Recording Electric Guitar Tips

Electric guitar recording involves capturing the interaction between instrument, amplifier, and speaker in ways that translate effectively to recorded media. Various approaches suit different sounds, budgets, and environments.

Amp Miking Fundamentals

Close microphone positioning on the speaker cone captures focused, direct tone. The Shure SM57 positioned one to four inches from the grille cloth represents the standard starting point.

Speaker cone position dramatically affects tone. Center positioning produces bright, aggressive sounds. Edge positioning yields warmer, darker tones. Most engineers find optimal results between center and edge.

Angle affects frequency capture. Straight-on positioning captures the full frequency range. Off-axis positioning reduces high frequencies, which can tame harsh amps.

Multiple Microphone Approaches

Combining microphones captures broader tonal range. A dynamic like the SM57 paired with a ribbon like the Royer R-121 blends bite with warmth.

Phase relationships between microphones require attention. Positioning both microphones at equal distance from the speaker ensures phase coherence.

Recording each microphone to separate tracks provides mixing flexibility. Blend decisions can be refined during mixing rather than committed during tracking.

Room Microphone Options

Adding a room microphone captures ambient dimension. Positioned several feet from the cabinet, the room mic provides natural space that close mics lack.

The room’s acoustic character becomes part of the sound when room mics are used. Reverberant rooms add ambience while dead rooms contribute minimal room character.

Compressing room microphones heavily creates aggressive, explosive sounds. This technique adds energy and punch when blended with close mics.

Direct Recording Advantages

Recording direct through amp simulators eliminates room and volume concerns. The guitarist can work at any time without disturbing others.

Modern amp simulators produce convincing tones that compete with miked amplifiers. Plugins from companies like Neural DSP, Line 6, and others provide extensive options.

Direct recording provides complete flexibility to change amp sounds after recording. The clean DI signal can feed any amp simulation during mixing.

Capturing DI for Flexibility

Recording both amplifier and direct signals simultaneously preserves options. The direct signal enables reamping or amp simulation if the original amp sound doesn’t work.

DI signals should be recorded before any processing. A simple DI box or instrument input provides the clean signal needed for later reamping.

This dual approach costs only an additional track while providing significant flexibility.

Gain Staging Considerations

Guitar amp output can be extremely loud. Engaging microphone pads and preamp pads may be necessary to avoid overload.

Setting recording levels with the amp at performance volume ensures appropriate gain staging. Amps often sound different at recording volume than at setup volume.

Leaving headroom for unexpected peaks protects against clipping during energetic performances.

Performance Monitoring

Guitarists need to hear their amp or modeled sound while performing. Direct monitoring or low-latency software monitoring provides the responsive feedback they need.

Headphone monitoring levels should be comfortable without causing fatigue. Extended sessions at high monitoring levels affect performance quality.

The monitoring environment affects playing. Guitarists who can’t hear their tone clearly may play differently than intended.

String and Setup Factors

Fresh strings record with more brightness and clarity than worn strings. Changing strings before important sessions ensures optimal tone.

Proper intonation prevents tuning problems throughout the neck. Checking intonation before recording prevents frustration from out-of-tune notes.

Action height and overall setup affect playability and recorded sound. Well-set-up guitars play better and sound cleaner than neglected instruments.