How to Record Guitar for Youtube Videos by Adam Rafferty - Part 1

FREE PDF - Get My Simple 7 Tool Home Studio Checklist www.adamraffer...
For this series that you are now watching:
Part 1: • How to Record Guitar f...
Part 2: • How to Record Guitar f...
Hi Gang,
Many of you have asked how I record my guitar for KZbin videos, so here goes!
First, here are 3 pretty good sounding guitar recordings in recent videos as an example:
Beatles "In My Life"
• "In My Life" - Adam Ra...
Beatles "Yesterday"
• "Yesterday" - Adam Raf...
John Lennon "Imagine"
• "Imagine" by John Lenn...
------
You are watching Part 1 of a 2 Part series which explains how I record the guitar audio.
Enjoy and feel free to contact me if you have any questions!
Adam

[@ctrlshift1528]

I've Been Searching For months looking for a great tutorial To help me record my first Fingerstyle video...Aaaaand GUESS WHAT!!! This is the Best Tutorial I've seen Thank You for Making great tutorials :)

[@carlmanguitar]

Thanks, Adam! Extremely helpful!

[@adamrafferty]

Thanks & groove on! 😊

[@evvignes]

Wow, that was extremely useful. Thank you for taking the time out to explain this.

[@DrHansenGuitar]

Outstanding good! The best instructional video I've seen. I'm a bit bad at the language but I understood every word. very pedagogically and inspiring.

[@Snapjaggery]

I recently bought a Maton with both the direct input AP5 and a sound hole mic which basically does the same as the condenser mic does. Gives a more live sound when you can hear fret noise etc. Great guitars.

[@chesterkerd7001]

Adam... you rock!!!

[@FedericoZagnoni]

very good Adam, I'm enjoyed with both your lessons ! I found them very useful, thanks a lot !!

[@adamrafferty]

If you check out some of my other videos where I use mics only - yes the sound is a little more "real" but the click of the pick, rustling around, and my scat singing are all as loud as the guitar. The DI gives a fat jazzy sound. Try both for yourself and see what you like. Thanks for commenting!

[@CurtisThorpe]

Great job with this Adam. Very helpful!!

[@Sawlon]

Good information, Adam! Thanks!

[@adamrafferty]

One you're set up, all you need to do is turn on lights, plug in, hit record on camera & H4. Pretty quick once you have the systems in place. Good Luck!

[@goonzalezful]

THANK YOU SO MUCH SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE!!! I want to get started making my own guitar videos, but need so much to learn. Then, I played your SUPER COOL video. Wow am I encouraged!!! Thank you and Keep it up!! I can now move forward,

[@adamrafferty]

Just check the link in the video description for all specs on all gear! Thanks for watching!

[@adamrafferty]

Yes, but I don't need to mix too much in - just a little mic gives what I need. Also I roll some lows off the mic, as I mainly need the mids & hi mids - this helps traffic noises & rumbles go away! Thank you -

[@900672]

Omg, You've answered all my question that i had in this both videos! Adam Thank you very much, thumbs up men

[@Snapjaggery]

I love your honesty. It's nice to know you are human too. I thought I was the only one punching in on little mistakes. :-)

[@chrisleeb]

Great tutorial bro. Touched on various view points a lot of other videos fail to put into perspective. Good job indeed, keep more instructional tutorials coming like this.

[@tompicker]

Thank you very much Adam !

[@salcarusomusic]

EXCELLENT Sound / live rec. setup [ I do virtually the same on live performance ] ... LONG TIME FAN / ADMIRER of your work Adam ! Peace / LOVE & Blessings , sal

[@adamrafferty]

Having different sources like a Mic and the PIckup will give depth, shadings, a feeling of space - and there will always be something that a real mic will get that a pickup can't. Yes, you can get a great recording with just the pickup, or just a mic - but the blending gives you more options later. Thanks for commenting!

[@zakdarby7490]

omg such a gr8 video you described every detail and its so kind of you to make this video massive help :))

[@smolankosays]

Thank you Adam this was incredibly useful!

[@adamrafferty]

The H4 makes a stereo track. Mic & DI are panned totally right & left. I use Audacity to turn that into 2 mono tracks. All the best - AR

[@petery30]

Just perfect,exactly what I was looking for to improve my videos:short,clear and understandable for beginners.So thanks a lot for your help and time making this video and also for the musical inspiration you are. Have you in preparation a version of the "Here,there and everywhere" from McCartney.Knowing how good you are at the beatles,I think it could be great.Thanks again.

[@adamrafferty]

Yes, Mic and Direct guitar get recorded to the H4, then I dump on to the computer, separate tracks & mix. Enjoy!

