useful for those who want to follow along in real-time.
3. GuitarBackingTrack.com
GuitarBackingTrack.com is another excellent website that provides a large library of backing tracks, catering to a broad range of musical genres. One of the site’s key features is its user-friendly interface, which allows users to search by genre, artist, or track name. Guitarists can easily find backing tracks for songs from popular artists like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, or Led Zeppelin, as well as tracks for more niche genres like surf rock, flamenco, and country.
The tracks on GuitarBackingTrack.com are typically available in MP3 format, and many of them allow for downloads, so users can take their practice offline. Additionally, each backing track includes a chord chart or chord progression, making it easy for guitarists to follow along with the music. This website is free to use, with the option to donate to support the platform and access additional features.
4. BluesBackingTracks.com
As the name suggests, BluesBackingTracks.com is a website dedicated exclusively to backing tracks for blues guitarists. Blues is a genre rich in improvisation and soloing, and this website offers a range of blues tracks that can help players practice their phrasing, timing, and emotional expression. The site offers various tempos and blues styles, including traditional 12-bar blues, slow blues, and shuffle blues.
One of the standout features of BluesBackingTracks.com is its focus on quality. The tracks are professionally produced, with a full rhythm section that includes drums, bass, and sometimes keyboard, providing a full, rich sound for the guitarist to play along with. This site is particularly helpful for guitarists who want to refine their blues soloing, as it offers realistic, jam-like experiences that replicate what it would be like to play in a real-life band.
5. JamPlay
JamPlay is a comprehensive online guitar lesson platform that also offers an extensive library of backing tracks. It is particularly beneficial for guitarists who want to integrate backing track practice with structured lessons. In addition to a variety of guitar tutorials, JamPlay provides backing tracks for guitarists to play along with in various genres, including rock, jazz, blues, country, and more.
What sets JamPlay apart from other websites is its premium membership, which grants access to a wide range of exclusive content. This includes professionally recorded backing tracks, along with lessons that break down the theory behind the tracks. The platform allows guitarists to adjust the tempo and key of tracks, and it also provides a loop function to repeat specific sections of a track for focused practice. For guitarists who want to track their progress and get personalized feedback, JamPlay also offers one-on-one lessons with professional instructors.
6. Ultimate Guitar
Ultimate Guitar is a well-established name in the guitar community, primarily known for its vast collection of guitar tabs and chords. However, it also offers a substantial selection of backing tracks. The site features an extensive catalog of tracks across different genres, often with both rhythm and lead guitar parts, which makes it ideal for guitarists who want to practice improvisation and soloing.
Ultimate Guitar’s backing tracks are easily accessible, with many tracks available for free, though a premium subscription unlocks access to additional content. One of the site’s unique features is its integration with the “Pro” version of GuitarTabs, which displays accurate chord diagrams and tablature for guitarists who want to follow along with more detailed musical notation. Ultimate Guitar is perfect for guitarists who prefer to have both the sheet music and the backing track available in one place.
7. SoundCloud
SoundCloud, known for its vast collection of user-generated music, is another great platform for finding backing tracks. While it doesn’t specialize in guitar backing tracks, it offers a large community of musicians who upload their original compositions, including instrumental tracks for guitarists to play along with. You can find everything from genre-specific jams to custom backing tracks for popular songs.
What makes SoundCloud especially useful is its social aspect. Guitarists can follow their favorite creators, comment on tracks, and even collaborate with other musicians. Additionally, the platform supports a range of formats, allowing users to download or stream tracks directly. With thousands of unique and independent musicians contributing to the platform, SoundCloud is a goldmine for discovering unique backing tracks that may not be available on more mainstream websites.
8. Band-in-a-Box
Band-in-a-Box is a powerful software program that allows users to generate backing tracks by simply inputting chord progressions. While the software itself is a paid program, the results are highly customizable. Guitarists can choose from thousands of different styles, genres, and musical accompaniments, making it an ideal tool for practice and performance preparation.
The ability to adjust every aspect of a backing track, from the tempo to the arrangement, makes Band-in-a-Box perfect for more advanced players who want to tailor their practice sessions precisely. Additionally, it includes a vast library of loops, chords, and rhythms to help guitarists create highly personalized backing tracks for any song or style they are working on.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are numerous websites and platforms offering backing tracks that can help guitarists enhance their playing, practice new techniques, and prepare for performances. Whether you’re looking for a free resource like YouTube or GuitarBackingTrack.com or prefer a more structured and professional service like JamPlay or Band-in-a-Box, there are plenty of options available to suit different needs and skill levels. By integrating these backing tracks into your practice routine, you can significantly improve your musicality, timing, and creativity, leading to more confident and enjoyable guitar playing.
