The success of Click Tracks has inspired us to create another level of audio recordings called Rhythm Tracks. Rhythm Tracks are Similar to Click Tracks, built on the exact same arrangement, but intended for a totally different level of worship band. Where Click Tracks are well suited for a fully developed band that already has a solid rhythm section, Rhythm Tracks are suited for a smaller band that may not have live drums and bass guitar. Check out this video to get a solid introduction and live demo of how Rhythm Tracks can work for you!

Rhythm Tracks are audio tracks featuring bass guitar, drums, and a little bit of synth, all mixed down into a single stereo track that is well suited to accompany acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and/or piano and/or vocals. Rhythm Tracks use the same arrangement and basic ingredients as Click Tracks. The only difference is bass and drums are featured in the front of the mix. There is no click track in the mix.

Rhythm Tracks are not quite the same as vocal accompaniment tracks (i.e. Split Tracks, or Performance Tracks). There are key instruments left out of the mix, such as piano, keyboard, acoustic guitar and electric guitars. Rhythm Tracks are not recommended to be used as accompaniment tracks on their own. At minimum, a lone keyboard player and/or acoustic guitar player is recommended to provide the foundational instrumentation. You can add more live players as desired, depending on how the tracks are used.

Who Should Use RhythmTracks?
RhythmTracks are tailored for situations where a rhythm section is not available (i.e. drums and bass guitar). A lone worship leader, leading from guitar or keyboard, is what these tracks are designed to support. Here are a few situations that would benefit from using RhythmTracks:

• Churches without drums or bass, or lack of a rhythm section
• Retreats, camps, smaller venues, small-group format worship, “coffee house” worship
• Venues with limited audio capabilities
• Start-up churches, mobile ministries, satellite campuses
• Travelling worship leaders who need to bring a “virtual band” with them

The Audio Mix
RhythmTracks are mixed in stereo to provide the best overall mix of bass and drums. Whenever possible, both channels should be used for playback through your main audio system. The tracks have been processed in such a way that audio levels are maximized for clarity and dynamics. Remember that these are produced as stereo tracks, so you cannot separate out specific instrument sounds from the mix.

The Bass and Drum tracks are mixed stronger than the rest of the track on purpose. Again, it is assumed that there will be a live keyboard and/or guitar player leading with these tracks.

The track mix has been set to work best on a variety of audio systems. Slight variations with different audio systems is expected. Simply adjust the EQ settings on your playback system to achieve the desired mix and feel of the tracks.

Playback Options
RhythmTracks are delivered as mp3 audio files. You can use the RhythmTrack mp3’s in any audio playback program on your computer such as iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc.. Or you can burn these tracks to a CD and play them through a CD player connected to your audio system.

Monitoring & Starting Cues
Using in-ear monitors is not required for using RhythmTracks. You may use whichever monitoring system is available for you audio system.

In each RhythmTrack provided, there will be a hi-hat or cymbal count-in for one (1) bar. Each song may start slightly differently, but in each track, listen for a soft hi-hat or cymbal playing a simple 1 - 2 - 3 & 4. Most often the final beat (4) is an open hi-hat. It is intended that this will be heard in the live house mix as well as the stage monitors.

Suggested Use for RhythmTracks
RhythmTracks are intended to be a support to a lone worship leader that does not have live drums or bass. It is not recommended that live drums or bass play with RhythmTracks. However, we have left room in the mix for additional keyboards, guitars and percussion if desired. Feel free to explore your options with RhythmTracks. Take a listen to our demo mp3’s and decide for yourself if RhythmTracks are right for you and your worship experience.

Arrangements
In keeping with our commitment to excellence, you can count on our RhythmTracks following the precise arrangements available in the PraiseCharts catalog. It is recommended that you use these charts for your worship team when using RhythmTracks.

Give Us Your Feedback
As we launch into new territory with this new series of Rhythm Tracks, we would love to have your feedback. If you have any comments or questions, please send them to info@praisecharts.com or use our Contact Us page.