How to Record Guitar in Pro Tools

In this tutorial you will learn how to record your guitar in any version of Pro Tools (in 4 easy steps).

 

1. Get an Audio Interface

To begin you will need an audio interface to get started. This is what you will directly connect your guitar or microphone into, which in turn will connect via a USB into your computer. There are many options available to purchase, but today we will be using the Scarlett Solo by Focusrite.

For best results connect your guitar straight into your interface, bypassing all external pedals/ effects. This will give you a clean signal and a great starting point to play with everything Pro Tools has to offer. Adding effects to a clean signal is much easier then taking them away from a dirty one.

Note: It is important when first starting off to obtain as clean of a sound as possible, as this is ideal for mixing and mastering. The more experienced you are the more you can experiment with the pedals you have at home to capture the exact sound you want.

2. Setup Pro Tools

When you first open Pro Tools you will be given the option to create a brand-new blank project, or open one of the pre-existing templates. It is recommended to explore the pre-existing templates to get a feel for how to tackle and structure different genres, but for now we will be starting from scratch. To do so uncheck the “create from template” box and click “create” at the bottom right to begin. 

Welcome to Pro Tools! You should now see a blank workplace.

Now you will need to setup the playback engine to select which audio driver your computer needs to operate your hardware (Setup > Playback Engine). This will be the first step to setup your audio interface and speakers/ studio monitors. This should be a one-time setup unless you change your equipment down the line.

You will need to make sure you have all the correct drivers installed with Pro Tools. ASIO4ALL is recommended as it will cover almost all interfaces making this step as stress free as possible, and in our case is already connected. If you are using another driver or audio interface, you will see a drop-down menu to choose the different options.

Next you need to setup your hardware (Setup > Hardware). This will let you select the exact inputs and output you currently have plugged in and installed to your computer.

Note: Click the wrench icon in the corner to open the advanced options.

Make sure you also adjust your latency compensation once you are familiar with your speakers. Latency is the time it takes for your computer to interpret the signal coming from your guitar or microphone and send it through your speakers as sound. This may result in a slight delay in your output that needs to be compensated for.

Note: Latency compensation should be done after step 3, as you won’t be able to hear your guitar through your speakers until then.

3. Create a New audio Track

You are now ready to add your first audio track (Track > New). To record your guitar, make sure the settings are set to mono, and audio track. There are many different types of tracks that you can add to your workspace, but for now we’ll start with the basics. You also have the option to rename the track, which is useful when organizing a large project (can always adjust later).

Once you create the track, you will see it in your main workspace, but before you can use it you need to assign the correct inputs and outputs to the new audio track, that we just added to your system. If you don’t see the I/O section you can add it to your track by pressing the symbol at the top left of the track.

Next, arm your track to record by hitting the small record button on the right side. Arming a track is how Pro Tools knows which track you want to record on, which is needed when many tracks and instruments are being used in the same session. This will now let you hear your guitar being played through your speakers for the first time. You’ll know everything is working correctly when you see the sound meter levels reacting to your guitar.

Note: If the sound level is at the very top of the meter (in the red), you’ll hear unwanted noise making for a bad signal for Pro Tools to manipulate. Adjust the gain and/or volume input to be lower on your guitar and/or interface. Aim for the clearest input as possible. Latency compensation can also be adjusted at this stage. 

4. Record Your Guitar

With everything setup and ready to go, you are now ready to record your guitar! Press the Record Enable button at the top right of your screen, then hit the space bar or play button and Pro Tools will start recording. 

Click the space bar again or stop button to stop recording and save the audio you just played. You can now adjust and edit this track as you want to get the exact sound you are looking for. 

You can also add different effects on top of your audio file, using the built-in plug-ins Pro Tools has to offer, or third-party plug-ins available to purchase. To do so hit the blank space under the Inserts section of your track.

Many effects can be added on to one track, acting just as your external guitar pedals would, routing through your amp at home.

This is the basics of starting to record a track using Pro Tools, but there is much more that Pro Tools has to offer. Once you are an expert, you will breeze through all of this without a second thought. Keep learning and keep exploring all that Pro Tools is capable of!

Written by Mark Major

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If you need further help creating your own music, we offer audio production and online mixing services that will help you elevate your sound and bring your song to life!

We look forward to being a part of your success.

