How to Choose a Good Quality Backing Track

To purchase backing tracks, refer to this article for more information.

Usually, there are several different versions of backing tracks to one song.

When choosing what backing track to use, consider the following:

1. Key
2. Quality of Sound
3. Backing Vocals Vs. No Backing Vocals
4. Song Structure
5. Clear ending Vs. Fade Out

1. Key
Make sure that the key is suitable to your voice. If you have been learning the song according to sheet music, check that the backing track is in the same key as the sheet music.

2. Quality of Sound
If you are planning to perform the song using the backing track, play the backing track through a PA System and listen to the track from a quiet volume to loud. The sound needs to be clear and have a nice balance of bass, mids and highs. A backing track with too much mids and highs will sound tinny like it is being played from an AM radio station. Play the backing track and then play the original recording to make comparisons. You can also play a backing track and play another version to compare sound quality.

3. Backing Vocals Vs. No Backing Vocals
A backing track is normally available in two versions: one with backing vocals and one without backing vocals. When sourching backing tracks with backing vocals, it is important listen to the backing vocals before purchasing the track (where possible). The backing vocals need to be mixed well into the track (not too loud) and be there to enhance your lead vocals (not take away). If the backing vocals are not of a good quality, it is best to purchase the track without backing vocals. If you prefer backing vocals, keep looking for other versions with backing vocals until you find a good one. If you don’t come across a good backing track with backing vocals, you can always record the backing vocals over the track.

4. Song Structure
Once you purchase a backing track, sing over the track and check your lyrics are structured accordingly. Sometimes the structure of the song on a backing track version differs to the original recording or sheet music. If your vocals come in as soon as the track starts, you will need cueing by way of a count in and/or starting note. You can record this in yourself using music production software where absent in the backing track.

5. Clear Ending Vs. Fade Out
If you are planning to perform the song using the backing track, it is better to have a track that finishes with a clear ending rather than a fade. Reason being, it evokes a live-feel rather than a recorded radio-feel. If you were to perform with a live band, the song would finish with a clear ending and not a fade out. If the track you purchase ends with a fade, you can edit the song so that it finishes with a clear ending or you can search for another track that finishes with a clear ending. If you find a great backing track that ends with a fade but you don’t want to alter the ending, use it. To cover the fade at the end, banter to your audience or if you are also playing an instrument, play over the fade to give the track a clear ending.