The Best Backing Tracks for Guitar Beginners

If you're just starting to play the guitar, using backing tracks can really help you grow your skills and have fun with music. These tracks provide a great way to practice playing in time, creating melodies, and learning chord changes without needing a full band. In this post, we’ll look at why backing tracks are so helpful, suggest some popular tracks, and share where you can find them.

Why Are Backing Tracks Great for Beginners?

Backing tracks are awesome for beginner guitarists because they make practice feel like you’re playing with a band. For many new players, jamming with others can be scary. Backing tracks help by giving you that band-like feeling without the pressure of performing live.

You can try out solos, practice scales, and get better at switching chords in a fun and relaxed way.

Recommended Backing Tracks

Here are some types of music with specific tracks that beginners often like:

1. Blues Backing Tracks

   • Example Track: "12 Bar Blues in E"
     Blues is great for beginners since it has easy chords. This track lets you practice your scales and creative playing. You can find lots of blues backing tracks on YouTube.

2. Rock Backing Tracks

   • Example Track: "Classic Rock Jamming"
     Classic rock has catchy tunes that can motivate new players. This style helps you learn power chords and basic rock beats, which are key in rock music.

3. Pop Backing Tracks

   • Example Track: "Pop Chord Progressions"
     Pop music is great for learning common song structures. This track helps you play along with familiar pop chord patterns (like I–V–vi–IV), making it easy to create your own tunes.

4. Jazz Backing Tracks

   • Example Track: "Jazz Standards"
     Jazz can be tricky, but with the right tracks, it becomes easier. Look for II-V-I progressions, which are important in jazz, letting you explore more advanced musical ideas.

5. Funk Backing Tracks

   • Example Track: "Funk Groove"
     Funk music is all about rhythm, which helps beginner guitarists improve their timing. Jamming with a funky track lets you practice rhythm techniques.

Where to Find Backing Tracks

Along with specific tracks, here are some platforms and apps where you can find great backing tracks for practice:

1. YouTube
   YouTube has tons of backing tracks in every style. Many channels focus on helping guitarists find the right tracks for their practice sessions.

2. Killer Backing Tracks App
   This app has many backing tracks in different styles. It even lets you change the speed and loop parts to practice tricky sections.

3. JamPlay
   This online guitar school believes in learning through playing. They provide backing tracks to help you enjoy your practice time.

4. Band-in-a-Box
   This software creates backing tracks based on the chord progressions you choose. It's excellent if you want to customize your practice to specific styles.

5. iReal Pro
   This app lets you enter chord changes and creates backing tracks in many styles. It’s perfect for songwriters and those who like to create music.

Tips for Using Backing Tracks

When you practice with backing tracks, here are some helpful steps to get the most out of them:

• Start Simple: Choose easy chord progressions that match your skill level. Focus on getting comfortable before trying solos.

• Increase Speed Gradually: Start playing slowly and speed up as you feel more confident.

• Get Creative: Once you're ready, start improvising! Use scales that match the chords in the backing track.

• Record Yourself: Recording your practice can help you hear what you need to improve on.

• Practice Often: Regular practice with backing tracks can really boost your timing, musicality, and confidence.

Conclusion

Using backing tracks in your guitar practice can make learning a lot more enjoyable. They help you build important skills and unleash your creativity. As you check out these tracks and platforms, remember to have fun and make the music your own. Enjoying your practice will help you keep going and improve on your musical journey!