11 Tips for Recording Guitar Like a Pro

Trying to capture the sound of an electric guitar on a recording can be difficult unless you have the right equipment and knowledge to do so. 

The good thing is, learning how to record guitar that sounds good is pretty straightforward to learn. 

Below I’ll be going through 11 easy tips to recording guitar that sounds professional.

Set-up

Before we get started, let's go through some gear that will help you when recording. 

1. An audio interface for connecting your guitar to your computer

2. Microphone

3. A Digital Audio Workstation, or DAW for short

4. Plugins, which are software you use within your DAW to add effects

5. Monitors or headphones so you can hear the audio without colouring the sound

If you’ve been producing music for a while, you’ll probably have all of this gear already, if not that’s ok too, you just need the basics like a DAW and a microphone to start.

Microphones

When you’re recording your guitar, it’s a good idea to record your amp. The best type of microphone for recording an amp is a cardioid dynamic microphone. 

When you record from home, the acoustics usually aren't the best. A cardioid dynamic mic can help with that. The cardioid dynamic mic blocks sound from the ear and they aren’t as sensitive to loud noises which makes them ideal for recording guitar. 

Cardioid dynamic mics pick up sound from the direction they are pointed at and block out any sound coming from behind. 

You can learn more about different types of microphones in this article from Musician on a Mission.

Check out the SM57 if you’re interested in purchasing a cardioid dynamic mic. 

Mic Positioning

As mentioned before, your mic should be set up to record your amp. Ideally, your mic would be placed close to the amp to pick up any unnecessary noise.  

Your mic will pick up the best tone 0-5 inches, or 0-12.5 centimetres away from your microphone. 

If you have two microphones, try placing one farther away from the amp. This will create a roomier tone when recorded

Finding the Right Tone

It’s easy to get excited when recorded and forget some important steps. It’s important to spend a good chunk of time adjusting the EQ (equalization) on your amp and the tone controls on your guitar. 

Your goal is to have a recorded guitar tone that needs no equalization in the mix phase. It may sound difficult but it’s pretty easy to achieve. 

One good tip to remember when trying to achieve this is, turn the bass knob down a bit, as you don’t need much low end on the guitar. 

Adjusting Position and Tone

When you adjust the position and tone, you want to find the speaker cone of your amp. If you look inside the front grill, you’ll be able to tell if it’s a cloth grill. 

Position the microphone close to the amp and about halfway between the centre and the edge of the speaker cone.

If you move the microphone back and forth between the centre and the edge, the tone will become brighter or darker. 

Here’s a diagram to illustrate this concept.

As you move your microphone around you will hear the sound become darker/duller towards the edge and bright or aggressive closer to the centre. 

Some things to keep in mind

• Use a brighter tone to record lead guitar

• Use a darker tone to record a supportive part

• Use a brighter tone to record low frets

• Use a darker tone for high frets
  
  
  
  

Finding a Tone that fits with the Mix

It's important to hear the tone of the guitar in the context of the mix. So try playing along with the track as you adjust the tone. Set the tone at a place where the guitar sounds good with the rest of the track, not by itself. 

Reference Tracks

If you’re struggling to find a tone that fits well with your mix, you can find a song that has the sound you’re going for and compare it to your sound. 

Listen to the song and identify the tone. Is it clean or distorted? bright or warm? Once you identify that, you can compare it to the sound of the guitar you are recording. Then adjust your equipment accordingly. 

Changing the Tone When Overdubbing

It’s not uncommon for one guitarist to play multiple different parts in one piece. This is called overdubbing. 

An example of this would be playing the same chord progression twice and then pan one hard left and the other hard right. 

If you want to create separation in your mix, try changing the tone a bit every time you record a new part. 

Use Less Distortion and Amp Reverb

When you distort your guitar for a recording, it ends up sounding way more distorted in the mix. 

A distorted guitar has its place in live music, but when you’re recording it’s best to use less distortion. 

When you’re mixing and decide you want more distortion, it’s easy to add with an amp simulator. 

The same goes for amp reverb. If you have it on while you’re recording, you’re stuck with it. If you record with no distortion or reverb, you’ll be able to add it if you need it. 

Amp Size

The size of your amp doesn’t matter when you’re recording guitar. Because your mic will be placed close to one speaker, it doesn’t matter if that amp has one speaker or twelve. 

Many musicians prefer to have a smaller amp while recording because they like the tone. 

