So, you’re looking for some awesome free guitar backing tracks to jam along with? That’s fantastic! Playing along with backing tracks is one of the best ways to improve your guitar skills, learn new scales, and just have a ton of fun. It’s like having a band in your room, ready to rock whenever you are. But with so many options online, finding the good, truly free stuff can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Let’s explore some of the best resources for finding killer free backing tracks.
Why Use Backing Tracks?
Before we dive into where to find them, let’s quickly touch on why backing tracks are so helpful for guitarists. First and foremost, they improve your timing. Playing with a consistent rhythm section forces you to lock in and develop a strong sense of groove. Second, they’re amazing for improvisation practice. You can experiment with different scales, licks, and soloing techniques without the pressure of a live performance. Finally, they’re just plain fun! It’s a great way to blow off some steam and express yourself musically.
Where to Find the Best Free Guitar Backing Tracks
Okay, let’s get down to business. These are some of my favorite places to find high-quality, free backing tracks online:
YouTube
YouTube is an absolute goldmine for backing tracks. There are tons of channels dedicated to creating and sharing them in various genres and keys. A simple search like “blues backing track in E” or “rock backing track A minor” will turn up countless options. The quality can vary, so pay attention to the comments section and listen carefully before you start playing. Look for channels that have a good reputation and consistently upload new tracks. Some channels even include chord charts on the screen, which is super helpful! Just be mindful of YouTube ads. They can be a little annoying, but that’s the price for free content, right?
JamTrackCentral (Free Section)
While JamTrackCentral is primarily a paid platform for guitar lessons and backing tracks, they also have a decent selection of free tracks available. These tracks are generally very high quality, often recorded by professional musicians. You’ll need to create a free account to access them, but it’s worth it for the quality you get. The free tracks are usually samples of what they offer in their paid subscriptions, giving you a taste of the full JamTrackCentral experience.
GuitarBackingTrack.com
This website is dedicated solely to providing backing tracks. They have a large library of tracks organized by genre, key, and tempo. The interface is simple and easy to navigate. You can stream the tracks directly from the website, and many are available for download in MP3 format. The tracks are generally well-produced and cover a wide range of styles, from blues and rock to jazz and metal. It’s a great resource for finding exactly what you’re looking for.
Karaoke Websites (Yes, Really!)
Believe it or not, karaoke websites can be a surprising source of decent backing tracks. Many karaoke tracks strip away the vocals, leaving you with a clean instrumental arrangement. While these tracks might not be specifically designed for guitarists, they can still be great for practicing your rhythm playing and learning song structures. Just search for karaoke versions of your favorite songs and see what you can find. You might be surprised!
SoundCloud
SoundCloud is a platform where musicians and producers can share their music. While it’s not primarily focused on backing tracks, you can often find hidden gems there. Try searching for terms like “instrumental backing track,” “guitar jam track,” or “royalty-free backing music.” You might discover some unique and creative tracks that you won’t find anywhere else. Just be sure to check the licensing information to make sure you’re allowed to use the track for your purposes.
Tips for Choosing the Right Backing Track
Not all backing tracks are created equal. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a track to jam with:
- Genre: Pick a genre that you enjoy and that challenges you. If you’re new to blues, start with a simple 12-bar blues progression. If you’re a rock player looking to expand your horizons, try a jazz fusion track.
- Key: Make sure the backing track is in a key that you’re comfortable playing in. If you’re not sure what key it is, use a tuner or online key finder to identify it.
- Tempo: Choose a tempo that matches your skill level. If you’re a beginner, start with slower tempos and gradually increase the speed as you improve.
- Quality: Listen to the track carefully before you start playing. Make sure the sound quality is good and that the instruments are well-balanced. Avoid tracks that sound muddy or distorted.
By keeping these things in mind, you’ll be able to find backing tracks that are both fun and effective for improving your guitar playing.
Safety First! Volume Control is Key
One quick but very important tip: always start with the volume low! Gradually increase it until you can hear the backing track clearly, but never play so loud that it hurts your ears. Prolonged exposure to loud music can cause permanent hearing damage, so protect your ears! If you’re using headphones, be extra careful with the volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t find a backing track in the exact key I want?
No problem! You can use a program like Audacity (which is free!) to change the key of the backing track. Just be aware that changing the key can sometimes affect the sound quality, especially if you make a large adjustment.
Are all backing tracks on YouTube really free?
Most of the backing tracks on YouTube are free to use for personal practice and enjoyment. However, if you plan to use a backing track in a commercial project (like a recording you plan to sell), you’ll need to check the copyright information and make sure you have permission from the creator.
How do I know what scales to play over a backing track?
This is a great question! The key of the backing track will determine what scales and chords sound good over it. For example, if the backing track is in the key of A minor, you could try playing the A minor pentatonic scale, the A natural minor scale, or the A Dorian mode. There are tons of resources online that can help you learn which scales and chords work well in different keys. Start with basic scales and gradually explore more advanced options as you become more comfortable.
So there you have it: a guide to finding the best free guitar backing tracks. Remember to explore different genres, experiment with different scales, and most importantly, have fun! Playing along with backing tracks is a fantastic way to improve your guitar skills and unleash your inner rock star. Now go grab your guitar and start jamming!
