How to Jam with Backing Tracks on your Computer

➢ The Official Zombie Guitar Website: www.zombieguitar.com/
➢ My 3 FREE Courses: www.zombieguitar.com/free
➢ Zombie Guitar Facebook Group: / zombieguitarmembers
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Lesson Intro
2:34 - #1: The Interface
4:45 - #2: Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
6:58 - #3: Amp Simulation
10:32 - #4: Backing Tracks
20:08 - Jammin'
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Links to stuff used in the vid:
➢ Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Interface: amzn.to/3UOcET5
➢ Reaper: www.reaper.fm/
➢ S-Gear: www.scuffhamamps.com/
➢ Custom Karaoke Backing Tracks: www.karaoke-version.com/
➢ Media Human: www.mediahuman.com/en18/
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Enjoy!

[@zombieguitar]

If you liked this video, stop by and check out my website! www.ZombieGuitar.com

[@italiad1013]

Joining this will be my Christmas gift to self!! Cant wait 🎅🏻

[@zombieguitar]

@@italiad1013 thanks David! Any questions, just ask 😁

[@geraldmartin7417]

I feel like I've been wandering in the dark for 20 years, but your videos flipped on the lights! You're the man Brian 🤘🏻

[@teledriver1398]

EXTREMELY helpful..! Played with a band or two but that was in the late 90's/early 2000's...now post-covid here I am, jamming alone at age 54. Have used Reaper and Scarlett for a few years, but this was really enlightening. Thank you!

[@italiad1013]

This will be awesome!! Cant wait to watch tonight….will be great help!! Thanks Brian👍

[@jasonwojcik]

And something else to do is record your sessions. Zak Wylde and Steve Vai both emphatically said to record everything. You never know when you come up with a nice piece of music. Great content as always, thank you!

[@RG-yz8ov]

You are a wizard! Thank you very much. I've never had this explained properly. Tried tinkering a few times with reaper but missed a few steps. Very valuable info 👌 Rock on 🤘

[@stevefielding8324]

Thanks Brian, I think this is best explanation and demonstration of using a computer with guitar that I've seen. Brilliant!

[@davidlegalley1161]

Outstanding Brian! This is most helpful information, thank you for fiirst being aware of the fact that this stuff is rarely, if ever, discussed in any "guitar lesson"; secondly, taking the time to share & explain how to start using the tools available that make practicing guitar fun and musical! 🎯👍🏽👍🏼🎸

[@joycegrove5602]

I needed this!! Thank you so much, Brian, for explaining it so concisely! Awesome walk-through :)

[@peterclune4770]

Very good and clear instructions brian

[@kdavis63]

One of the best vidoes I have watched about DAW and creating tracks...

[@Yantacaw]

Thanks Brian, this is great, happy I came across this gem in the interface video morass.

[@stevemason7790]

You are such a good teacher!That's a lot of info right there,will take a bit to absorb all that.Thank you.

[@CAP21]

This was really helpful👍 I’ve been wondering for some time how to do this. Thanks for breaking this down to an understandable level🍺😎

[@36on22]

Another great lesson, Brian!

[@USSESSta]

Wow that was great! Great instructor!

[@bhchen]

Awesome tutorial per usual! Thanks, Brian!!! :)

[@jamesh7123]

Great video Brian. I'm not quite ready for this but I will step by step. Thank you. Make sure to put this on the website too for future reference. Long time fan of your work 💪

[@ThePetejedi]

Thanks for the info for the backing tracks Brian very useful.

[@juanlczpi7170]

Excellent tutorial. THANK YOU!!

[@motokev2727]

For years I just plug my line 6 pod 2.0 into the aux of my PC speakers and used Guitar Pro. It's cheap, sounds purty good and I can easily loop and slow down.

[@zombieguitar]

Haha I hear ya. I didn't stress the point of this video enough about how useful working in a DAW can be. That's why I did this follow up video 😁 kzbin.info/www/bejne/iILVfaiEoJqkjpI

[@Evan-lc7ol]

Excellent tutorial. Well done!

[@Divlnorum]

Great stuff, thanks Brian!

[@diegomarino442]

This is gold, man. Thanks for sharing.

[@MrSlikvee]

Excellent!

[@Onlygloo]

Excellent step by step tutorial ; thx !👌

[@blueeyephil]

Great starter video. Each subject could definetly have it's own video. I too use Reaper but haven't really used it like I was wanting too. But you've inspired me to give it another go.

