The reason most guitar jam tracks are not great is that they don't have a cool rhythm. It's hard to build phrases/solos when the track is just a power chord progression. In many of these, the whole track has the exact same rhythm as well. You aren't even presented with an opportunity to change your phrasing because you aren't given any rhythmic variations. Clearly, rhythm is a key factor when evaluating a guitar jam track.
One of the key elements of a good guitar jam track is a well thought out melody. This melody can't take up all the musical space above the bass, but it should offer a more interesting upper voice to the track. The benefit of having a clear melody is that the player can hear the subtle interactions of their phrases with the melody. This can lead to a more interesting and fulfilling jam because there is a vocal quality to the leads. There is definite call and response characteristics and this puts what the guitarist is playing into more of a muscial context rather then just playing notes.
Many people don't realize the impact the length of a jam track has on their enjoyment. It is a huge annoyance to anyone playing a solo/jamming when their backing band suddenly disappears out from under them. This could happen to you if you're not careful in selecting a jam track that is long enough. If you look for three to five minute long tracks, you will probably find that this is the perfect amount of time. Any more and it may start to drag on and any less and you may be cut off prematurely.
The thing to strive for when picking jam tracks is to look for tracks that are in a different style then you would normally play. That way you will be forced to get out of your comfort zone and as a result, will grow as a musician. Always playing in the same key or style is a surefire way to get yourself into a playing rut. The key to developing your own style and improvisational voice is to experience as many different styles and rhythms as you can. Doing this may introduce you to a style/key/mode that you would never even have thought of yourself and it might even become a staple of your own style. Just remember that as far as jam tracks are concerned, different/unique is good.
To help ensure you get the most out of a jam track, look for one that is recorded well. Sound quality is key because you need to be able to hear the subtle details of the track to best understand the rhythm and melody of the piece. Once you can hear and understand these, you can work on composing more interesting phrases and solos. None of which is possible if the jam track was recorded poorly. As well, the tones of the instruments and the dynamics captured play a large role in creating a good jam track.
One of the key elements of a good guitar jam track is a well thought out melody. This melody can't take up all the musical space above the bass, but it should offer a more interesting upper voice to the track. The benefit of having a clear melody is that the player can hear the subtle interactions of their phrases with the melody. This can lead to a more interesting and fulfilling jam because there is a vocal quality to the leads. There is definite call and response characteristics and this puts what the guitarist is playing into more of a muscial context rather then just playing notes.
Many people don't realize the impact the length of a jam track has on their enjoyment. It is a huge annoyance to anyone playing a solo/jamming when their backing band suddenly disappears out from under them. This could happen to you if you're not careful in selecting a jam track that is long enough. If you look for three to five minute long tracks, you will probably find that this is the perfect amount of time. Any more and it may start to drag on and any less and you may be cut off prematurely.
The thing to strive for when picking jam tracks is to look for tracks that are in a different style then you would normally play. That way you will be forced to get out of your comfort zone and as a result, will grow as a musician. Always playing in the same key or style is a surefire way to get yourself into a playing rut. The key to developing your own style and improvisational voice is to experience as many different styles and rhythms as you can. Doing this may introduce you to a style/key/mode that you would never even have thought of yourself and it might even become a staple of your own style. Just remember that as far as jam tracks are concerned, different/unique is good.
To help ensure you get the most out of a jam track, look for one that is recorded well. Sound quality is key because you need to be able to hear the subtle details of the track to best understand the rhythm and melody of the piece. Once you can hear and understand these, you can work on composing more interesting phrases and solos. None of which is possible if the jam track was recorded poorly. As well, the tones of the instruments and the dynamics captured play a large role in creating a good jam track.
About the Author:
At my blog Guitar Jam Tracks HQ, I have lots of great information about jam tracks and also links to other great pointers. Visit my page to get free guitar lessons and playing tips.