Jam tracks with drums and bass, in any key
The fastest way to get better at soloing is to play over a band. FRET’s jam tracks give you a drummer and a bass player in six styles and every key — with the chord progression on screen and the scale to solo over on the neck.
How it works
- Pick a style and keyBlues, rock, funk, pop, bossa or reggae, in any of the 12 keys.
- Press playDrums and bass start at your tempo. The current chord lights up as the progression moves.
- Solo with the scaleThe matching scale is shown on the neck, roots highlighted — start improvising straight away.
Six styles, built to practise with
| Style | Groove | Progression | Scale shown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blues | Shuffle | 12-bar: I7 – IV7 – V7 | Blues scale |
| Rock | Straight rock beat | I – ♭VII – IV – I | Minor pentatonic |
| Funk | Sixteenth-note funk | i7 – IV7 | Minor pentatonic |
| Pop | Pop beat | I – V – vi – IV | Major pentatonic |
| Bossa | Bossa nova | ii7 – V7 – Imaj7 | Major scale |
| Reggae | Reggae groove | I – IV – I – V | Major pentatonic |
Every style works in any key: change it and the bass line, chords and scale all move with it. Each groove starts at a tempo that suits the style.
Why jam tracks work
A scale on its own is just a pattern. Over chords, every note has a role: some feel stable, others create tension that wants to resolve. Playing over a backing teaches you to hear that, to land on chord tones when the harmony changes and to phrase in time with a groove. It’s also simply more fun — which means you practise more.
A first session
- Choose Blues in A.
- Play the A minor pentatonic shape shown on the neck — just up and down once, to get your bearings.
- Improvise using only three notes for two choruses. Leave space between phrases.
- Now aim for the root of each chord when it changes — A, D, E. Watch the chord highlight to see what’s coming.
- Change style to Funk and play short, rhythmic phrases instead.
The pentatonic guide has more shapes and licks to try.
Tip: jam tracks also make a great rhythm-guitar workout. Turn your amp’s gain down, and play the chords of the progression with the drums instead of soloing.
Part of guided practice
Jam steps are built into FRET’s guided practice sessions: a daily routine can end with a few minutes of blues in the key you choose, using the same drums, bass and scale display.
Questions
What are guitar jam tracks?
Backing tracks with drums and bass playing a chord progression, so you can practise soloing or rhythm over a band.
Can I change the key?
Yes. Every style works in all 12 keys; the bass, chords and scale move together.
Which styles are included?
Blues, rock, funk, pop, bossa nova and reggae.
Are jam tracks free in FRET?
They’re part of FRET Pro, with a 7-day free trial.