Backing Track Machine
Pick a key, scale, tempo and style and Fabbe builds a backing track that loops while you practise riffs or solos. The drums, bass and rhythm guitar are synthesised in your browser, so no audio files are needed. You can save the track and export it as a WAV file.
How to use it
- Choose a key and a scale. The scale decides which chord roots the track uses.
- Choose a style: straight metal, melodic death, thrash, half-time, double kick or blast beat. Set the tempo, time signature and number of bars.
- Press Start. The track loops. Switch drums, bass and guitar on or off with Mute, or listen to one instrument at a time with Solo.
- Save the track to keep it, or press Export WAV to download an audio file.
What is a backing track and how do I build one?
A backing track is an accompaniment with drums, bass and rhythm guitar that lets you practise riffs or solos on top. In Backing Track Machine you choose key, scale, tempo, time signature and style, and the track is built right in the browser.
The scale decides which chord roots the track uses, so a solo in the same scale lands in the right place. The track loops until you stop it.
- Six styles: straight metal, melodic death, thrash, half-time, double kick and blast beat.
- Four time signatures: 4/4, 3/4, 5/4 and 6/8.
- Mute and Solo for each instrument in the mixer.
How do I practice effectively over a backing track?
Start at a tempo where you can play the phrase cleanly and raise it in small steps. Listen to the bass and drums first with Solo, then add the guitar.
Mute the rhythm guitar when you want to play the rhythm part yourself. You then replace the track's guitar and hear how your playing sits against the drums and bass.
Pick a style that matches what you practice. Thrash and blast beat demand a fast picking hand, while half-time leaves room for heavy chords and long notes.
Can I save the track and take it with me?
Yes. You can save a track with a name in the browser and open it later. Saved tracks show style, key, scale, tempo and number of bars.
Export WAV renders the track to an audio file on your device. You can drop the file into a recording program or onto a phone and practice anywhere. Everything is built locally and nothing is sent to a server.
Frequently asked questions
Can I record over the track?
Yes. Export the track as WAV and load it in your recording software, or let it loop in the browser while you play. Fabbe does not record you.
Is my track sent anywhere?
No. The track is built and saved in your browser. The export is rendered on your device and the file is saved locally.
Which time signatures are supported?
The meters 4/4, 3/4, 5/4 and 6/8. The 6/8 meter uses its own compound groove.
Which styles can I choose?
Straight metal, melodic death, thrash, half-time, double kick and blast beat. You can also change the groove, for example eighths, sixteenths, gallop or triplets, if you want something other than the style's default.
Which scale should I solo in over the track?
Choose the same key and scale in the track as you play in. The scale controls which chord roots the track uses, so notes from the scale fit. Natural minor is a safe first choice in metal, and Scale Explorer shows the scale positions on the fretboard.
Related tools
- Riff Generator: Create a new guitar riff in any key, scale and tuning, with tab and playback.
- Solo Generator: Randomize a one-minute guitar solo in a melodic death metal style, with tab, backing and playback.
- Riff Lab: Shape a riff with sliders for pedal tones, melody, chugs, tremolo and chromatic notes, then build on it.
- Tone Vault: Your private library of guitar tones: gear, settings, notes and tags.
- Amp Simulator: Experimental guitar amp in the browser: distortion, EQ, cab, delay and reverb through your audio interface.
- Community: Browse riffs, exercises, presets and backing tracks that other guitarists have shared, and share your own.