[@AdityaPurwanegaraBass]

Dude, the sound from maton guitar pick up was very beautiful

[@StringPegs]

Thank you very much. brother! I'm a big fan of your work too. I look up to you. I also hope to post some cover tunes from you soon. in other words, I just have to get it perfect first. like tommy emmanuel says. keep on pratictsik brother. have a brilliant day on peac

[@derofficer]

adam, you are such a nice guy and I have enjoyed listening to your advice; I happen to record and process the concerts I usually record quite the same way as you do, so we share some of our sound philosophy:-) best wishes from the south of germany michael

[@mufasamusic]

Hi Adam , really great stuff. Thank you for sharing your skills and knowledge. I also play funkyfingerstyle and you are a constant source of inspiration.

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Very useful - thanks sir.

[@TheSpanishGuitarHub]

I also wanted to buy Canon vixia because it has a mic input, but in Europe you cannot really buy that one. This video is so useful I am just about to make my videos more professional (according to recording).

[@KevinChoimusic]

Hi Adam, thanks so much for the lessons! Much appreciated. -Kevin's sound engineer (his dad)

[@TomWinter]

So, is that the Condenser mic plugged into the Zoom H4 via XLR? If so, I'm assuming that allows you to save the recording from the mic onto the H4, right? As well as getting them to record exactly at the same time?

[@Howardtripper]

tHIS SOUNDS LIKE A LOT OF WORK never thought it took so much to do a video

[@WillLiang]

Completely new to condenser mics so I would like to know is there anyway you can record directly into Garageband using the usb port?

[@adamrafferty]

I may have lots of false starts, but I'll try and get about 4 "takes" where I play all the way through - and use the one that sounds the most musical & groovy.

[@adamrafferty]

I know - the reason I use the H4 is for easy elimination of the sound of "whirring fans" in the laptop, plus I don't want to load up the hard drive with false takes. THis way, I can record stand-alone with no computer...just a matter of choice. Thanks for your comment!

[@antoniobaldassarre]

One IMPORTANT thing of recording guitar in this way is that you are constantly out of phase because of the distance between mic inside guitar and the other outside. This 2 sounds are for sure sometime in opposite phase and in theory this should not happen. I know that one can do what he likes...anyway. Hope it helps

[@tompicker]

Very useful !! Thanks

[@afriend8888]

thanks for making this. will definitely have to give it a shot after learning your stevie wonder arrangements that i just ordered recently. hope you can publish more of your arrangements soon! still waiting for those michael jackson covers!

[@goldhat3]

Hi Adam, very well done video, I am using a similar technique with my newer HD videos, and I happen to have the same Canon HD M40. Which video rez setting do you use on the Canon? I have found that after youtube renders the video, I don't see much difference in the higher rez, so I have been using SP or XP mode.

[@adamrafferty]

Read up on large diaphragm vs small diaphragm mics. I started wi hthe large, but for recordings I found a matched pair of smalls does different stuff. More crispy highs are caught, IMHO.

[@DavidRChapdelaine]

Helpful, thanks for posting!

[@StringPegs]

i love you man!:)i have been waiting for something like this adam :D

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Superb!

[@kidmusiclife]

Wow thanks for the advice

[@Bozemancurtis]

Thank you.

[@adamrafferty]

Curtis- thank you so much 😊

[@zenon.....]

hey there, awesome vid! do you ever have any trouble syncing the audio from the mic, and the video from the camera? or is it just a clean add? thanks

[@adamrafferty]

Man I have no idea....I point & shoot. I think I am importing at 960 x 540 into imovie...hope that helps! (Love that S & G geetar!!!!)

[@fomomoto3]

PS great way around recording annoying ambient sounds. If you compress the mic signal, does that bring the ambient noise back up out of the noise floor?

[@randyhaley1463]

Thanks for the tips!

[@gimpyjwilliams]

i was just curious as to why you don't just record withe the natural acoustic sound into the mic? i think you get a great sound naturally, but then again i can see how you said the direct signal kinda blocks out other noises and stuff so its a lil better for the audience, is that why you do the direct signal too? thank you!!

[@fomomoto3]

Can't you just cut and paste each of the left and tight channels into seperate open tracks in Garage Band as mono tracks and get the same end result? Or is that not possible in Garage Band?

[@calonpelajar3220]

nice presentation, thank you

[@fomomoto3]

Why do you transfer the H4 file to audacity, instead of directly into garageband? Please explain. As always great information and presentation. Thanks.

[@yashabhsrivastava]

hello sir which riff you played? can I have the tabs I am a beginner now.

[@desertdeke]

This was real helpful but I don't know why you can't just use a mixer and create 2 mono tracks directly into Garageband. Still, nicely done and helpful.

[@DebbieBarrette]

I’m curious why you would use the zoom instead of just via an interface to GarageBand?