[@RGBloke]

As an "oldie newbie" this has been a revelation, to get to grips with a DAW and control backing track speeds and play my guitar, however, I needn't have bought a Focusrite solo after all, as I've just discovered I can plug my Katana mk2 50w directly into my laptop via USB and get full customisation and effects using the Boss Tone Studio (headphones connected to the amp) - it's awesome

[@zombieguitar]

Yes you can connect the Katana to your computer via USB. I have 2 Katanas myself! Keep in mind that it's not the same thing as a dedicated interface though. Hold onto that Scarlett!

[@ralphrounds709]

Great content here. Thanks

[@gonicjon]

If only this would have been a available back in 72' my whole life would have been totally different

[@mastabad2]

Damn. Great video! Thanks!

[@jeffearle1687]

Awesome. I actually bought the Scarlet a year ago, but haven’t hooked it up. Thanks for tutorial!

[@rsvette123]

Great video thanks Brian :)

[@paulclarke4099]

Thanks Brian, great video and Reaper is amazing😀👍

[@richardcramer3542]

I can't recommend Reaper enough. The support community on KZbin is vast.

[@larryjones6061]

Awesome sauce !!!

[@teleplayer7081]

Very nice tutorial. I have the same set up. Love reaper also. Thank you for your time:)

[@michaeld2716]

Thank you!

[@davehummel8057]

Thanks for the video. Just signed up on the website!

[@zombieguitar]

Thanks Dave! Much appreciated. Enjoy the site 😎

[@shash-onemanband6140]

I have been doing this for past 10 years without any interface and DAW. My Amp line-out goes into PC Line-In and guitar connects to amp via a simple pedal chain with Noise gate. I always listen back through headphones. Speakers are rarely used unless needed after finishing a song for album publishing. I have published 5 instrumental guitar albums this way. Just double click my avatar which will take you to my channel and verify this. Audacity is more than enough for all recording, editing and mixing. But everything is becoming Digital. Your video shown these nicely. Good work.

[@nicvortec]

superb, thank you

[@tnvalleyyoga7122]

Hey guys, if you don't have Brians's program(s) get it, he works very hard to give great programs at a great price and constantly adds great info. No, I'm not affiliated with Brian and his is just one of many I use. At least get his free offer. Hell his KZbin programs are classes worth money to anyone wanting to play guitar.

[@zombieguitar]

Thanks for the words, much appreciated! I'm glad to hear that the website is helping for ya!! 😀

[@TomKaszuba]

Excellent information. Thank you. I have Reaper already. I do use a Fender Mustang Micro for headphone only practice but this seems more versatile.

[@edgarlee2802]

I love MediaHuman. Thank you for mentioning it so more people can have access to it.

[@Blumis2000]

The way I play along to backing tracks is via a Fender Mustang Micro plugged into my guitar, while at the same time it's connected to my PC or phone via bluetooth. Then load up a backing track on youtube and just play along. Works great!

[@TomKaszuba]

That’s what I do too.

[@nomandad2000]

Very timely. I’ve been focused on jam track playing the last couple of days…

[@rowdy3837]

Great video! I had to figure all this stuff out through trial and error. There’s a great free program for Apple called Tonebridge that simulates amps according to songs. Just search a song and it gives you the tone. For those looking for an easier way to get playing, just pull up KZbin and you can play along to any of the thousands of backing tracks or your favorite songs.

[@guitarforfun2596]

Hey mate, Im a lounge room guitarist. Not very good haha. I love to play along to youtube videos. I really want to set myself up to be able to play along to songs through headphones. Looks like a computer is my answer. Thanks for the video. This will be extremely helpful.

[@nikkidaley2785]

Lovee your shitttt!! 🤘🏿❤️😘

[@freesk8]

Thanks!

[@jackzdroneandphotos8398]

Thanks .. this I Where how I wanted to start..jammin

[@steveg.3022]

Great explanation. Thanks. I’m not quite to this level, but pretty soon …

[@robchrystal]

Good video Brian, lve been using a similar set up for years and can also highly recommend Reaper. For those perhaps unsure or uncomfortable with Amp Sims however have a modeller, simply plug your guitar into the modeller then modeller into the interface then into PC and same result achieved. l also use my "old" Hi Fi Amp and desktop mounted Bose speakers and it's truly immersive Great fun

[@martynspooner5822]

Thanks for posting looks so cool unfortunately computers are not my generation and I am nearly completely computer illiterate. So love this channel and all you do for guitar players.

