Using Backing Tracks in Worship: The Pros and Cons

Using tracks in worship has become very popular–should you jump on the bandwagon as well?

If you’re thinking about wading into track waters or deciding if it’s time to take a break, we’ve got the info you need to make an informed decision. 

What to Have in Place to Thrive With Tracks

Playing with tracks in worship can be a great way to enhance the sound of your worship band and create a fuller, more dynamic tone. Here are some tips for playing with tracks in worship:

1. Get the right equipment: Running tracks used to be a pretty complicated and expensive process. You needed a computer, a DAW like Ableton Live as well as someone to run them. Things have gotten a lot easier with apps like Loop Community’s free Prime App and you can even go hands free with the pedals like Looptimus (Looptimus Prime: get it?) You’ll also need an in-ear monitoring system so your whole team can stay on the click. 
2. Practice with the tracks: This might sound like a no-brainer but before playing with tracks in a live worship setting, spend time practicing with the tracks in a rehearsal. You might find certain band members really struggle playing along to the tracks. If this is the case, get together with that musician and work out a plan to help them grow comfortable. Make sure the band is comfortable playing with the tracks and that the tracks are mixed properly with the live instruments.
3. Dial in the volume: Make sure the volume of the tracks is balanced with the live instruments. The tracks should enhance the sound of the live instruments, not overpower them.
4. Be prepared for technical difficulties: Playing with tracks can sometimes lead to technical difficulties, such as a computer crashes or software malfunctions. Be prepared for these situations by having a backup plan in place and make sure you’re not so reliant on the tracks that you can’t go on without them.
5. Appoint a music director you trust. Having a dedicated person to run the tracks is hugely helpful

Now that you know what you need to be successful with tracks, let’s check out the pros and cons of using them.

The Pros of Using Tracks

Tracks can spark creativity. Anything that gives you ideas and makes playing more fun is a win in my book. A little percussion, and a tasteful string part; these little additions can make a song for you.

Tracks can build confidence. Having tracks to fill out the sound takes some of the pressure off of you as the player. That’s why keyboard pads are so popular in worship: having that bed of sound gives you a foundation to stand on. Tracks can do the same thing.

Tracks can set a standard for your band. When you’ve got tracks running, your band needs to be able to keep up. Setting that expectation can get everybody on the same page.

If you do choose to use tracks, consider viewing the stem tracks we make available on Loop Community.

The Cons of Using Tracks

You can go overboard pretty quickly. Arena rock sounds out of place in a 50-person church. Make sure that the parts you are using actually fit your space. For small churches enhancement tracks like light percussion or background pads can fill out your sound without overwhelming and creating distraction. Remember, tracks are there to serve you not the other way around.

It can send the wrong message. If there’s no room in your sound for more musicians, potential new players don’t feel the need to step up. If your bass player gets sick and you just replace them with a track, they might begin to question if they're needed at all. The slope can get pretty slippery. If you are deciding between people and tracks, people should win out every time.

More tech equals more things that can go wrong. When you’re leading worship, you want to be as engaged with your band and your congregation as much as possible. If you’re fiddling around with your gear you're missing out on what's happening around you.

It’s expensive. Even with the simplest gear set up, the tracks themselves can easily add a $100 price tag to a Sunday. For that price, you could train up half your church to be on the worship team.

As with any tool you choose to purchase, the important question to ask is “why.” Are you lacking players? Maybe investing in musical training is a better option. Are you wanting big sound? Training for your sound engineer might be the ticket. Are you looking to fill out an already talented band? Tracks could be your answer. 

Remember, there’s nothing you have to do when it comes to your worship sound. Whether you see tracks as an enhancement or a distraction, you’re probably right! Just make sure you’re going into whatever you do with your eyes wide open.

If you do choose to use tracks, consider viewing the stem tracks we make available on Loop Community.