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How To Record Electric Guitar

Recording in the home studio is done more and more these days. The electric guitar is well suited to being captured within the restrictions of this environment. Guitar amplifiers are naturally quite loud, so compared to recording violin, less soundproofing is required, not to mention the possibility of using the vast array of Amp Simulators. With Amp Simulators, a good DI or a hardware amp simulator is all you need!

So all you have in your home studio beside your instruments and amp is an MBOX, a few microphone leads, a dynamic and condenser microphone, computer, monitors and a stand! Not much, but more than enough to capture a great guitar recording. As two inputs are enough in most cases, some interesting techniques can help you get the sound you’ve always wanted.

One of the first things to do is make sure you have a great sounding instrument that is properly setup, has relatively new strings and of course, is in tune. An out of tune guitar is one of the remaining things that you can’t “Fix” in pro tools! A good amplifier which suits the music and sound you’re after and of course, a good guitar lead. You wouldn’t believe the differences one lead to another can make! I’ve always thought of this as ‘gobbledygook’, but believe me, there are definitely differences!

If you don’t have a vast array of microphones to choose from, try each different microphone in your collection to see which one you like best. As always, trust your ears and go with the one that sounds best to you. It may not be the ‘Typical’ microphone for the job, but it may be the best choice depending on the sound you’re after.

There are many different schools of thought when it comes to recording guitar amplifiers, none of which is the quintessential method, nor any wrong. Some people like to place two different sounding microphones up close, one sure SM57 close, a 57′ up close and a condenser in omnimode somewhere within the room capturing the natural reflections, a ribbon microphone is also often used.

I have come to the conclusion that there is no “Best Method,”; experimentation is the key. A useful way of determining how the microphone sounds when in record is to send the audio back to a pair of noise-reducing headphones(In-Ear Monitors are best) whilst moving the microphone around the amplifier and the room, listening to the varying sounds that are produced. You will need to have another guitar player playing or simply use a loop pedal to feed guitar signals into your amp. You will be amazed by the differences. Also as the guitar is loud, it’s a good idea to place the amplifier in a different room to your control room as you will be able to hear how it sounds through the monitors as well as your headphones.

There are two, prevalent microphone positions for recording guitar amplifiers. One is “On Axis” and the other is “Off Axis”. Off Axis is when the microphone is aimed at an angle to the speaker cone and On Axis is when the microphone is pointed towards the speaker cone. On Axis will give you a more upfront and fuller sound, where off axis the soundwaves hit the microphone capsule on an angle giving it a thinner sound. On axis also gives the best rejection from outside noises and other instruments. This is useful when doing live recordings or when sound proofing isn’t accessible.

Some people like to record guitar amps really loud to get “That sound”, whilst others prefer to record a lower levels. I believe this greatly depends on the amplifier given; a 1watt amp will distort at lower levels than a 100watt amp. At the end of the day, it’s what sounds best to you and how you play. All of the above are simply guides to your endless world of experimentation recording guitar amplifiers. Good luck!

Electric Guitar Loop Sampler Stuff

Boss RC-20 Looper Electric Guitar Effect Pedal Loop Station $100.00

Blackstar HT Delay Pedal Tube Delay Loop Functions Electric Guitar Analog Tape $299.99

Line 6 Pod HD300 Electric Guitar Multi Effects Processor Loop Mic USB MIDI Rec $329.99

Velcro Reusable Self-Gripping Cable Ties, 0.5 Inches x 8 Inches Long, Black, 100 Ties per Pack (91140) $3.69 Ties, Reusable, Adustable, Pre-cut, 8, 100 Count, Black Velcro 91140 Reusable Self-Gripping Cable Ties 1/2 x 8 Long Black 100 Ties per Pack…

Boss PSA-120S Power Adapter $18.57 The PSA-120S is the recommended power supply for products including all new BOSS Compact and Twin pedals, ME-50/-20/-20B Multi-effects, the DB-66/-88/-90 metronomes, DR-Series drum machines, FC-Series foot controllers, MC-202, SH-101, SP-202, TR-626, and all TU-Series tuners….

