For us guitar players, an accompanying rhythm track can go a long way. Finding a solid drummer is not always easy and therefore drum machines have proven to be of great assistance. It all starts with a great drum track and some of the best guitar players know and understand this.

If you’re writing music, you may find that it’s a lot easier to come up with ideas if you have an actual drum track as opposed to a static metronome. As for practicing, a good rhythm section is invaluable for developing your sense of timing. Additionally, if you’re performing live, you may find that an accompanying virtual drummer is in some cases a better option than a real drummer.

BeatBuddy Drum Machine Pedal

To use this drum machine is as simple as adding another pedal to your pedalboard. This is essentially a drummer in a guitar pedal, and it’s incredibly simple to use (only 3 primary controls). BeatBuddy comes preloaded with 200 songs as well as 21 genres, which can be infinitely expanded via the internet. Click here to view it on Amazon.

Boss Dr. Rhythm 880

This is a great addition to any guitar players inventory list, and is a must for songwriters. The DR-880 will allow you construct fully customizable drum tracks, with an extremely realistic and velocity sensitive drum library. It includes a built-in guitar processor (based on the Boss GT-6), which means you can plug your guitar / bass directly into the unit and enjoy your favorite sounds without the need for a real amp. Click here to view it on Amazon.

INTUA Beat Maker for iPad / iPhone

This is a very simple drum machine that will allow you to construct drum tracks on the go. You can conveniently use this software on an iPad or iPhone device. See www.intua.net.