solo intro sync to backing

[icarusi]

I can never get the timing right for these with just a click track. I usually end up cutting a similar piece from further into the recording and pasting it so it syncs with the backing. I've even done it with tape, by splicing a a modified midsection mix onto the front of the mixdown tape. My other method is to record some dummy 'backing' bars before the intended start, to play over, then mute those bars at mixing stage.

Anyone have any other ideas for this aspect (assuming no live band available who can cue themselves to a live bit of playing)?