Ebtech Hum X Voltage Hum Filter $90.00 The Hum X Exterminator removes unwanted voltage and current in the ground line that cause ground loop hum. This noise reduction adapter simultaneously maintains a solid, safe ground. You no longer have to run your audio signal through filtering that results in loss of volume, tone, or both. Some devices simply remove or float the ground, which is never safe! Hum X removes the ground loop while lea…

Boss NS-2 $88.50 Have you even been standing there before your amp, axe in hand, thinking to yourself, “if only my sound was a little noisier….” Didn’t think so. The problem is, some of the best pickups and effects are just plain noisy – there’s really nothing you can do about that, it’s just a fact of life. So you’re left with two options, live with the noise, or deal with it. Here’s a killer way of dealing wit…

QSC K10 Powered PA Speaker (10 Inch, 1000 Watts) $655.00 The QSC K10 10″ powered loudspeaker, featuring its revolutionary 1000W power module, delivers the high-quality amplification, HF driver, and low-frequency driver of the K-Series speakers, offering 90 conical coverage and 129dB peak output, low frequencies extending to 56Hz. The K10 offers exceptional power and performance from an extremely compact system, and it can also be used as an ultra low-pr…

Fender American Standard Precision Electric Bass Guitar 2011 Excellent! $750.00

Professional chromatic digital guitar tuner LCD acoustic electric flanger $5.55

LED Digital Electric Acoustic Guitar Bass Tuner FT-61 flanger $5.55

Electric Guitar Various Tuning Flexi-Capo Capo Acoustic Flanger FA-20 Portable $7.99

Electric Guitar Tuning Capo Acoustic Flanger Flexi-Capo FA-20 Portable $7.99

Alice Steel String Electric Guitar Machine Head Set $9.99

New Alice Steel String Electric Guitar Machine Head Set $10.70

NEW HUNTINGTON NATURAL TELE STYLE ELECTRIC GUITAR WITH GIG BAG CASE $94.95

LYON by Washburn – Electric Guitar LI15 And Stereo Chorus And La5 Speaker Turner $290.99

1985 Kramer Focus 3000 Electric Guitar with Original Floyd Rose & OHSC $425.00

NEW SCHECTER SOLO VINTAGE MAHOGANY BODY w/ BIGSBY B-50 VIBRATO ELECTRIC GUITAR $599.00

NEW Acoustic Gear A-Frame Acoustic & Electric Guitar Stand Portable Folds Red $14.89

Folk Acoustic Electric Tune Quick Change Trigger Guitar Capo Key Clamp Black Cap $3.89

NEW Acoustic Electric GUITAR STAND padded foam folding classic adjustable One $15.99

T2-KIT Gives You 6 Pickup Tones On Your Two Pickup Coil Electric Guitar or Bass! $39.99

New Guitar Capo for Electric & Acoustic Guitars Capos $0.99

NEW Acoustic Gear A-Frame Acoustic & Electric Guitar Stand Portable Folds Red $14.89

T3-KIT Gives You 35 Pickup Tones On Your 3 Pickup Coil Electric Guitar and Bass! $39.99

T4-KIT Gives You 76 Pickup Tones On Your 4 Pickup Coil Electric Guitar and Bass! $39.99

T2-Switch Gives You 6 Pickup Tones On Any 2 Pickup Coil Electric Guitar or Bass! $59.99

T3-Switch Gives You 35 Pickup Tones On Any 3 Pickup Coil Electric Guitar or Bass $59.99

T4-Switch Gives You 76 Pickup Tones On Any 4 Pickup Coil Electric Guitar or Bass $59.99

Electric Guitar Quick Change Tune Clamp Key Trigger Capo Acoustic Cheap NEW $2.26