[@HighestPower]

Nice vid. I use Reaper as well. Super easy and super powerful DAW.

[@brianstokes2633]

I use reaper as well. Great program. Just wanted to see how you played the lead to Sultans. Learned that when it first came out. " From the record". We definitely use different positions. Great video!

[@officialWWM]

I have a great studio setup at home and do this all the time. An amp modeller is also a good way to to this. Most have some kind of input for your phone or computer or whatever and they also have headphones out. I’d really love a lesson on how to dial in a good guitar tone!

[@3603mailmaster]

Your are the Circle of 5th's G.O.A.T.

[@zombieguitar]

Haha what a weird thing to be known for 🤣🤣🤣

[@allboutthemojo]

@@zombieguitar hello, would guitar pro be considered a DAW? Asking because I really need a software where I can slow down the songs and the tabs to learn. Is there something like that with recording features as well as playing with backing tracks? All in one?

[@josephhodge7343]

Thank you for this video. It is great information. I believe Guitar Pro 8 does it all in one program (Slow down tracks, loop sections, pedal effects, and tabs). Still doing my research before I jump into all of this.

[@zombieguitar]

Guitar Pro is an amazing program. I love it and use it all the time, but keep in mind that it is not a DAW though!

[@unclecharles3617]

I have been considering to get a NUX mighty plug 3. From the reviews I've seen it appears that it can be used as a headphone modeling amp and includes many effects, and also for a computer interface. It retails for $109.

[@MitchHaman]

Great video Brian. You are the reason why I use Reaper. I've tried others but always go back to Reaper. I was curious how you got your guitar sim effect into your video editor so the video editor could pick up the effect when you armed it. I use OBS when I record my Reaper window but have to use reastream vst in reaper so OBS can hear the effect. I also use Landr vst which lets me do the same thing. Thanks Brian for all the work ( I know it's a lot ) you do in these videos. I do a lot of video editing and it can take forever ever.

[@midi1529]

My interface is the Berringer X18 its perfect as an USB interface, even as front end for entire band.

[@danielmccloskey2840]

I think it’s worth mentioning fx pedals that can ast as in interface ! , I use my boss 230 pedal

[@irishRocker1]

That's pretty much what i do. I have a marshall amp for when i want to play an amp but typically play through an eleven rack interface connected to PC used as a soundcard. You dont need amp sim software cos it is done in the elevenrack with 0 latency. You dont really need a DAW for this either. I have pro tools, but if you just set the interface as your playback device you can play backing tracks on youtube, or chord progression videos etc and play along.

[@zombieguitar]

The main benefit of amp sims is CONVENIENCE 😁

[@KPLPTube]

Amp sim software is nice for traveling too. All you need is a laptop, small I/O box, guitar, cable and headphones.

[@evanstheframe]

It must be an age thing, it’s not the learning a song I find hard, it’s learning a new one then forgetting how to play the first one. How do remember them all lol?

[@MitchHaman]

I have the same problem. I can't remember how to play a song all the way through without looking at the chord changes writing on paper. That's why I've been a bedroom player for 50 years.

[@MyrddinWyllt420]

Make flashcards of the chord changes then test yourself every now and then.

[@J.C.Ky.ridgerunner1955]

Same here

[@Akerfeldtfan]

Something you didn't mention is to be mindful of layering too many effects and processing on your guitar channel. Latency can be a serious drag, even when using an interface like a Scarlett. They have a 0 latency mode, but that just lets you hear a clean signal, which often isn't very fun.

[@Incacal71]

Great stuff. I’d also suggest a Positive Grid Spark Mini, they go for about $199 and you can play to backing tracks all day long!

[@yoyeo1900]

Agreed, I have both units. They're a music store in a shoe box.

[@zombieguitar]

The main benefit of working in a DAW is having the ability to work to a click track and being able to adjust the tempo of the song accordingly. I'm currently working on this one solo, and I have it at 120 BPM, but the end goal is 146 BPM. Having this clearly defined goal is made possible by using the DAW!

[@toddshook1765]

Thank you for demonstrating this. Question: how can hook up speakers and headphones to laptop? I am learning drums and practice with drum less tracks on my iPhone. I purchased good set of ear monitors to protect my ears. Trying to take practice up a level.

