Our Favourite Guitar Backing Tracks: The AB&T Editors' Picks
With thousands of backing tracks in the Acoustic Backs And Tracks catalogue, choosing just ten favourites isn't particularly easy. Every arrangement has its own character, and some tracks stay with you long after you've finished creating them.
For this week's blog, we thought we'd do something a little different. Rather than looking at our biggest sellers or the latest trending songs, we're sharing ten of our personal favourite acoustic guitar backing tracks.
Some made the list because of their beautiful chord progressions, others because of the atmosphere they create, and a few simply because they were so much fun to produce.
We've also included some thoughts on where each track might work particularly well in a live set, whether you're performing at a wedding, drinks reception, corporate event or intimate acoustic gig.
1. Man I Need – Olivia Dean
There's something effortlessly cool about Olivia Dean's music, and Man I Need is a brilliant example. It's laid-back, soulful, full of groove and has that wonderfully relaxed feel that makes you want to listen again.
This was a particularly fun arrangement to create. Getting the right balance between the rhythmic guitar parts and the song's natural groove was an enjoyable process, and the result has a warm, vibey acoustic sound without losing the energy of the original.
Where we'd play it: Wedding drinks receptions, summer garden parties, afternoon events and contemporary acoustic sets. It's a great way to introduce a little energy without suddenly turning your relaxed set into a party set.
2. Human Nature – Michael Jackson (Female Key)
Some songs are simply a joy to play from a musical perspective, and Human Nature is one of them.
The chord changes, melodic movement and overall atmosphere are what make this Michael Jackson classic so special. There's a beautiful sophistication to the harmony, while the rhythm keeps everything moving with a gentle, uplifting energy.
Our female-key guitar arrangement gives singers an opportunity to explore this timeless track in a more intimate acoustic setting.
Where we'd play it: Stylish drinks receptions, cocktail hours, hotel lounges and sophisticated evening sets. A particularly nice choice when you want something recognisable but a little less predictable.
3. Rein Me In – Sam Fender
One of the things we love about creating acoustic backing tracks is finding ways to recreate the character of a song using different instrumental layers.
Rein Me In was particularly satisfying for that reason. There are some wonderful counter-melodies and interweaving parts throughout the arrangement, and building those layers was one of our favourite production challenges.
It's a great example of how an acoustic arrangement can feel full and interesting without relying on a huge band sound. There's movement, texture and plenty of musical detail to keep the performance engaging.
Where we'd play it: Contemporary wedding receptions, lively acoustic sets and early evening performances. Ideal for introducing a more anthemic, indie-inspired moment while keeping things acoustic.
4. Dream Catch Me – Sonny Tennet
Sometimes the best thing you can do with a song is give it a little more space.
Our version of Dream Catch Me takes a more chilled, fingerstyle approach, creating something intimate, delicate and beautifully relaxed.
Rather than relying on a strong rhythmic strumming pattern, the picked guitar provides a gentle foundation that allows the vocal melody to take centre stage.
Where we'd play it: Wedding ceremonies, intimate receptions, romantic dinner sets and quieter moments during a performance. A lovely choice when you want to create atmosphere without overwhelming the room.
5. It Must Be Love – Shannon & Keast
There's a wonderful simplicity to a well-played fingerstyle guitar arrangement, and this version of It Must Be Love captures exactly that.
With its folky character and intimate acoustic sound, it has a natural warmth that makes it particularly enjoyable to perform. Nothing feels over complicated or forced. It's simply a lovely song with a beautiful, relaxed atmosphere.
We particularly like arrangements like this because they allow the singer to connect with the lyrics while the guitar adds movement and musical interest underneath.
Where we'd play it: Wedding ceremonies, relaxed drinks receptions, intimate first dances and smaller acoustic performances. Perfect for creating a warm, romantic atmosphere.
6. Only Love – Ben Howard
Ben Howard's 'Every Kingdom' is one of those albums that really showcases how expressive acoustic guitar can be.
There's something beautiful about the guitar textures, songwriting and atmosphere throughout the record, and Only Love has always been a particular favourite.
Creating a stripped-back arrangement was a lovely opportunity to focus on the musical elements that make the song so special. It's organic, earthy and full of character, with a sound that feels equally at home in an intimate venue or an outdoor summer setting.
