Practice Loop -What should I buy.

I play by myself and want to be a better Lead player, but just ripping blues scales with no other backing is not much fun. I know there is a backing system on GT but I have heard the expression Practice Loop used by musicians.. What is the best tool to use to play lead over actual rythm or songs with the guitar stripped out. I have apercussion machine but it takes a NASA scientist to program the drum rhythms. Help. I have plenty of amps and guitars but need some technology for backing.

Hmm... well, looper pedals are super cool, and probably one of the best (and of course, more expensive) is the Boomerang pedal. The guy that makes them actually does a video demo of exactly what you are talking about, playing blues licks over his own rhythm parts. The only thing about loopers is that they are really more about creating unique layers of sound, rather than a practice tool that you are looking for. However, a huge benefit is that with a looper you are recording yourself, so you immediately get to hear how you're doing as you try to "jam with yourself"... many players say this really causes them to tighten up their playing.

If you want something that is more of a practice tool, I'd highly recommend the Boss DR Rhythm 880 drum machine. Its a bit pricey, but has built-in effects, 500 preset patterns, and includes bass sounds as well... great for jamming, especially because you can change the tempo and key instantly. There are other unites out there that might be pretty close and a lot cheaper, so check around... but getting a beat-box that has bass sounds in it as well as drums will be much better than one that just has drums.