Play with backup tracks, sing with mp3s. Looking for new sources

[albeham]

Hello all,

I need new mp3s to play with, like bluegrass backup tracks so can play over the chords etc.

It's been some time since I asked this question,


But does anyone have a link or two that would like to post so others like me can go find mp3s to play along with etc.

Yes I have tried fbbt, but I am looking for something else..

Please post..

[Timmando1]

I really enjoy “strum machine”. Try www.strummachine.com. Many tunes in the box and super easy to make your own backing tracks..

[farmerjones]

I bought a looper pedal about a year ago. Only started playing with it for a few days. It seems more organic than a recording or band in a box. But (a big but) you have to be able to A. Plug it in(have a pickup) B. Have and play said alt. instrument. But there's no reason one can't just play with another (same) mandolin. I've got examples (links) if anyone is interested.

On the other hand. There's an app called Chordbot. One can play along with a bass or five piece band depending on how much building one wants to do. Again, for me, it's just easier to pickup a guitar and stomp.

[d18daddy]

I will second strum machine. You can also have it adjust the speed after a certain number of times through the tune.

[mmuussiiccaall]

The monotonous bass drives me crazy on the apps. I like to make a TABLEDIT file and export a MIDI into APPLE LOGIC PRO and finally to very tempo I use TRANSCRIBE!

[bigskygirl]

I play along with these alot.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB9CEXR7cXSDV3wP8gDQ2lw/videos

I also use iRealPro but it sounds a bit canned.

[Kevin Winn]

MandoLessons.com

Go to the Lessons link, pick a fiddle tune and you'll find several backup tracks to play along with for each tune, with slow and fast versions and guitar backup if desired.

Baron also has Play-Along Jam lessons for several fiddle tunes

[A-board]

Yes, iRealPro can sound a bit “canned,” but i have found it very useful due to its flexibility: tons of available tracks, you can change tempos, keys and create and edit custom backing tracks.

[Christine Robins]

Another vote for Strum Machine. I use it every day. 1000 pre-set tunes, plus you can make your own chord progressions. Instant key changes, chord display in either letters or numbers, and even at the slowest speeds, it always sounds like real acoustic instruments. I use it to practice chords, melodies, and improv.

[HCooke]

I seocnd Mandolessons.

[Bunnyf]

This thread led me to try Strum Machine and I’m really enjoying it. Super easy to use with lots of great features. I especially like the gradually increasing customizable setting. I’m on the free trial now but think I’ll continue after it over. I think it’s well worth the $5/mo, at least for a while. My Coronavirus game plan is to work on basic improv breaks and getting them up to speed in any key.

[Josh Levine]

If you are on Facebook, Tyler Grant has been leading "bluegrass jams" where he leads on guitar. You can sing or playalong with those and he has sessions at multiple speeds archived.

Also for fast fiddle tunes Flatpick Apprentice has great backing tracks.

[flatpickle]

I haven't been posting much lately, but there are backing tracks for about 30 or so jam standards on my blog. Just added Leather Britches and Cuckoo's Nest recently. It's all free.

https://flatpickapprentice.blogspot.com/

[Josh Levine]

If you are on Facebook, look up Tyler Grant Music. He has been hosting playalong jams every monday night at slow, mid, and fast tempos. And they are all archived on his page. It is pretty fun.

[Josh Levine]

Wow, looks like I posted that already 1 post ago. Quarantine brain. I must really enjoy those jams.

[seththedude]

The Rhythm Future Quartet has some gypsy swing backing tracks that I discovered a couple weeks ago. Fun stuff. Features occasional Cafe contributor Jason Anick.

Rhythm Future Play Along Tracks (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9E0nKI30gZo&list=PL0JX1_LHS7XEDJwQiZI6_eSdsDIgRLnZe)

[fishing_with_john]

I really enjoy “strum machine”. Try www.strummachine.com. Many tunes in the box and super easy to make your own backing tracks..

This is a great resource, and the developer is constantly making updates. Well worth the money.

Note: I am not affiliated with strum machine, just a fan and daily user.