How to Record Your Acoustic Guitar at Home | Alamo Music Center

Like most of us, you're probably currently stuck at home, building up creative energy that's looking for an outlet. In this video, Chris McKee runs through a few of the basics that go into the nuanced art of home recording. From running direct, mic-ing up a guitar properly (with a dynamic or condenser microphone), gain staging, basic interfaces, and software/digital audio workstations (DAWs), start here to build a foundation on what you need to get started making some quality content from home.
This video features products from PreSonus, WARM Audio, Shure Microphones and Taylor Guitars, all of which are available online and in-store at Alamo Music Center-- call us today or visit www.alamomusic.com
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[@cdmwilks]

Wow, you hold that thing really still. I love the sort of natural and unscripted feel of your videos. You're a really talented speaker.

[@tommygunrunner4656]

9:00 Lol unplugging the refrigerator solved my two hour hunt for a mystery hum. Condenser mics will pick up absolutely everything.

[@DavidYarber]

Timely content, for sure. I'm just beginning to do exactly what you have described here. I have a Focusrite 2i2, an SM58 and a Macbook. And a sweet Taylor 410 CE Ltd.-Koa! Spending so much time at home lately means more practice time and I've come to the place where I want to learn how to record, maybe stream with my friends, etc. I love your reviews and the way you explain things. Hopefully you could put together some more content taking this idea a bit further for those of us just starting out. Great lesson!

[@randybecker7339]

Hey Chris, This is incredibly helpful! Yeah, I started down the rabbit hole but luckily got out quickly, albeit after spending a fair amount. I wanted to mostly thank you for your explanation of "Gain Staging." I've heard this mentioned many times before but always in a way that assumed the listener knew what it was. Your explanation was very clear and now I feel like I have a better idea of how to use it and understand what I need to watch out for. Thank you! Now, back to the rabbit hole ...

[@ricodeco2139]

thank you for taking the time to make this simple and informative video.

[@johnlind5819]

Very cool video Chris. Man, I was slightly surprised at how good the direct from the Expression system sounded. Thanks, John Gig Harbor, WA

[@Ravindra411970]

This is easily the most resourceful introduction to recording at home I’ve seen.Thank you very much😊

[@jodyguilbeaux8225]

he gets to the point of the subject and i like that, the video here is not boring. thanks from southeast texas.

[@bradellis3855]

I've done a lot of coaching in my life... Hockey, baseball, golf, and I've used video taping to help young players observe their own game. This is right down the same path of seeing (hearing) what you're doing right or wrong, and a good instructor can turn a mediocre player and infinitely improve their game... If the player wants to improve.

[@dancolley4208]

The first requirement is that I would have to be able to play well enough to warrant making a recording !!!

[@Chris-yv4xg]

Not necessarily, record your guitar playing from the beginning and you can see your progress over time. Unfortunately you can't see your own progress enough. On the way it is measurable.

[@Doc_Mitch]

I know right! 😅

[@alkond1945]

Lol..agree

[@robertwarminger99]

As we say in Yorkshire...codswallop nothing to do with your of level of ability, it's fun...you don't have to be a professional musician to record. As mentioned it's a great way to learn all aspects of playing and preforming.

[@DomCAFC]

Amen 😂

[@davideagle2223]

Most helpful video I have found as I struggle with my first DOW. Thanks

[@David52597]

Wow, this is incredibly useful! Quite informative! Thank you so much!

[@sbolfing]

Nice, informative video - easy to understand how to get started. I have only been recording with my phone, simply because I didn't really know where to start, and now I do. Thanks!

[@GaryMeadowsMusic]

Great advice, Performance, and a quality instrument are number one and two.

[@rbnsouto2282]

Great content!!! Thanks a lot for the awesome job!!! Next time I'm recording my acoustic I will use some of these gold tips! Once again keep up the fantastic job!!! Shouts from Portugal!!

