Why do you need guitar backing tracks? Because it’s the closest thing to performing with a band you can do.  Playing with other musicians is the best thing in the world for your guitar playing. But what if no one’s around? What if it’s 3 in the morning? That’s when having guitar backing tracks helps out. Now you have a band at your disposal. Problem solved!

Also another guitar backing tracks idea. let’s say you just mastered the hottest lick you have ever tried. Nicely done. But that’s only the first part of it. You need to be able to play it along with a band. So take your new lick and jam over a bunch of different tracks in a bunch of different keys. Then you will REALLY be mastering the new lick.

What if you are the type of player who almost passes out when it’s your time to solo? Better preparation for a jam will cure that.  With the tracks you can practice all your licks and get a lot more comfortable with your soloing so you will be confident in these situations.

Lastly it’s important to note that you should be practicing the rhythms too. When you get a new Play-along CD, you should learn the rhythm guitar part as well. And spend a lot of time doing that. Better rhythm playing equals better soloing, it’s just the way it is.

So stock up on guitar backing tracks and get ready to jam with the band!

You already know that you need a collection of guitar backing tracks in your jam room. Whether you have a bunch of play-along CD’s or a ton of tracks on your iPod doesn’t really matter. What does matter is the quality of these tracks. If your hoping that your downloaded tracks you found on the internet are going to inspire you, you may be disappointed. If the drums sound like a cheesy 80’s film and the guitar is about as exciting as a high school assembly, are you really going to want to pick up your guitar and play with them. Probably not.

Get some guitar backing tracks that feature a REAL band playing and sound like they are having fun. That is going to be a hell of a lot more inspiring to you as a player. You are also going to want tracks that have dynamics and offer a bunch of different keys and styles.

If you are into jazz guitar, check out the Jamey Aebersold series. There is a ton of great stuff there. Also, all the tracks have great players on them. For more rock style tracks, check out the ckoMusic band jams series.

The thing to remember, when you are shopping for practice materials quality guitar backing tracks should be at the top of your list.