Tutorial: your first backing track

Step 1 — create the file

backingtrack new my_song.yaml

This creates an example file, already commented. Open it with a text editor.

Step 2 — tempo and groove

title: My blues
tempo: 96          # beats per minute
groove: blues      # see "backingtrack grooves"

Step 3 — write the chords

Each | separates one 4/4 bar. You can break lines whenever you like.

sections:
  - name: Verse
    chords: |
      | A7 | D7 | A7 | A7 |
      | D7 | D7 | A7 | A7 |
      | E7 | D7 | A7 | E7 |

Two chords in the same bar split the beats: | A7 D7 | = 2 + 2. A dot extends the chord: | C . . G | = 3 + 1.

Step 4 — repeat the sections

  - name: Verse
    repeat: 3        # play this section 3 times

Or pick the full order with arrangement (it overrides repeat):

arrangement: [Intro, Verse x2, Solo, Verse, Outro]

Step 5 — render and listen

backingtrack my_song.yaml --mp3

Step 6 — customize

backingtrack my_song.yaml --tempo 80          # slower, to practice
backingtrack my_song.yaml --transpose 2       # one tone up
backingtrack my_song.yaml --groove blues/slow # try another groove
backingtrack my_song.yaml --bass              # add the double bass
backingtrack my_song.yaml --mute guitar       # drums only (you play the rhythm part)
backingtrack my_song.yaml --stems             # separate tracks

Tip: with --dry-run you check the structure instantly without rendering audio.