Recording acoustic guitar requires a totally different method than recording the electric guitar.
Since it’s an acoustic instrument – as opposed to a plugged in electric one – there are a few different techniques that you need to keep in mind when tracking an acoustic. Read on for my top ten recording tips for an easier acoustic experience
1. Use a condenser microphone
Condenser microphones are more suitable for recording acoustic guitar than the dynamic microphone. The sensitivity of the condenser helps capture the sound of the acoustic guitar as accurately as possible.
2. Avoid too much bass
It’s a common misconception that the best sound from the acoustic guitar is captured at the sound-hole. Normally, a microphone pointed at the sound-hole results in too much bass.
3. Be aware of the sweet spot
The sweet spot is at the 12th fret, normally where the neck joins the body of the acoustic guitar. Recording acoustic guitar with a microphone pointed at the sweet spot usually captures a good blend of highs, lows and mids.
4. Use New Strings
New strings are a must if you want to record a clear and brilliant acoustic guitar. No amount of mixing is going to fix an acoustic guitar with old and worn strings.
5. Record Direct
If you are looking for an alternative sound and your acoustic guitar has a plug, it might be a good idea to record direct. Just plug your guitar into a DI box and use some of the great guitar recording software that’s available to spice up your acoustic guitar sound.
6. First Fret Brilliance
In order to capture the delicate sound of the string a microphone placed at the first fret can pick up the intricacies of the strings. This can bring a whole new dimension to your acoustic guitar sound. Check out the First Fret Trick When Recording Acoustic Guitar for more information.
7. Record in Stereo
Recording acoustic guitar in stereo will capture a much fuller and wider sound than only using one microphone. Check out my handy guide to Stereo Microphone Techniques at the TutsPlus marketplace.
8. Double-track with different mic techniques
If you are double tracking the same guitar part for added depth, try experimenting with different microphone techniques. Not only will it give your guitar parts added depth by double-tracking but the difference in sound might create some interesting textures.
9. Use ribbons for a different sound
Ribbon microphones, if you have access to them, can give your acoustic guitar sound a smoother and different sound than recording with a condenser.
10. Subtle position changes nail that perfect sound
The way recording works is that even the slightest microphone change can affect the sound. By just subtly changing the position or direction of the microphone you can find that perfect acoustic guitar sound you are looking for.
Ps.
For an in-depth guide on recording acoustic guitar, check out Joe Gilder’s Acoustic Guitar series.
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4 Comments on "Top Ten Methods For Recording Acoustic Guitar"
I’ve been here a few times and it seems like your articles get more informative each time. Keep it up I appreciate reading them.
Lots of good reading here, thank you! I was searching on yahoo when I identified your post, I’m going to add your feed to Google Reader, I look forward to a lot more from you.
If you’re recording yourself, as many of us are, acoustic guitar is a great way to learn the effects of mic placement quickly (albeit with headphones), but nothing showcases how much difference moving a mic just a little makes. A word of warning, too–when you’re tracking with headphones, you’ll be able to hear details you wouldn’t normally hear. It tends to make some players–myself included–too focused on detail and gets us out of the performance zone. Dial back the volume in your cans and relax–a great performance trumps a great tone every time.
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