[@adrianflanagan6226]

Hi, your video was a great help but how did you get your daw output onto the video in real time. It was to clear for just a camera mic. Great playing by the way. Thanks

[@derekmartin8498]

Can you have the backing track and guitar track sound output set to different speakers. For example I’m using a boss katana head through a Marshall cab so can I have the guitar track sound output through my cab speaker and the backing track through my pc speaker?

[@mykneeshurt8393]

The best things that helped my playing was a looper pedal and my DAW.

[@BattleFish22]

Thanks for this video. I was able to get everything setup and play through headphones. My only problem is getting the interface to play to my computer speakers. I'm guessing I need to get some special speakers and plug into the back of the interface?

[@zombieguitar]

Yup you need to plug the monitoring speakers into your interface. That's now the hub for all your audio ins and outs 😁

[@cancelbubble6535]

This was fantastic. Does anyone have any tips on finding upcoming Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals for an interface, monitors and software (DAW and amp sims)? Doesn't Reaper (or any DAW in general) have the ability to determine the BPM of an imported track? It seems that would be rather easy to determine in software. Doesn't slowing down the BPM affect the pitch which would make it much more awkward to play along with (because you'd be "out of tune")? Unless you retune for whatever BPM you're playing at. Brian, do you record your own music on your PC? If so, how do you do bass and drums?

[@zombieguitar]

I use the Toontrack lineup for keys, bass and drums. Those plugins are amazing!!

[@Fezzler61]

I've tried a few of these websites that can strip the vocal or any instrument out of a song. Pretty good. Not sure I'd pay for it yet.

[@richpeltrick1492]

Hi Bryan. Question... can you create song projects on Reaper? For example... 6 tracks of various instruments and plug-ins. In essence, writing your own tunes. THX. Great instructions BTW.

[@zombieguitar]

Yes! I did a full video about that before too. Check it out 😁 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYbZaXyapb6Bnc0

[@bradsmith2197]

Reaper is as good as any quality DAW for that. I have been loading up backing tracks from KZbin channels, splicing them up in the DAW, adding some other instrumentation (like horns, etc) and creating jams... here's an example where you can see Reaper in the background :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJuXmHZqiMeIoq8

[@brianstokes2633]

I use amp modelers, but you know as well as I, nothing sounds better than a tube amp dialed in just before break up.

[@rogergonsoulin9675]

Brian thanks for the excellent work. May I ask, should I get the microphone to monitor the cabinet? Or should I just use guitar line in to the interface? Thank you again

[@zombieguitar]

Well that depends on what you are trying to do...do you want to use amp sim software, or do you just want to capture the tone of your amp into the DAW?

[@rogergonsoulin9675]

@@zombieguitar I get it Brian, I want to use the sim software so my question is answered, thanks again

[@zombieguitar]

@@rogergonsoulin9675 awesome!! Give S-Gear a shot. Highly recommend 😁

[@rogergonsoulin9675]

@@zombieguitar much appreciated Brian. Thank you very much. I sure will do that.

[@hannaobrc1947]

Great info, How strong computer must be to run all efects guitar ... ?? I got I7 6770K , 16 Gb Ram, 1Tb SSD , Gpu 1070Ti .. Thanks ,i learn tons from ur chanell.

[@zombieguitar]

Your computer will work just fine 😁

[@jvbluesville3426]

How can I synchronize reaper’s metronome to the track’s transients, I would like to know what bar I’m in, how many bars long is a riff o a solo I’m practicing

[@zombieguitar]

There's a few ways to do it, but the easiest way is to just know the BPM of the track prior to importing it into Reaper. Set the project tempo to the BPM of the track that you are about to drag in, then it will match. That's what I was explaining in this video!

[@timkanaley7510]

What version of windows do you use? Im just getting started thank you

[@zombieguitar]

I'm on Windows 10, but it really doesn't make a difference which OS you're on

[@user-dr8ug3gs3c]

Hey, Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Questions? Will this process work if I mic a cab and record to DAW while playing with the backing track with or without headphones? Or would it sound more like a mess with the mic picking up the track from the monitor? Again, Thanks

[@zombieguitar]

That would be perfectly fine. You can get your guitar signal into your computer by either plugging straight in, and then using an amp sim...or by micing your cab. Either way, it will result with one guitar track in your DAW. The rest of the "backing track" won't be affected either way!

[@user-dr8ug3gs3c]

@@zombieguitarThanks for the fast reply. Thank you for all you do to help others learn.

[@ptg2662]

Haha was searching for this info a day b4, just started to record my stuff , a lot of fun, but I removed the ,,guitar,, part of the song with Moises app, then transfered to a PC, maybe some folks can advice some nice backing track website?

