How to Record Guitar in Audacity: Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial

[@AaronMatthies]

Check out Audacity tips and solutions to common problems in the full guide here: guitargearfinder.com/guides/how-to-record-guitar-in-audacity/

[@pynnehkuparsyiemlieh]

I use audacity just for recording but I use fl studio for mixing the recorded music in the audacity.

[@viorelush4187]

I just can't believe how well you explained this. I never used any recording programs, but now I feel like I could do it easily. Wonderful tutorial!

[@TheMichaelseymour]

thank you -as a seasoned home recording enthusiast , i have started in late 80s on tascam 4 track- then to a digital korg 12 trk - then a DAW cakewalk "music creator 5 " ...of which i used till couple of months ago - and my PC was FULL of original music ...i then went out and got a tascam 8 trk ...apx month ago...cant figure it out - took me years to get the cakewalk program down ...and for somebody with A.D.D .. This is upsetting to now have to find a new DAW ...tried band lab last week ...not intuitive to me ....so THIS simple platform is going to keep me happy till i find something i like ...so BIG thnx ....really helping me as i am missing recording like mad .......good vid

[@maskofsorrow]

Well done Aaron. Very helpful.

[@mangsiginting1737]

After recording for 30 seconds, the sound I recorded becomes distorted. Please advise what to do. Thanks.

[@gutgobbler1121]

It mightve been cuz of the bpm

[@timhartsough6773]

switch to heavy metal riff?

[@crazystrings6302]

This channel has far less subscribers than it should have for the detail in every video plus the replies to the queries. Will try to spread it !

[@AaronMatthies]

Thanks for the kind words. I may be slow in creating new videos, but I really do try to make them as useful as possible without clickbait or dragging them out like so many other videos.

[@spencerjames9417]

Will this work if your guitar is connected to a pedal?

[@NelsLindahl]

Super helpful 🎉😂🎉 thank you!

[@crazystrings6302]

Thanks man you cleared a lot of stuff for me. But I have a question, I want to record acoustic guitar and a audio interface is not in my budget, so what would be better, a guitar pickup (mine doesn't have an inbuilt one) or a USB mic ?

[@AaronMatthies]

The good thing about using a USB mic is that you can use it with other instruments later on - something you can't do with a pickup installed in your guitar. Also, you can only get one tone from an internal pickup, but you can get different tones from a USB mic depending on how you position it. So you'll likely find a USB microphone more useful.

[@crazystrings6302]

@@AaronMatthies Thanks for that, appreciate it !

[@hugostiglitz4452]

I used a USB mic even with an electric guitar and no amp. Recorded the audio and upped the amplification volume and edited with effects

[@JánosCserbán-t5j]

Thanks mate👍

[@techhdan]

Hi, great video. I was hoping you would go further into showing a recording sample. I can't figure out how to start recording from a select point in the track. Whenever i click record it starts recording at the end. If i press Shift + R then it starts recording from the beginning. I can't figure out how to record from the middle of a selected track. Any help appreciated.

[@AaronMatthies]

If you click somewhere on the track, it will start recording from that position. If there isn't already audio on that track in that position, it'll start recording from there. If you're trying to record over an existing track, you'll need to record the new part on a new track, then merge them. I suggest going through the recording section of the Audacity manual as it explains all the different options for recording. The Punch and Roll recording section might be relevant for you.

[@ArtemorbidMusician]

Thank you so much

[@carambafunciona]

Thank you for the video, great advices!

[@markjoseph7366]

Cool tutorial bro❤️i have a question. Does irig 1 okay to use in audacity?

[@AaronMatthies]

It should work fine when plugged into the line in jack.

[@markjoseph7366]

@@AaronMatthies thanks bro❤️

[@AbhisekChakravorty]

hi thanks for sharing such a nice video, if you can please help me with something I connected my guitar in audaciry through my guitar processor well it recorded whatever i play however the sound output is coming from my guitar amp, is there any way i can change it to my computer speakers

[@AaronMatthies]

What happens when you select your computer speakers from the output dropdown menu?

[@AbhisekChakravorty]

@@AaronMatthies it still lets out the sound from the amps

[@AaronMatthies]

But does it also play audio through your speakers? What processor are you using and how do you have your guitar connected to everything else?

[@AbhisekChakravorty]

@@AaronMatthies I have a very simple set up i connect my guitar with the input in my multieffects guitar processor and the processor is connected by USB in computer and the amps are connected to the line out socket of the processor , i selected the guitar recording source in audacity which is my processor and it records fine , the only thing is when i play the guitar the sounds comes out from the amp , even though i selected computer speakers as line out in Audacity ,

[@AaronMatthies]

If you've already tried different options in Audacity such as Windows WASAPI or MME, you'll have to look at your multieffects unit's manual or website to see if there's something you need to change on the pedal.