[@adamrafferty]

Less hard drive whirring, less cables, less likelihood of software crapping out, zero space taken up on hard drives for out-takes. For CD recording - interface for sure, but for YT the zoom is just easier.

[@adamrafferty]

So many of my "mic only" vids have sounds of me scat singing, traffic, and the dreaded "pick click" - so much surface noise....the DI warms it up. Yes, less "natural" but the result is better in the end (for me).

[@pasha355]

great Adam! I did not know that you ara using russian mics :)

[@putanate]

Can i use these to record for electric guitar, It that difference?

[@StringPegs]

Hey adam. I want to ask a question? What is the difference between Oktava MK 319 to the Red NT5 Matched Pair as I have seen you use in some of the latest videon you. Wondering what to buy.! Peace out Bror

[@sasukeinferno4]

Hey adam. I have a maton EBG808TE fitted with the the APmic pickup. Do i still need the condenser mic?

[@GQJ]

thanks a lot for this modus operandi ! Very useful !

[@seandoyle454]

If I was to want to make something really lo-fi to start out with literally me and my acoustic would a microphone similar to yours pick up the guitar and vocals together clearly or would I need to have some way to get an input straight from the guitar? At some point down the line I'd expand my tools but to start I just want to test the waters.

[@jwallguitar]

very helpful. thanks

[@dweisbord]

Hi Adam - Just got a Focusrite Solo and having fun experimenting. In your set up do you ever use headphones plugged into your interface? Do you not do it because it breaks the illusion of just playing for an audience? Or do you not do it because the sound of the acoustic guitar is enough to provide the feedback you need. I play archtop and it would be great to get the feedback immediately, but then any video would have my head covered by headphones; of course that might not be a bad thing :) Thanks!

[@FedericoZagnoni]

Adam, on average, how many records you do before publishing it on youtube? only one or even more ?

[@Pipixcan69]

Hi Adam. Does the guitar lead go straight from the guitar into the Zoom or from the guitar into a DI and then into the zoom?

[@RyanChenMusic]

Hey Adam what's the blend setting you use on the Apmic? Are you using just the undersaddle pickup for the DI signal or the internal guitar mic as well? Love your stuff.

[@MarioOoGuitar]

Thank you very much Adam! :) MarioOo

[@mr.v7436]

hi sir can you make a video teaching us how to record a guitar cover outside the house like ( beach or forest )

[@AATANK1804]

But why dont you record directly through the audio Interface into your computer..??

[@nbguitar]

I don't know how to set up my Zoom H4n to record from the pickup with Audacity, I always hear a buzz instead of sound, can you please do a tutorial or explain how to set it up, thanks!

[@adamrafferty]

1/4 inch direct into the zoom. If you are geting no signal & only buzz, I'd need to see & troubleshoot your setup....

[@nbguitar]

Adam Rafferty Thank you for the reply, I've tried and it doesn't seem to work, I've posted some photos describing my setup on your google + account, please reply when you have the time I can't seem to figure out the problem, thanks!

[@adamrafferty]

Nicolaevici Bogdan NIco - you are trying to use the ZOOM as an interface to Audacity. Your problem lies here. I suggest an easier way: Record DIRECTLY onto the ZOOM - not to your computer. After that, drag the audio files on your computer. Open the files in Audacity. Split the WAV file into 2 mono tracks, so that the paning on each is center. Output 2 separate wav files. Try that, if it does not work, message me again!

[@nbguitar]

Adam Rafferty Thank you for replying :) I've tried to record directly and it's still the same buzz and there's almost no signal from the guitar, is it because of the cable maybe? Tomorrow I will try using another cable and let you know if it works, thank you for your time and advice :)

[@adamrafferty]

Nicolaevici Bogdan Break the problem down simply. First, plug your guitar into an amp, to make sure signal is coming out! If that works, plug into the zoom - if you get no signal, it's probably a zoom setting since you ruled out the guitar as the problem. Some pickups have a very quiet output, maybe that's it....keep searching!

[@benthemiester]

Are there any phase reversal problems with mic and direct at the same time?

[@oggiemarinski]

Hello Adam, i m comming very late to this video, in 2020 :) , but i have a question: How do you correct mistakes, like punch in a chord or a note? directly in garage band ?? or in the H4?? Thanks

[@adamrafferty]

Hey - In Garage band, or Logic you'll have to learn how to slice / use the razor tool. Find a spot where you played the same chord correctly, and copy / paste to replace the mistake. I should make a video on it....I'm sure there are videos on youtube...Logic is cooler than the older Garage bane because it has cross fades. You can fake crossfades on garageband, just do a google search.

[@oggiemarinski]

@@adamrafferty OK. Thank you!!

