There are several reasons why you would want to learn how to record yourself playing guitar: you might want to build a youtube channel to display your abilities, or you might want to listen to your guitar recording to correct any mistakes in your sound. Whatever the situation, we’re here to offer some tips on recording yourself playing guitar.
If you’re just learning how to play the guitar, recordings may seem to be a million miles away. However, regardless of how long you’ve been playing, self-recording is one of the most effective techniques to develop all aspects of your guitar playing. Continue reading to learn how to self-record when playing guitar.
What You Will Need
Daw Software
A digital audio workstation is sometimes known as a DAW. This form of recording software may make your recordings sound like they were made in a studio. If you’re on Windows, Studio One is ideal, but you can use whatever you like.
GarageBand is a free program that comes pre-installed on most Apple computers. For novices, Garage Band is a fantastic application! We recommend it, especially if your Apple machine already has it pre-installed. You can use it to make some high-quality recordings! Try LogicProX if you’re searching for something more professional; this is the improved recording software from Apple.
Audio Interfaces
How can you get your recording into the software once you have it? To do so, you’ll need an audio interface.
The audio interface accepts your microphone or a guitar cable. This would then establish a connection with your machine (via USB). You can also listen to what you’ve captured by plugging your headphones into this.
A two-in-two-out interface is a suitable alternative for novices in home recording. You may then connect your acoustic or electric guitar and your microphone in this manner.
Video Editing Software
If you’re using a Mac, you can use iMovie to edit your videos. If you’re working on a PC, we recommend Davinci Resolve.
Microphone
It’s pretty easy to overpay on mics! As a result, make sure to do your homework.
Find something that fits your budget and particular requirements. If you play electric, you can connect it to your audio interface directly. To record your voice, you will still need a microphone.
You’ll need a few microphone accessories. A microphone stand, appropriate cable, and pop shield/reflector protection are essential.
An acoustic guitar plugged into an audio interface will not provide the same sound as a microphone. So if you enjoy playing acoustic guitar, you’ll want to look for a microphone that can record both your voice and your guitar.
Cameras for Recording Guitar Videos
People nowadays expect to see appealing films on YouTube. A poor video recording might detract from an outstanding guitar performance.
While you will require a high-quality camera capable of making good films, this does not necessitate the purchase of an expensive camera.
To be considered acceptable, videos on YouTube must have a minimum resolution of 1080p (1920 x 1080), often known as Full HD.
Fortunately, a smartphone can shoot 1080p videos in excellent quality, so you may not need to purchase a camera at all. You might also get an external webcam to shoot your videos with. The Logitech C920 Pro Webcam comes highly recommended. Another alternative is to use a DSLR camera.
Camera stands and tripods allow you to set your camera exactly where you want it for the best camera viewpoints.
If you want to attempt recording guitar videos with your smartphone, you’ll need to purchase an attachment that allows users to connect your smartphone to a camera stand or tripod.
Creating a Recording Environment
After you’ve purchased a camera and a tripod or stand, you’ll need to decide where you’ll record your films.
Background Video
When choosing a background for your video, you have two basic possibilities. You can either display your room in the background or shut it out with a screen.
Make your room as attractive as possible if you want to show it off. The fewer background distractions, the better.
You could either use a simple screen or fabric for a neutral wall or use a green screen to erase the background during editing if you want to block off your room.
Choose a background that complements the music you’re listening to. If you’re recording a peaceful song, for example, you may film it outside in a park or near a lake. Another advantage of recording guitar videos outdoors is that natural lighting is available.
The importance of good video lighting cannot be overstated.
As we already stated, all cameras these days are at the very least acceptable, assuming adequate illumination.
If you don’t have enough illumination, it doesn’t matter how great your video camera is. In low-light situations, even the expensive DSLR will look bad.
The use of specialized lights in the proper placements is the key to good video illumination.
When recording guitar, there are a variety of camera angles to consider.
Filming yourself (and your guitar) from various camera angles is one of the finest methods to improve the production quality of your YouTube guitar video.
If you watch a professional music video, you’ll notice that it rarely stays in the same scene for more than a few minutes before changing to another scenario/camera viewpoint.
The idea is to mimic this in your guitar video to make it more visually attractive and hold the viewer’s attention.
Finally, How Should I Start Recording My Videos?
There are two main methods for recording the audio for your video. The best way for you will be determined by the sort of guitar you have and how you intend to set up your guitar tones.
While you could use the built-in microphone on your camera or smartphone, we do not advocate it. When it concerns recording guitars, even the most expensive cameras have lousy microphones when it involves recording guitars, so don’t even think about it. Likewise, avoid using your camera’s microphone if you want high-quality audio in your videos.
Microphone and amplifier
To record your amplifier, the first technique is to utilize a microphone. Next, you attach a microphone to an audio interface and set it in front of your amp’s speaker.
Alternatively, if you’re strumming an acoustic guitar, you can record your acoustic guitar using a microphone. This is the most excellent method for acoustic musicians, combined with any piezo pickups integrated into your guitar.
Direct Recording
We advise you to use Direct Recording. The basic concept is to plug your guitar into an audio interface and record it directly into a DAW. Then, using software like AmpliTube, or Line 6 Helix Native, you can create the ideal emulated amplifiers, mics, and presets for any tone you want.
And that’s all there is to it! So, gather your equipment and record yourself playing the guitar.
Conclusion
We hope you all enjoyed this article. Hopefully, you learned a few pointers that you can use in your guitar videos. Happy Reading!