Guitar Double Tracking: Techniques for Width

Double tracking creates stereo width through two separate performances panned left and right. This fundamental technique defines modern guitar production. Understanding how to execute effective double tracking enables the wide, powerful guitar sounds heard in professional recordings.

How Double Tracking Works

Two performances of the same part are recorded. The natural timing and pitch variations between takes create stereo width. The human inability to play identically twice becomes a creative tool.

Panning the takes hard left and right creates the spread. The stereo image fills the space between speakers. The listener perceives width from the differences between sides.

The technique creates bigger sound than single guitar. Even with identical tone, doubled guitar sounds more powerful. The width and slight variations create impact.

Performing Double Tracks

Consistency matters for cohesive doubles. The two takes should be similar enough to sound unified. Dramatically different performances may sound disjointed.

Small variations create the width. Too identical sounds like a fake copy; too different sounds like two separate parts. Natural human variation provides the right amount of difference.

Playing to the first track helps consistency. Monitoring the initial take while recording the double encourages matching. The performer can follow their own timing.

Multiple takes provide options. Recording several doubles allows selecting the best matching pair. The extra effort provides better results.

Timing Considerations

Tight timing between tracks produces cohesive sound. Tracks far apart in timing create flamming that reduces impact. Close alignment produces focused power.

Some timing variation creates width. Perfectly aligned tracks collapse toward mono. The slight differences between human performances provide natural width.

Editing can tighten loose doubles. DAW editing aligns tracks more closely. This correction should be subtle—over-alignment removes width.

Tonal Matching and Variation

Similar tones between tracks create unified sound. Dramatically different tones may sound like separate parts. The tracks should clearly be doubles.

Subtle variation adds interest. Slightly different amp settings, pickup positions, or mic placements distinguish tracks. The differences should be subtle.

Complementary EQ can enhance separation. Slightly different curves on each track create definition. The differences help distinguish left from right.

Panning Strategies

Hard left and right panning creates maximum width. This standard approach fills the stereo field completely. Most double tracking uses this positioning.

Inside panning (not quite hard) creates different character. Tracks panned to 80% or so leave small center space. This approach suits some productions.

Consistency across the song provides stability. Moving guitar panning through the song can be disorienting. Consistent placement is usually preferable.

Double Tracking Clean Guitar

Clean guitars reveal timing differences more. The lack of compression from distortion makes alignment more critical. Tighter playing is necessary.

The width from clean doubles can be beautiful. The chorusing effect from subtle pitch variation suits many styles. Clean double tracking requires skill but rewards with richness.

Compression can help clean doubles. The dynamic control tightens the relationship between tracks. Light compression maintains character while improving cohesion.

Double Tracking Distorted Guitar

Distorted guitars hide timing imperfections better. The compression inherent in distortion smooths variations. Looser doubles can still sound powerful.

The width from distorted doubles defines rock and metal. The massive guitar walls come from doubled high-gain tracks. The technique is essential for heavy music.

Multiple layers beyond doubles add more power. Quad tracking with four takes creates even bigger walls. The layering suits extremely heavy productions.

ADT and Artificial Doubling

Automatic double tracking uses delay to simulate doubles. Slight delay with modulation creates pseudo-doubling. This technique works when real doubles aren’t available.

Real doubles outperform artificial doubling. The complex human variation exceeds what processing creates. When possible, real performance produces better results.

Artificial doubling suits specific applications. Quick demos, repair of tracks, or specific effects may use ADT. The technique has legitimate uses despite limitations.

Processing Double-Tracked Guitars

EQ can enhance the stereo effect. Different processing on left and right emphasizes the differences. The tracks become more distinct.

Compression on doubles can be applied individually or to the sum. Individual compression maintains separation; bus compression glues them together. Both approaches have uses.

Reverb and delay typically apply to the summed pair. Spatial effects on the stereo guitar image create unified ambience. Separate effects on each track can sound disconnected.

Common Double Tracking Issues

Phase problems from identical or near-identical performances. When tracks are too similar, phase cancellation occurs. More performance variation helps.

Timing issues creating flamming rather than width. When tracks are too far apart, attacks lose impact. Tighter performance or editing addresses this.

Tone mismatch making tracks sound like separate parts. When tracks don’t belong together, the double fails. More consistent tone between takes helps.

Genre Applications

Rock and metal double tracking is standard practice. Nearly all modern heavy guitar productions use the technique. The width is expected in these genres.

Pop and alternative use doubles for specific sections. Choruses might feature doubled guitars while verses have single. The contrast creates dynamics.

Some genres rarely double track. Jazz, blues, and acoustic music often use single guitar tracks. The more intimate presentation suits these styles.