Where we'd play it: Rustic weddings, outdoor ceremonies, festival-inspired events, garden parties and relaxed afternoon sets. A fantastic addition for performers who enjoy a more indie-folk sound.
7. Risk It All – Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars has a wonderful ability to combine memorable melodies with interesting musical influences, and Risk It All is no exception.
What we particularly love about this track is its super-chilled atmosphere and subtle Latin influences. There's a lovely rhythmic flow to the arrangement that makes it feel relaxed but never static.
It's the kind of song that can bring a completely different flavour to an acoustic set, adding a touch of warmth and sophistication without changing the overall mood too dramatically.
Where we'd play it: Summer weddings, cocktail receptions, destination-style events, restaurants and evening drinks sets. Particularly effective when you're aiming for a relaxed, stylish atmosphere.
8. Sexual Healing – Marvin Gaye
A classic song with a timeless groove.
Sexual Healing is one of those tracks that instantly establishes a mood, and we loved the opportunity to give it a fresh acoustic treatment.
Our arrangement combines guitar with finger clicks, creating a modern, stripped-back sound that retains the unmistakable character of the original.
There's something particularly satisfying about taking a familiar throwback and presenting it in a way that feels fresh and relevant to today's acoustic performers.
Where we'd play it: Drinks receptions, cocktail bars, sophisticated evening events and laid-back party sets. A brilliant choice for introducing a little R&B and soul into your repertoire.
9. Here, There And Everywhere – The Beatles (Female Key)
Some songs don't need much introduction, and this Beatles classic is certainly one of them.
Here, There And Everywhere is simply a beautiful piece of songwriting. The melody is timeless, and the harmonic movement is full of those wonderful, unexpected chord changes that make the song so rewarding to play.
Our female-key fingerstyle guitar version brings those lush chords to the forefront, creating a delicate and intimate accompaniment that leaves plenty of room for an expressive vocal performance.
It's one of those arrangements where the beauty really lies in the details.
Where we'd play it: Wedding ceremonies, romantic first dances, intimate dinners and quieter acoustic sets. An especially lovely choice for couples who appreciate classic songwriting.
10. Turn Your Lights Down Low – Bob Marley & Lauryn Hill
We couldn't put together a list of our favourite guitar backing tracks without including something with a seriously chilled groove.
Turn Your Lights Down Low has such a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, and our fingerstyle arrangement brings a gentle acoustic quality to the song.
The guitar creates a warm, flowing accompaniment that gives the vocalist plenty of freedom to interpret the melody, while maintaining the soulful, laid-back character that makes the original so appealing.
It's understated, smooth and effortlessly cool.
Where we'd play it: Sunset drinks receptions, summer weddings, beach-inspired events, cocktail lounges and relaxed evening performances. Perfect for creating a mellow atmosphere that audiences can settle into.
What Makes a Great Acoustic Guitar Backing Track?
Looking back at these ten selections, there's a common theme: a great acoustic arrangement isn't necessarily about how many instruments you can hear, but how those instruments work together.
Sometimes that means carefully layering multiple guitar parts to recreate the movement and energy of a full production, as with Rein Me In.
Other times, it means stripping everything back to a simple fingerstyle accompaniment and letting the song speak for itself, as with Here, There And Everywhere or Dream Catch Me.
For singers and live performers, having that variety is incredibly valuable.
A well-planned acoustic set should have moments of energy, intimacy, nostalgia and surprise. Moving between rhythmic pop arrangements, gentle folk-inspired guitar and soulful classics helps keep your audience engaged without losing the cohesive acoustic sound.
It's one of the reasons we love creating guitar backing tracks in the first place. The same instrument can produce so many different moods and musical textures.
Discover Your Next Favourite Guitar Backing Track
These are just ten of our personal favourites, but there are plenty more hidden gems waiting to be discovered in the Acoustic Backs And Tracks catalogue.
Whether you're looking for intimate fingerstyle arrangements, upbeat acoustic pop, timeless classics or something a little different for your next performance, our collection has been designed to help singers create memorable live sets.
Explore our full collection of acoustic guitar backing tracks and discover something new for your next gig.