[@errolsim]

i connected a bass. i can only hear it on playback. is there a way i can hear it even when not on recording?

[@paulo1149]

Very well-done, informative tutorial. Thanks.

[@martyjames6204]

excellent, thank you

[@JimWright1950]

Great tutorial. It helped me a lot.

[@chronicallyacute9665]

Great video! I was just wondering if it would work with a regular iRig 2?

[@AaronMatthies]

It should work if you plug it into your computer's line in jack.

[@marspazz8205]

Every time I record , my recording doesn’t line up with the instrumental when I play it back

[@AaronMatthies]

You'll need to adjust the latency compensation setting as covered in the guide.

[@coolwaterdvr]

Thank you! 🙏

[@almondjones5267]

Can I do this without an interface but just guitar to USB?

[@AaronMatthies]

A guitar to USB cable is pretty much a compact audio interface, so it should work fine.

[@oceangraveproject]

Several latency when i hear from the pc satellites. Can i set this problem ?

[@NeverAgain94]

But how to export audio WITH the amp effects on it??

[@nd6906]

Hi ! Thank you very much for this tutorial. But I still have a problem to record. Recording doesn't start because sounds doesn't arrive in Audacity. I use Zoom 505 II guitar on my interface Behringer UMC404HD, with headphone plugged in interface, and I hear the sound of my guitar, but no one signal appears on Audacity. Why ? I'm lost... 😥

[@AaronMatthies]

I don't have that interface so I can't check, but my guess is you might have to change between the different audio driver options to find the one that works with your interface. Try changing between Windows WASAPI, MME, and DirectSound to see what works and what doesn't.

[@nd6906]

@@AaronMatthies thank you very much for your answer. 😊 I tried with different audio drivers options. Unfortunately, it still doesn't work... 😢

[@AaronMatthies]

Hmm that's not good. Search for your interface model in the Audacity forum because I can see a few people have talked about it. You might find that somebody else has had the same problem and shared a solution.

[@notmichael3610]

Is it possible to monitor your guitar while recording so you can hear it while you record?

[@AaronMatthies]

You can turn on audio monitoring when recording in the preferences menu. Go to Edit > Preferences, then select Recording and check the box next to ‘Software playthrough of input’.

[@HighOnFire1997]

I tried recording my guitar yesterday through Audacity but it wasn't picking up my plug in. I could hear it with distortion through my headphones but when playing the track it was clean

[@peterziegen3738]

Same problem here, my quad cortex sounds well distorted directly through my speakers but when recording i only get clean tones. It drives me mad...

[@zeynepsonat6838]

thank youuuuuuu so much

[@fu2201]

How can you hear it as you play

[@nuclearguitar779]

Aaron Matthews Is the audio quality going to be any better using the Focusrite Scarlett or the iRig VS running a USB cable cable into the computer from my guitar amp and then recording with Audacity? I'm doing the USB cable into the computer USB port as of now; and the quality ain't so great.

[@AaronMatthies]

What amp are you using and what audio settings have you set? Some amps seem to do a better job at sending a good quality signal to the computer than others.

[@JesseOrSomething]

when i press play or record it resets amplitube to the default preset

[@standupstraight9691]

didnt mention post recording EQ or compression, which would be more valuable.

[@vipanchoudhary7714]

How to edit guitar sound to hear professional? Make vedio on this

[@AxelAlexK]

I have an M Track Duo interface. My issue is Audacity for some reason won't let me listen and record through the interface at the same time. If I select the interface as both the input and playpack device audacity just won't do anything when I hit record. If I use my computer speakers for the playback device it will work, but then I get lag so it's not usable. I'm trying to record a song with multiple parts...anyone have any ideas? This is driving me nuts.

[@Notra_bel]

I have a question. Why Cant I hear the sound of my guitar while I am recording ?

[@AaronMatthies]

Try going Edit > Preferences > Recording then select 'Software playthrough of input'.

[@bringbacknames]

Maybe tell people to enable the device toolbar.

[@Breathemusic4202]

I have my scarlet hooked up to my computer (windows) with external speakers using bias fx 2 and its working fine. When i am in audacity i can record the guitar but it just sounds clean, and is not translating the tonal characteristics from bias fx 2 while recording. I also looked in plug ins and do not see anything related to bias or positive grid....PLEASE HELP?!!!