[@Diearscage]

hello, It's a very useful video. I'd like to ask you some advice for what I'd like to do... I play guitar and sing, so do you think this set up could work to record songs? In this case how can I manage to keep the external sounds from the street silenced?

[@adamrafferty]

I uprgeded to a ZOOM H6 - sounds great and has more inputs (voc mic would be easy.) Set your mic to a "cardioid" pattern, so it only picks up sound from one side. That won't totally eliminate street noise, but will help.

[@lmxqlmxq]

NYC! Yes !

[@rlennyr]

Hey Adam! Great video.. The guitar sounds awesome. Is that a stock Oktava 319 or a modded Oktava 319? I am looking for one but want to make sure that I get the right one..

[@adamrafferty]

Honestly, a lot of the sound you hear on this vid is the pickup. Matons acoustically are small but for stage they are THE SHIZZAT.

[@adamrafferty]

It's modded. I dropped & broke it and for repair found MIchael Joly / Oktava Mod. He suggested the mod as part of the repair. No idea what it changed, I just trust him :-)

[@Ohmywrx]

Thanks for the advice. I am really good at playing guitar the only problem is I will never get enough views that I want. It's so hard to get popular even if you shoot a great video

[@adamrafferty]

Victoria Fan That's not the point. Put a video up because you love playing, forget about the views. If you say you are good, show us!!!

[@JDGPicker]

Big fan from Buffalo....just uploaded some Chet stuff on my channel.

[@adamrafferty]

You need to experiment yourself with the tools to see what happens. You have a STEREO track from the H4. 2 steps needed - separate the stereo track into 2 tracks. Each track is SILENT on one side, hard panned 100% to the other because you now have 2 stereo tracks. Make each one mono, then bring into Garage Band (if you are using an H4)

[@Seif-Music-Videos]

Hi Adam, I was wondering, is there any difference in sound quality/input options between plugging the mic to the H4 and plugging it to the audio box?

[@adamrafferty]

Seif Maamoun I am using an H6 now and I’d say the preamps ona good interface (black box - I think that’s what you mean) are slightly better but hardly noticeable. For a CD recording I might use an interface but for KZbin the H6 is awesome.

[@Seif-Music-Videos]

Adam Rafferty Thank you Adam for your answer, I still got two last questions if possible: -why is an audiobox better for a CD? -If my guitar is already electro-acoustic, would using a piezo pick-up make any difference ? Cheers mate

[@adamrafferty]

@@Seif-Music-Videos For a great solo acoustic sound, a mic in front of the guitar will sound better. Sounds like you need to just dive in and try - experiment. You'll decide what you like best that way. Rock on!!!!

[@Seif-Music-Videos]

Adam Rafferty alright mate thanks a lot!

[@Seif-Music-Videos]

Only two mics used

[@JamesClark1991]

What microphone cradle are you using with that Oktava 319? I need one for my own! :)

[@joshwhite5766]

Probably a dumb question, but can I do the same process with a smartphone as my video recorder? Nice videos BTW.

[@adamrafferty]

Josh White You'l be stretching the limits. There are some snap on mics you could check out...

[@joshwhite5766]

What I'm wanting to do is use my smartphone as video only. I have a usb interface for all of the audio recording. I was just wondering if it were possible.

[@adamrafferty]

Josh White Depending on the camera, it may be just fine. Get a small holder / tripod...I know the newer samsung cameras rock, and my ipad mini would certainly be ok as well...

[@joshwhite5766]

good deal buddy. Thanks for the reply!

[@NRenio]

Great and thanks your share !!

[@vukstevanic]

How much does everything cost all together? :)

[@emirfarukcirit]

why makes the condenser michrophones a fucking sound like white noise ???

[@MikoNumeroUno]

Dear Mr. Rafferty, Thanks for the Audacity-tip ! Downloaded it and used it for my most recent upload. The sound of my most recent upload (Huiswaarts) is better than all before. Not as good a player as you but I'm working on it. Interested... ? You may check the link.. Keep the good work up !. 20131230 Huiswaarts .

[@winrar]

3:33 ".....you are also hearing that car outside"

[@adamrafferty]

Yeah 0- but I don't think the condenser MIc will pick up too much :-)

[@adamrafferty]

Right into the ZOOM!

[@danielsifuentes-bradford8028]

Stressful but hoping it could pay off

[@tenajswann242]

but im using windows

[@adamrafferty]

Whaddya kidding? I'm staying inside where it's safe!

[@gtrrobster]

"Here comes the Bach"

[@okisrbia]

lol, hahahah

[@adamrafferty]

No much time, my process is quick....

[@adamrafferty]

It could - but watch the whole video to see what I do....

[@adamrafferty]

Damn, I look VERY PINK!

[@SergeUnplugged]

Lol, did anything changed in your music production over the years? Thanks in advance