Backing Track

The history of the backing track is rooted in the desire for solo musicians to practice with a full ensemble context.

The concept was commercialized in 1950 with the founding of Music Minus One by Irv Kratka in the United States. These vinyl records featured jazz standards recorded by professional rhythm sections with the lead instrument omitted, allowing students to play along.

In 1967, Jamey Aebersold released his first 'Play-A-Long' volume. His series became the gold standard for jazz education, providing books and recordings of top-tier rhythm sections for students to improvise over. Simultaneously, rock bands like The Who began using pre-recorded backing tapes in live concerts to reproduce complex studio synthesizer parts.

The invention of Karaoke in Japan in the early 1970s exploded the market for vocal backing tracks. In the 1980s and 90s, the advent of MIDI technology and digital sequencers allowed musicians to create customizable backing tracks at home using synthesizers and drum machines.

With the rise of YouTube and streaming services, a new generation of producers like Quist and Elevated Jam Tracks began creating high-quality 'Jam Tracks' specifically for guitarists and bassists. Today, AI technology allows for the separation of stems from original recordings, further expanding the availability of backing tracks.

Composing a backing track requires a focus on support rather than leadership.

Instrumentation and Arrangement

Create a full rhythm section (drums, bass, rhythm guitar, keyboards) but strictly omit the lead voice or instrument. The arrangement should be steady and predictable to help the soloist keep time.

Structure and Form

Use standard musical forms that are easy to follow, such as the 12-bar blues, AABA jazz standards, or simple 4-chord pop loops. If creating a 'Jam Track,' loop the chord progression for an extended period (5-10 minutes) to allow for long improvisation sessions.

Mixing

'Hollow out' the mix by cutting frequencies in the range where the lead instrument will sit (usually the mid-range). Ensure the rhythm section is punchy and the tempo is locked to a grid or click track.