How to Record Acoustic Guitar and Vocals
The process of recording is so different from the experience of performing. There's a specifically human element to playing live in front of a crowd, and its absence can feel weird to a musician who isn't used to it.
That live human element brings with it little imperfections that we often try to reduce in the studio in the name of more control. Sometimes, though, tracking an acoustic guitar and vocals separately can lead to recording that sounds lifeless.
Whether it’s a quick demo or a full–on studio session, tracking your vocals and guitar at the same time can be the perfect way to capture the excellent vibe that comes with live performance, as well as some killer tone. Getting good sound this way all depends on how you mic your performer.
Your first step is to decide what kind of vibe you're going for. Do you want a roomy tone that sounds like a live performance, or are you going for a tighter, more controlled studio sound?
Do you need maximum isolation from the guitar and the vocal so you can do time and pitch correction, or are you going for that “one mic, one take” off–the–cuff feeling?
Remember, every guitar, every musician, and every song is different. Try to find the setup that best serves the song, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different microphones or placements.
This is an excerpt from How to Record Acoustic Guitar and Vocals, originally published by Reverb. Read the full version here.
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