Here is a list of the backing tracks that I use in my performance and practice:
Did I miss anything?
Free Bluegrass Backing Tracks - This free website has a mix of bluegrass fiddle tunes, irish, Old Time, and gypsy jazz tracks. It also has a section on common chord progressions.
Bluegrass Backing Tracks (YouTube) - This one is great for fiddle tunes and Traditional Bluegrass Songs. They are professionally recorded and many of the songs include lyrics.
The Binary Woodshed has the best Country Western/Swing tracks (Seriously, these are REALLY fun)
Rhythm Future Quartet has the best gypsy jazz backing tracks. They are recorded by a killer string band quartet by the same name. Check out their music.
Train Beat (YouTube) - I use this to get the feel of country/bluegrass music without a specific key. Great for exploring bowings, feel, and common accents.
Strum Machine - Huge library of songs and tunes with great visual aids that follow the form of the song. (You can even create your own backing tracks here)
“Country/Bluegrass Karaoke" playlist - Here’s my personal playlist that I often use for solo gigs. Hook this bad boy up to a good bluetooth speaker and you’re good to go!
----
Backing tracks are excellent for generating motivation and they elevate your practice by holding your timing and pitch to a professional standard.
Me Using a Trad Irish Backing Track
In some ways, playing along with backing tracks is an improvement to playing with a metronome because these tracks include feel and groove specific to that genre.
They can also be used in a pinch when having to accompany yourself on a solo gig.
Thanks Austin. I've really enjoyed your tutorials on the innertubes!
Nice list Austin, but you did miss one. Are you familiar with the app iReal Pro?
quote:
Originally posted by LukeFNice list Austin, but you did miss one. Are you familiar with the app iReal Pro?
Ah, yes- good point. Yes- iReal Pro is excellent for jazz and blues related genres- great functionality and not subscription based like strum-machine. I can't stand their midi banjo though and there's no fiddle in the rhythm section.
quote:
Originally posted by dorymanThanks Austin. I've really enjoyed your tutorials on the innertubes!
You're very welcome! I'm glad they are helpful - I just joined Fiddle Hangout this month and am hoping to share some things on here as well.
Newest Posts
'Pernambuco Violin Bow 4/4' 10 hrs
'Glenn Boyd Violin' 2 days
'Golden Slippers' 3 days
'Same Tempo Same Sounds' 4 days