Rare Pure black 7 string electric guitar #854 $498.35

Rare Pure black left hand 6 string electric guitar #855 $498.35

Powerful Sound Amp GT-3W First Act Electric Guitar Practice Amplifier $17.86

D’Addario EXL110 Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings, Regular Light, 10-46 $4.00

4PCS Epiphone L.P ELECTRIC Guitar Volume Tone Bell Hat knurled Speed Knob Amber $0.98

Peavey Fury 4 Crafted in USA With Case. 4 STRING Bass Guitar Electric RED! $40.00

New Acoustic Electric Guitar String Winder Peg Tool Black $0.01

Schecter Guitar Research SGR C-1 Electric Guitar Midnight Satin Black $179.00

Heavy Metal Star Electric Guitar Kit DIY Project – New – Make Your Own Build $209.09

NEW 39″ TRANSPARENT BLUE ELECTRIC GUITAR WITH CASE $59.95

Olympia/Tacoma OC10SCE classical acoustic electric guitar cutaway $50.00

Gibson Black Epiphone Electric Guitar Musical Instrument As Is $199.99

T Style Thin Line Electric Guitar Kit DIY Project Elm Body with F-Hole – New $214.99

AXL BADWATER SRO DISTRESSED FAT STRAT ELECTRIC GUITAR $179.00

20pcs Alice 0.81mm Smooth Nylon Acoustic Electric Guitar Picks Plectrums $1.45

T Style Thin Line Electric Guitar Kit DIY Project Elm Body with F-Hole – New $209.09

1 pcs electric guitar Neck New Unfinished Solid wood JK 22 fret Left Hand $45.00

Fender Electric Guitar Strings – 250L $6.69

==BOX (12 packs) of Dean Markley HELIX CL ~9 gauge Electric Guitar Stings== $39.00

Heavy Metal Star Electric Guitar Kit DIY Project – New – Make Your Own Build $214.99

TPCP-60 Electric Guitar Kit DIY Project with Set Neck – New Make your own build $223.68

TPCP-60 Electric Guitar Kit DIY Project with Set Neck – New Make your own build $229.99

Luna Fauna Dragon Acoustic Electric Guitar – Black $399.00

Luna Fauna Koi Acoustic Electric Guitar with B-Band Electronics – Black $419.00

Luna Fantasie Spirit of the Night Acoustic Electric Guitar $349.00

ELECTRIC GUITAR Street Sign band signs player gift music lessons play rock sing $6.99

NEW CORT ACC-15F-NAT SOLID RED CEDAR TOP CLASSICAL ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC GUITAR $379.00

ELECTRIC GUITAR LOCKING NUT CHROME STRING LOCK Fender Ibz Epi $12.99

ELECTRIC GUITAR LOCKING NUT GOLDEN STRING LOCK Fender Ibz Epi $13.99

ELECTRIC GUITAR LOCKING NUT CHROME STRING LOCK Fender Ibz Epi $12.99

ELECTRIC GUITAR LOCKING NUT BLACK STRING LOCK Fender Ibz Epi $12.99

ELECTRIC GUITAR LOCKING NUT BLACK STRING LOCK Fender Ibz Epi $12.99

Electric Guitar Cable Amp Lead Cord for Fender 10ft $0.99

Fender Squier Standard Electric Guitar – Black Sparkle (w/ soft case, access.) $150.00

Cort 6 String Strat Style Electric Guitar $115.00

New Tubular Acoustic/Electric Bass Guitar Stand Holder Black $10.99

Schecter C-1 ELITE – Electric Guitar $400.00

Brand New Silver Electric Guitar Tremolo Bar/Arm for Fender Stra $2.98

The New Quick Change Guitar Capo for Acoustic Electric Guitar Black $0.01

10M Electric Guitar Cable Amp Lead Cord for Fender 30FT $30.00

New Crescent SUNBURST Electric Guitar+ACC FREE Digital Tuner $74.99

Fender B-DEC 30 Electric Bass Guitar Amplfier 1×10 30 Watts Digital Center $249.99