[@N8teyrve]

I tried adjusting the buffering and latency compensation to get rid of latency but this did nothing no matter what i changed the buffering and latency compensation to. I still get delay and a horribly distorted signal. Any ideas?

[@AaronMatthies]

What interface are you using and what audio host settings have you used in Audacity? Need more information to be able to help out.

[@johnaldrinvincentmolina6506]

I don't why, im using a cheap guitar interface , and it's sounds sucks when i turn on the distortion but it's pretty good in clean section.

[@AaronMatthies]

Are you using a cab sim as well? If not, distorted tones (and some clean tones) will sound terrible. Check out some free cab sim plugins here: guitargearfinder.com/guides/best-guitar-plugins/

[@Vortex0315]

i recorded with audacity before with pod farm 2, but if i try with bias fx 2, its recording the base clean tone, not the distorted, how can i solve this?

[@Raspytom]

No way. As far as I know, any effect can only be used afterwards. It can only be used on a recorded track

[@peytmusic9571]

is audacity can apply a VIDEO recording?

[@mohusandeep3717]

from where i can get BIAS amp2 plugin

[@AaronMatthies]

This article compares BIAS AMP 2 to other similar plugins and where to get them: guitargearfinder.com/guides/best-guitar-plugins/

[@lecomptea]

ok im doing this but when i ajust the volume to 12 its way too loud for my headphones im gonna be deaf in 30 sec is that normal ?

[@himashaalexander7240]

theres like a drowning noice when i record my guitar with my microphone how can I fix it?

[@nikhilmaheshh]

How to record using my BOSS GT 1 ?

[@AaronMatthies]

Plug it in with a USB cable, then install the BOSS USB Driver from their website for the GT-1. It should work fine.

[@fvandruten4810]

does it have an build in amp so you hear your guitar?

[@AaronMatthies]

You can hear your guitar while recording, but it'll be a direct sound - there's no inbuilt amps. You'll want to get a proper DAW for that.

[@angelodelgado4463]

whats your website? how can i setup the latency in the prefference? i want to do a multi track and have it synced. i want the thing that i hear to be realtime so when i record the second track it would be synced. pls help what is the good latency settings so that i can sync the backing track with my actual guitar recording.

[@AaronMatthies]

The link to the website is always in the video description. Here's the link to the guide: guitargearfinder.com/guides/how-to-record-guitar-in-audacity/ The guide covers latency settings. The right settings for you depends on your computer and your hardware, so there's no way to know what settings will work for you. You'll need to play around with the settings covered in the guide to work out what works best for your system.

[@RothyCob]

Hi there. I have gone through the steps mentioned here, I've connected everything and can see that it is registering in the bar at the top of the screen, however, I get no sound. I have my head phones selected as the speakers. Any suggestions?

[@keiththomas7427]

I face the same issue 😭.

[@slimeypope6703]

do you have the inputs selected as your recording hardware? you might also need to change it on your computer. ex: go to sound and make sure your recording hardware is selected as the output device hope this helped

[@joecruz6237]

How do I get rid of delay that I hear while struming my guitar before and during recording?

[@AaronMatthies]

The delay you hear is called latency. I explain how to fix it in the guide on my website. There are settings you can adjust in the preferences menu.

[@2009shahidc]

Hi, I have a iRig2 but Audacity does not see it as the device. I ran Amplitube 5 on this and it ran fine meaning I can use, listen, and play my guitar through irig2. However, when turn on Audacity it does not see the irig2 device. I am running a Windows 10 device.

[@AaronMatthies]

iRig 2 doesn't work like other devices so Audacity won't recognize it. You need to select the input source you plug the iRig into (eg: Microphone or Line In).

[@exar2526]

Hey When I plug in effects in audacity it ruins the whole track n messes up the noise n the whole thing goes to mute. The first time I did it was workin fine! I've reseted all the settings, uninstall n reinstalled the software n have checked every aspect of that'd come to mind if anyone else has dealt with this gimme a hint it's drivin me mental

[@Nate-y8v]

my recording only happens as the microphone picks up sound , it doesnt continuously record when i hit the record button . how do i fix that ? google isnt helping

[@AaronMatthies]

Have a look at Preferences > Recording. Make sure 'Sound Activated Recording' is disabled. That's all I can think of that might cause it.

[@reubenisaac702]

I'm having the same problem and this didn't work. When I speak into the PC mic, no issues. The second I start playing guitar, it cuts in and out. It sounds like I'm playing underwater or something. I can't afford any recording equipment and it would be nice to make simple multitrack recordings without having to buy a bunch of shit.

