How to record a guitar

Acoustic guitar is recorded with pickup and microphone. If your guitar doesn’t have a pickup, skip the first step and go to step 2. You will have less leeway this way when mixing later (more on this to follow).

→ Step 1 – Line-in:

First, connect your guitar to your mixer or audio interface via the jack socket. You’ll notice that the signal when the guitar strings are struck will be recorded rather than the signal of the microphone. The sound character will have a more percussive nature.

→ Step 2 – Microphone:

Position the large diaphragm condenser microphone between the 12th and 15th fret. Experiment with this position until you find a place where it sounds best! The mic should be at a distance of four finger-widths away. It shouldn’t be placed in front of the soundhole, because this will lead to a recording that is very mid-heavy in terms of frequency range and will conflict with the frequency range of the voice. The sound will be harmonic in character.

Now we’re coming to the leeway that was mentioned above: you can subtly mix in the recorded line-signal to the microphone track. In this way, the percussive sound of the line-signal from the string attack can be added to the harmonic sound of the microphone signal. Play around to find out which mix is best for you!

 

Electric guitars can be recorded with large diaphragm condenser and dynamic microphones. You can also check our overview of the different types of microphones.

→ Step 1 – Record amp:

The amp is recorded with a dynamic microphone. To get a full, direct sound, position the mic as close to the grill as possible. By moving the microphone towards the edge of the amp, the recording will be softer and more bass-focused. Moving it towards the middle and the recording will be more treble and aggressive. By increasing the distance, the sound will be lighter and also less impressive and direct. Walk around with the microphone to find out which sound is best for your purpose. Usually the microphone is positioned halfway between the edge and the middle of the amp.

→ Step 2 – Record room sound:

To record room sound, place the large diaphragm condenser microphone at a distance of 85cm from the amp. This way you’ll get the sound of the room and bass pressure, because the deep frequencies develop only at a distance from the sound source.

Now you experiment while mixing and mix in the room sound into your recording. Make sure that your recordings and your mixing ratio aren’t too bass-heavy, as this will take up all the space for bass guitar.

 

1. Try bringing in more takes. Then you can separate your guitars in Stereo Panorama (left/right) and get a fuller sound.
2. Don’t forget to play along with a metronome or clicks, otherwise you’ll be driven crazy when different takes don’t fit the same rhythm!

 

Don’t have any software for mixing yet? Try out the free full version of Music Maker or get started at full volume with Samplitude Pro X4!