NEW PRO FLAMED TOP CHERRY BURST BEAUTY ELECTRIC GUITAR $259.00

NEW 6 STRING ELECTRIC GUITAR COFFEE SUNBURST LP $79.95

New BATMAN 6-String ELECTRIC GUITAR Includes: Strap, Pick & Whammy Bar 39″ Long $49.99

5 Multiple Guitar Rack Stand hold electric acoustic guitar bass $36.96

Crescent NEW NATURAL Electric Guitar+15w Amplifier+ACC+ Electric Digital Tuner $109.99

New BATMAN 6-String ELECTRIC GUITAR Includes: Strap, Pick & Whammy Bar 39″ Long $49.99

NEW Crescent WHITE Electric Bass Guitar Combo+Strap+Gigbag+15w AMP! $134.99

NEW ADULT Crescent BLUE Electric Acoustic Guitar+Accessories $99.69

Vintage 1979 Ovation 1617-1 Legend Electric/ Acoustic Guitar, w hard Case $450.00

New Crescent RED METALLIC Electric Guitar + Accessories & FREE Guitar Stand! $74.99

100 X Acoustic Electric Guitar Picks Plectrums 0.71mm $6.99

ESP LTD M-1000 Electric Guitar $600.00

Black A Type Frame Electric Folding Guitar Stand $12.89

MINT 1979 Fender 25TH SILVER ANNIVERSARY STRATOCASTER Electric Guitar Strat! $2,770.00

DR Strings MT-10 Tite-Fit Medium Electric Guitar Strings 3-Pack $16.99

NEW VINTAGE STRAT STLYE METALLIC RED ELECTRIC GUITAR $167.99

Crescent NEW GREENBURST Electric Guitar+15w AMPLIFIER+ACC+ Guitar STAND $109.99

OVATION CC2474-5 ACOUSTIC-ELECTRIC BASS GUITAR $375.00

Black Quick change Clamp Trigger Capo for Electric & acoustic Guitar $0.81

Guitar Capo Quick Change for Electric & Acoustic Guitar clamp green key trigger $0.92

NEW VINTAGE STRAT STLYE METALLIC BLACK ELECTRIC GUITAR $169.99

NEW PRO JAZZ BOX SUNBURST SEMI HOLLOW ELECTRIC GUITAR $298.00

Set of 6 Steel Strings 150XL Gauge for Electric Guitar $0.99

~Sale New Crescent BLACK Electric Guitar+Strap+Gigbag and WARRANTY $69.99

Single Coil T-Style Electric Guitar Bridge Pick-Up NEW $7.99

Vintage Guild Starfire V Electric Guitar Bigsby Tail Piece 1965 Original Case $2,999.00

Ibanez Exotic Wood Series Acoustic/Electric Guitar w/MIDI pick-up w/case $300.00

NEW SWEET CHERRY QUILT HEAVY “Z” SLIM ELECTRIC GUITAR $263.99

NEW HAGSTROM VINTAGE HJ500 HOLLOW BODY ELECTRIC GUITAR $849.99

Fever Electric Guitar-Great Musical Instrument -NICE! $158.84

4 pcs Epiphone L.P Electric Guitar Volume Tone Bell Hat knurled Speed Knob Amber $0.99

Mosrite Ventures Bass Red 1966 Vintage Electric Bass Guitar $2,200.00

CHARVEL DST1-FR ELECTRIC GUITAR WITH FLOYD ROSE TREMOLO & EMG PICKUPS $499.99

2 PC Gold Strap lock End Pin for Electric Guitar strap buttons straplock #223111 $0.98

New Black Set of Electric Guitar pickups set of 3 Single Coil 48/50/52mm #223157 $4.88