[@AdamAdam-oc5op]

Perfect. Everything I wanted to know. 👍Well done

[@markfriedrich954]

Thanks, Chris! Very helpful.

[@DJ-pp9yg]

Great stuff. I am ready to hear next steps with electric guitars.

[@ripw1]

I really love your videos. This is great

[@danielgay4924]

Thank you for this great informative video.

[@billhallsongs]

Great Job Chris! Thanks!

[@kk-px7lu]

I liked the dynamic, good option for a starter mic.

[@thewhiskeycowboy-official]

Dynamic mics are not "uncommon" with recording acoustic guitars. In fact they are used quite often. But yes, if you are in an environment where you can't control all the sound(s) condenser mics are a nightmare. I have both, and it is why I ONLY use dynamic mics for any purpose. As for weaker signal/volume with dynamic mics, this is fixed by using a preamp (be it a stand alone, part of a mixer, or an in line preamp like a Fethead or similar device). I use Fetheads.

[@isander1]

And here’s me going to use a free version of Audacity, and $35 condenser mic from Banggood! What a philistine!

[@steby123]

Thank you Chris , good strong fundamentals always first!!!

[@michaelfarrow4648]

Nice job, Chris! Very well done. Your DI pickup sounds excellent as does the Warm mic. My personal preference is a small diaphragm condenser (or 2) for clearest transients - most often Schoeps. The best tool for reducing ambient noise is to get closer to the instrument, hopefully without letting the proximity effect get out of control. Thanks for this video :)

[@davidlegalley1161]

thank you. quite informative 👍🏽👍🏽

[@dennisscanlin1458]

Very nice comparison of the different recording inputs

[@JoshuaC923]

Thanks Chris!

[@colinc3292]

A really good introduction. Thank you from London (UK )

[@AlamoMusic]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BaktaBak3]

Great video Chris ! :-)

[@ronstanding6126]

What a great video. I taught sound reinforcement and recording at a college for 22 1/2 years. Everything you say is right on. I watch this to learn how to teach. I learned and applied everything you talk about to real-life music long ago. You are a great teacher.

[@arthurlee9344]

Great overview. Have been assembling all parts, now to put them together. Was surprised to learn the condenser microphone is the way to go in a studio setting--was the warmest and most sensitive. I've tried to record using a condenser mike and you're right--it picks up everything. So now I have to find a big closet...

[@LaughMuBai]

Great introduction and answered key questions very well with good advice thank you. I have an SM57 and as you say the dynamic has a weaker signal, but good at eliminating unwanted background. SHURE advised that a FetHead works well to boost the dB for these. Thinking of combining a PG81 or SM27 condenser with this testing different stereo positions...

[@camiloserranodamha]

Thank you so much! This was super helpful! I wish you could teach us how you play with eq, reverb, compression in garage band/lopic pro :)

[@kevinmartin4787]

Thanks watching from Killeen Texas

[@audreygiamlayhoon]

Thank you!

[@thomasrosales8786]

Thank you 🙏

[@toolteardown1]

The Line Input method sounds actually really good.

[@grbguitar11]

Very Cool and Educational Video. Thankyou So Much for all the information. Should I use a seperate Vocal microphone to accompany Guitar Microphone? Thankyou

[@gabegabe7914]

Nice video. Thanks Chris! Could you do a companion video on hooking up an electric guitar? I wold be interested in a set up that did not require headphones.

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

I like chasing rabbits down holes. 🤣😜 Cool video, Chris! I think everyone who plays guitar should record themselves. It makes you a much better player, faster. 🐰🎸🎶✌️

[@Dannyvm27]

You should do a store tour video!

[@MichaelMcBride58]

“You’re starting with an instrument...at the end of the day you can’t put lipstick on a pig.” Best sales pitch ever. 😆

[@kingrobert1st]

Tell that to miss Piggy!

[@SeekerGoOn2013]

Michael: Yes you can put lipstick on a pig! Just not on its lips.

