The NEW Backing Track site has launched!

Enjoy!

I was roaming the isles at NAMM and came across a demonstration for what quickly became a must-have electric guitar application for my iTouch.

The PRS JAM AMP combines a great-sounding guitar amp simulator, a backing track audio file player and a super-accurate tuner into an all-around first class application that allows me to jam along to backing tracks and slow down riffs and solos for optimal practice — all through my mobile device and the privacy of my headphones.

The PRS JAM AMP lets you load, loop and slow down audio clips for repeated practice of those tricky parts. Upload and play back popular riffs and songs in MP3, ACC (unprotected) or AIIF formats using the onboard web interface.

You can even adjust the tuning of your audio tracks to your guitar. For example, if the backing track was recorded in the key of C#… you can adjust the pitch upward by three tones and play along on your guitar in E!  That means any track can be played in your favorite key!

The amp application includes the standard tone controls as well as input boost, reverb and crunch (overdrive). There is even a slider to adjust for room size.

As far as I am concerned, this is the ultimate iPhone-iTouch application. I can walk around in my house with my Les Paul strapped on and my iTouch in my pocket. The optional (but required) Guitarbud cable that connects my iTouch to my Guitar and headphones is neatly tucked in my back pocket and I am jamming along (walking room-to-room) to a backing track — all the while listening to everything through my headphones.

The best part is…. I am playing LOUD… and my wife hears nothing!

Whether you’re practicing, recording your latest idea, or just killing time, true inspiration and killer tone is finally as close as your iPhone or iTouch.

“Backing Tracks” are music files where the lead guitar (and sometimes the vocals) have been stripped from the recording.

There is a wide variety of downloadable backing tracks online in all popular genres. They are typically in MP3 format and can be played with the audio players already installed on most computers.

They can be used for live performance or for general practice.

Note: Some backing tracks are copyrighted and may require license fees to use in a commercial environment. It is always best to consult with the author/source of the track to be aware of any potential legal liability. Using backing tracks for “practice purposes” in the privacy of your home is generally acceptable. Even still, check with the author to be sure.

Backing Tracks are a great way to develop rhythm in your playing and can also help you memorize scales. Unlike the monotony of a metronome, backing tracks add a certain flair to your practice by giving you the feeling of playing with a real band.

Recently, Guitar Center held their “King of the Blues” contest and posted several Pete Anderson Blues Backing Tracks on their web site that could be downloaded for free.

Here are a couple of my favorites from their list, along with the Minor Pentatonic Scales that match up well with each track for soloing:

[Click the Arrow to play the Backing Track titled: Laid Down Blues]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Recorded in the Key of E.  This is a swampy, electrified delta blues with a freight train groove!

You can use the E Minor Pentatonic Scale (above) to solo with.

[Click the Arrow to play the Backing Track titled: Jazz Swing Blues]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Recorded in the Key of C.  This is a Texas jazz style blues with a shuffle beat.

You can use the C Minor Pentatonic Scale (above) to solo with.

I have collected quite a few links for backing track web sites and will be adding more to TheGuitarBuzz.com in the coming weeks and months.

So what are you waiting for! Go grab your axe and JAM ALONG!