Need an exercise to begin back days

[bak2basics]

I like to begin my workout with an overall compound exercise. I'm doing bench press for chest, but what do you guys recommend for back? Currently I'm doing seated row. The deadlift does work the back but not directly. have you guys made substantial overall back gains by deadlifting? If so, do you guys use the trapbar or straight deadlift? I have a hard time executing the lift properly with straight deadlift. But does the straight deadlift work your back more? I thought deadlift works your legs more.

[SuffolkPunch]

Weighted pullups. Plenty of volume. Mix up the grips. Allow some reps which don't reach full height (the force curve is non ideal and very hard right at the end).

[etet1919]

IMO, if overall strength is your goal, do traditional deadlifts first. They predominantly work the back, much more so from a strength standpoint. If hypertrophy is your main focus at the moment, do variations of rows (DBs; pedlay rows) or lat pullowns first. Whatever you feel you need to most power/energy for, tackle at the beginning of your training (as a general rule- you will find you'll need to adjust the sequence after adapting...).

Try using both types of bars. The hex bar is easier, grip-wise, but biomechanically, highly functional.

You can post a video if you're looking for a form check with the deads.

And of course, if you're an absolute beast like SP, you can try plate-weighted pull-ups

[jademonkey]

My go to is pull up variation. If I program deadlift on back day I do that first. I don't feel it working my back except for my lower back, but my pull ups are significantly weaker after deads. Grip also a factor. YMMV. Personally my upper back/lats have always been my strong point so I don't need much direct upper back work.

[bak2basics]

I start with seated row but I will try pull-ups in the future. I do also feel that dead lifts work more on lower back and does not really compare to a general compound exercise for back like bench press for chest. (and hence the post). Maybe I'll also get in some lat pull downs. What is your back program look like?

[PurmaBulker1984]

I do DL or Pendlay Rows first. Use the lower back while its fresh.

[jademonkey]

First 3 day block I do legs/pull/push:
On leg day I'm currently doing rack pulls.
On pull day I do several sets of pull ups, then a few sets of dumbbell rows (because lower back still sore from previous day), then face pulls or rear delt flys superset with bicep curls. When I have time I also do some kind of straight arm cable pull.

Second 3 day block I do legs/push/pull:
On leg day I do RDL and add in barbell rows for back.
On pull day I start with heavy deadlifts and then do whatever I have energy for - usually a few sets of pendlay rows followed by cable work and bicep curls.

[xsquid99]

I do rack pulls for my first heavy compound movement on my pull day, and they really helped build some good thickness in my upper back.