How do I practice with a backing track on YouTube?

By the RepeatWatch team · Updated

Quick answer

Pick a backing track in the key you're working on, loop one full cycle of its chord progression, and play over it. Slow it to 0.8× while you learn which notes fit each chord, then return to 1×. Set Stop after to a number of loops so each idea gets a fixed number of choruses.

Try this now: loop one cycle of a 12-bar blues backing track and play only the root note of each chord. Did you hear every change coming before it arrived?

How to practice over a looped backing track

  1. Choose a track. Pick a backing track in a key and style you're practicing. The title or description often lists the key, tempo and chords.
  2. Loop one cycle. Set A on the first beat of the progression and B where it starts again, such as 12 bars for a blues. Nudge by 0.1 s for a seamless join.
  3. Learn the changes slowly. At 0.8×, play the root of each chord, then other chord tones, so you hear every change coming.
  4. Give each idea a set length. Set Stop after to 3 or 5 loops and practice one idea, such as one scale shape or one rhythm, for that many choruses.
  5. Loop the hard bar. If one change keeps catching you out, loop just that bar and the next with a 1 s Pause between loops.
  6. Build a session. Add several tracks to the queue with their own repeat counts and speeds to practice different keys back to back.

Try it on an example: open a Chicago shuffle 12-bar blues backing track in A with a 30-second loop already set at 0.85×.

Try it on an example

5 common mistakes

  • Running the same scale up and down for the whole track instead of practicing one idea.
  • Starting the loop mid-progression, so you lose track of the form.
  • Playing the same notes over every chord instead of following the changes.
  • Always practicing at 1×, which leaves no time to aim for chord tones.
  • Choosing tracks only in your favorite key.

Frequently asked questions

What is a backing track?

A backing track is a recording of the accompaniment, such as drums, bass and chords, without the part you want to play. You play the missing part over it.

Where should I start and end a backing track loop?

Use the progression's own boundaries: A on beat one of its first bar and B on beat one when it repeats. Keep Pause between loops on None and nudge by 0.1 s.

Can I change the key of a backing track?

No. RepeatWatch changes the speed without changing the pitch, but it can't transpose. Look for the same style of track in the key you need instead.

Sources