[@aarvipundir]

is this bias amp2 plugin free in audacity. I could not find.

[@AaronMatthies]

Some of the plugins you can see in my list don't come with Audacity. BIAS AMP 2 is a paid plugin from Positive Grid. I have a guide on my website covering VST plugins here if you're interested in learning about paid and free options: guitargearfinder.com/guides/best-guitar-plugins/

[@leomarescotti672]

Where can i find that Amp plugin?

[@AaronMatthies]

Some popular amp plugins including the one I showed in the video are covered here: guitargearfinder.com/guides/best-guitar-plugins/

[@aryadani494]

I have Zoom G1x processor and i want to connect it to my pc. How should i connect with usb . I am not getting any options neither any sound is being recoreded in audacity after coonecting it through usb. Please help me it will be a pleasure✌✌

[@AaronMatthies]

Some pedals have a USB port, but don't use it for recording. The G1x doesn't have USB recording capability. My video on connecting your guitar to a PC explains a few alternatives to connect your pedal to a PC.

[@GlennWDavisII]

So if i have guitar rig 5 open with a tone i want, how would it carry over to audacity?

[@AaronMatthies]

Save the preset in Guitar Rig, then when you open Audacity, add Guitar Rig to the track and select your preset.

[@xymondona7892]

NEED HELP PLS WHEN I CONNECT MY GUITAR AND PLAY IT AND LOSES SOUND

[@chiranjibdeka5915]

I'm trying to use Steinberg UR 22, which is a 24bit device, the error is showing, please help? @aaron matthies

[@chiranjibdeka5915]

I'm using windows 7

[@AaronMatthies]

There are a lot of topics in the Audacity forum with people talking about the UR-22, so I suggest reading through them for advice.

[@truthfinder4973]

bandlab cake walk is free and pack with guitar vst amps. butt better have a good computer and if not audacity the best to use case its light for use

[@melvinonassis5087]

When I record my guitar, the sound doesn't appear. But its recording and when I play the recording, the sound appeared. How to fix that? Thx🙏🏿

[@Tischlerimkopf]

I want to know aswell..., Like use ist with a Monitor Option or Something would be nice while playing to a Metronome

[@naomisimeria5128]

When I start playing, what is the reason for the green bar not apearing?

[@AaronMatthies]

Is this before or after when you click the 'click for monitoring' text? What happens when you go to record? If it records, what happens when you play it back after? What audio settings are you using? Need a lot more information to be able to help.

[@naomisimeria5128]

@@AaronMatthies It is after I click it. When I go to record, it just shows a straight line, like no sound is recorded. I also use a Focursite Scarlett audio interface.

[@AaronMatthies]

What audio settings are you using (the four drop down menus)? Also, which model Focusrite Scarlett?

[@manishtripathiofficial6036]

I am connecting My behringer umc22 audio interface to audacity and connecting my acoustic guitar with it but i am not getting Guitar voice in audacity..what to do...

[@AaronMatthies]

What audio driver are you using in Audacity? I suggest using ASIO4ALL. Read the guide in the description for instructions on how to set it up.

[@manishtripathiofficial6036]

@@AaronMatthies i have downloaded ASIO4All but i am unable to understand how to to setup this...

[@AaronMatthies]

Which step in the guide on my website did you get stuck on?

[@manishtripathiofficial6036]

@@AaronMatthies pls provide me ur whats app contanct so that i can directily communicate you to remove my issue.. i shall b highly obeliged

[@alecdias3251]

I’m not seeing my iRig on the app.

[@edwardaddy932]

Do you encounter latency issues?

[@AaronMatthies]

I haven't had any issues. If your hardware does have some issues, there are latency compensation settings you can try to adjust as explained in the guide on my website.

[@frieshania]

Help, I don't know why the monitor isn't working on audacity. It doesn't show the green bar.

[@AaronMatthies]

It's hard to help without knowing your setup. What happens when you hit record? Try changing different audio hosts through all of the options to see if any of them work.

[@frieshania]

@@AaronMatthies thanks! It worked!

[@loganmiller6481]

how to add more tracks tho

[@leadingsohshang1642]

Can i do it on Android?

[@Sadtaste]

Can irig1 works?

[@AaronMatthies]

Yes it should work, you would just select the line in option to record from.

[@reni_n11]

I dont see my umc22 in the device list :/

[@brodie65708]

Is this channel dead? been a year.

[@AaronMatthies]

I've spent the last year writing lessons and guides on my website instead of making videos. But I would like to get back into videos. Any topics you would like to see covered?

[@brodie65708]

@@AaronMatthies LOAB i