Headroom

A clean guitar can be very dynamic so make sure your levels are set with plenty of headroom. 

BONUS TIP:

Recording Directly

Producing professional-sounding songs from home requires some compromise.

If you are recording from home, try recording the guitar directly and then using an amp simulator to capture a good sound. 

If you decide to go this route, make sure you have a proper DI box.

This video will walk you through what a DI box does.

If you end up wishing you had recorded using an amp, you still can. A re-amping box can be used to play a clean recorded guitar track out of your DAW and into your amp. 

This way, you can take your time adjusting the tone before recording.

However, re-amping boxes are expensive and not ideal in a home studio. If you are recording at home, consider every option you have and choose wisely, because it’s difficult to change your mind. 

Written By: Leah Gerber

conclusion

Recording guitar can is straightforward once you have the right knowledge and equipment to do so. Don’t get too frustrated though if you’re still having issues with it. It will take a lot of trial and error to get the perfect guitar sound.

Are you a guitar recording pro? let us know in the comments what tips helped you get better at it!

How to Start Playing Guitar in 5 Easy Steps

Guitar is the gateway instrument to musical freedom. Once you know how to play guitar, you can express yourself, start learning how to write songs, entertain a few friends or millions of people around the world! The opportunities are endless.

Now if you're reading this it means you have at-least some interest in learning guitar, and thats great! I'm excited for you, but I know how overwhelming it can be to simply START! So I have created this simple guide to get you on the right track and playing.

Here are the 5 easy steps to start playing guitar:

1. Decide on Acoustic or Electric Guitar

Before buying a guitar, decide on either Acoustic or Electric guitar. I recommend to start with Acoustic Guitar, because it is harder to play. I know that sounds weird but let me explain. If you learn acoustic properly your fingers will become so strong that moving to electric will be a lot easier, once you know how to play. Also for acoustic you don't have to buy an amplifier so it will cost less, and it's more versatile because you can play it anywhere. Whether its serenading your significant other outside their window, or at a campfire with friends... It just works.

2. Buy a Guitar

In order to play guitar, you need a guitar... Obviously aha. Sometimes if you're lucky enough you can find one lying around the house or hidden in the basement somewhere, but if you don't... Buy one. Now the first place I would go is kijiji, a garage sale or anywhere you can get a used guitar. You'd be surprised how many people are selling great used guitars for cheap, so you can't go wrong. If you want a new guitar go to your local music store like Long & McQuade or Sherwood, just talk to one of the sales people and explain your situation and budget and they'll be really helpful in giving you the right option.

3. Get a Tuner

A tuner is a little device that helps keep your guitar in-tune. It's really important to have one because you want to make sure you are hitting the right notes, and if your guitar is out of tune you won't be able to know. Which tuner should you buy? There are a lot of different tuners at different price points but you just need one that has a mic (for acoustic) and a direct input (for electric). I recommend the Korg CA-40 it has both and cost around 20 dollars on Amazon here. Now if you're just playing acoustic guitar you can download this awesome tuner app for your smartphone called GuitarTuna. Download it on Google Play here or on the App Store Here. It works great and it's really convenient, its like having a tuner with you wherever you go! Did I mention its free, oh yeah.

4. Find a Practice Zone

Okay you have a guitar in one hand and a tuner in the other. Tune up your guitar and find a place to play! I recommend to practice somewhere you are most of the time, like your bedroom. Make it as easy as possible for you to play, get a guitar stand and place your guitar right next to a chair or your bed. Doing this will help you practice more with less effort. 

5. Learn How to Play Guitar

In order to start making progress in your guitar playing journey you need someone to teach you. At the beginning you can start learning using various youtube guitar teachers like Justin Sandercoe or Marty Schwartz they are both great, but eventually it is definitely worth it to go to an in person guitar teacher based on your learning style. In person lessons help you get the technique down, and furthers advancement much faster. Your local music store usually offers lessons as well but every teacher is different. Find the right fit for you. If you're interested in learning from an Award Winning Singer/Songwriter from Kitchener, click here for more info.  

In the end the most important part of learning guitar is practicing, without practice you won't advance, like anything else in this world. Try to learn songs and styles you truly love because this will help you stay motivated, and focused to continue progressing.

If you have any questions related to this guide, send me an email at jonathan@jonystudios.com and I'll be happy to answer.

Happy playing!

- JONY