[@zombieguitar]

Try some of the examples from this video. There are lots of great backing tracks available 😁

[@keithangstadt4950]

This may be a really stupid question, but if I want to practice to lesson videos through the headphones do I still to go through the DAW or can I just use a standalone VST in the background?

[@zombieguitar]

You can just use the standalone app of the amp sim that you're using!

[@timkanaley7510]

Brian can I use the backing traks for an individual entertainment performance? Or do I need to do something different

[@zombieguitar]

Yes absolutely! All you need is an MP3 file or a WAV file, which you can play out of any device (phone, tablet, mixing board, etc). The DAW simply allows you to create the track from scratch. You could just as easily buy a premade backing track online somewhere too though. We always used to use karaoke-version . com to buy customizable tracks from, but making your own in a DAW works too 😁

[@timkanaley7510]

Thank you sir you are more understandable than any other site Ive tried hope Im not being a pain in the ass

[@RicardoCasalLopez]

Hello Brian. I registered on your web since a month now. What about the tabulation? Where can I get them?

[@zombieguitar]

Hey Ricardo, I appreciate you joining the site! There are a bunch of places on the site that have TABs to follow. To name a few: 1.) The Newbie course 2.) The Melodic Phrases course 3.) The In-Depth Lesson Portal mini-courses 4.) Various song lessons In those sections you will find that a lot of the lessons have TABs to follow. For the rest that don't have "TABs", you are usually given a fretboard diagram to use as the visual aid to improvise with 😃

[@satul1961]

So I tried this. How do I edit the karaoke version. Do I have to get the additional $ 20 or so to download the . wav file or am I doing something wrong? It only imported the no 3 file and I was unable to edit it.

[@satul1961]

MP3

[@zombieguitar]

Make sure that you choose the "custom backing track" tab in karaoke version. That's the one that allows you to add/remove instruments 😁

[@achraf3752]

When i put a backing track in my daw for guitar cover. What bpm should i select for the whole project ?

[@zombieguitar]

If you are importing a track into your DAW then you'll want to know what the BPM of the track is and set your DAWs project tempo to that prior to importing the track.

[@achraf3752]

@@zombieguitar but it gets too fast although the tempo is right !

[@zombieguitar]

@@achraf3752 you need to set the project tempe FIRST.. prior to bringing the song track in!

[@joepro-zn4mx]

how did you plug your guitar in your computer, the computer does not have a 1/4 input ? I guess you have an interface ?

[@joepro-zn4mx]

sorry I went too fast, it was the first point that you talking in your video, thanks

[@ebutuoymak7262]

Can you reuse the backing tracks downloaded from karaoke version for KZbin contents creations?

[@butterflyeffect3218]

you dont need a DAW. The most Vst have an Standalone App or Program. I just run Guitar rig, Bias FX, VStomp Amp or TH-U and open KZbin for Backingtracks and im done

[@gonicjon]

You'll have to do a supplemental video so I can understand the lingo

[@zombieguitar]

With a DAW you can control the tempo to the exact BPM that you want. This "training" is the main reason why I love to work in a DAW 😁

[@butterflyeffect3218]

@@zombieguitar you can tap in or just write the bpm in most programs. Only thing you can't do ist recording. But for a jam it's ideal.

[@josephurbanowski5847]

Why doesn’t anyone talk about recording guitar THROUGH a pedalboard..? Without a mic..?

[@zombieguitar]

You mean run through pedals and then into an interface?

[@1cut1kill]

I just use my Spark Amp....

[@zombieguitar]

That's why I made this video 😁kzbin.info/www/bejne/iILVfaiEoJqkjpI

[@gtrdoc911]

A free DAW is called Audacity.

[@pjhasp]

Just found this interface on eBay (new) for about $100 if anyone is interested....

[@mariofabrizi5050]

LOL what a load of bollocks. Find a track to jam to on YT (there are tons) play it thru PC speakers, pick up you guitar and play along. No extra crap required!

[@KPLPTube]

I think being able to adjust the BPM in the DAW is the key difference between what Brian is talking about and just jamming along with KZbin. You can adjust KZbin playback speed but that also screws up the pitch. The DAW provides more granular control of the playback speed and also maintains the pitch.

[@MyrddinWyllt420]

This is nice for practice and recording. One of the benefits here like he said was you can quietly jam in headphones. I would use this to journal practices and to keep record of project ideas.