[@xurozeet]

great 👍 In this process Do we have to sink the sound every time with the video? If it is then is there any direct option where we do not need to sink ?

[@sourabhbhattacharyaYT]

Hi Chris! Great video. Definitely going to help me, thank you! May I also know what is the first song that you played?

[@1970sman]

The built in pick-up is very impressive, in fact I liked it the best. Maybe that say’s more for the pick-up quality than the guitar quality.

[@robertreynolds1489]

Great video. As a beginner it has been hard to filter through all those preaching the "gospel" of best practice. Your video has been a big help.

[@charlespeters7220]

Another approach is to record the output of a digital signal processor such as the Boss GT Pro or a Line 6 Helix using an acoustic patch driven with the acoustic electric pickup.

[@spleefdowny]

Great explanation -- thanks! Off to chase the rabbits...

[@mr.2minutes161]

i think im gonna use pickup for bass only and 2 condenser for left and right and condenser/dynamic for vocal. cuz why not.

[@lucas_fontana]

Very good video, what kind of strings do you use?

[@avitarmagnus9090]

the sure beat it hands down

[@mutangpadan5311]

Hi Chris, what did you use to record yourself, then. Did you use the built -in mic from your cellphone or a lapel mic? Many thanks for these tips. God bless. Love fr M’sia.

[@MattBargain]

Great video. I wish I had known that when I used iRig to record and the feedback on the guitar was killing me. Still I like to listen to those tracks from time to time though.

[@lesizmor9079]

Here's a nice additional tip-- nearly every acoustic pick up , whether guitar or violin or whatever, will benefit greatly with a moderate cut in the 800 Hz range. That nasally tone that makes them sound a bit electric?-- it's right there. Not just for recording, cut it for live too.

[@SuneHansen1979]

Great. You are such a good explainer. Maybe a video about how to use DAW

[@markntexas8265]

Check out Podcastage and also search for your daw on YT there are lots of great resources

[@formosa41]

Thanks for this video. I've been thinking about starting to record stuff and needed this info! Unfortunately I just broke one of my tuners. My guitar really isn't worth fixing. My dad paid $8 for it over almost 50 years ago. Top is so warped, action is almost unplayable... Can't bring myself to invest the money right in a new one right now with everything locked down and uncertain. All this time to play...and suddenly can't, ugh! Anyway...saved to play later folder to watch again later...

[@R.L.Humpert]

Hey buddy Can I use that rig device to accomplish the same thing for an interface? I just bought a rig 2 I believe it’s called. Only thing is it records the guitar well but I’m not sure how to sing and so the voice as well. Hmmm. Thanks.

[@markanthonyganotice1498]

That direct honestly sounds amazing. Doesnt really sound like a direct to me. Wow. Well, maybe its because its a taylor😅

[@alirezayousefirad]

Should the room be acoustic treated or I can just record a good quality fingerstyle sound in a normal bedroom? do you cover a rug on your floor or is that hardwood or sth else? please answer this question because I have recording equipments but whenever I record in a bedroom I get a dead muddy sound with lot of resonant frequency!

[@catherineabbott6249]

Yes, the condenser mic was much warmer. Did you hear the truck rumble in the middle and the bird song near the end?

[@jamieclinard5807]

The different inputs did have a drastic difference in tone but I liked the direct guitar the best

[@mutyastv]

nice

[@DoDifferent]

This was GREAT! Now how about a tutorial on playing AND singing....with video. :-)

[@RMNZNT]

I actually liked the way it sounded plugged in

[@vonbarfuss]

hi chris,.... from lake constance, south germany....i realy like the special way of explaining in your videos.....last time you helped me to find the right gibson - type....today, you help me again ;)) Danke !!

[@jaustin753]

Great advice but is it safe to assume that xlr cable behind you is a bad cable. The only way I allow twisting a cord that way is to indicate it's bad. That way they don't get filtered back into our tour cases again.

[@wolfcry6074]

Another pro tip, if you do buy a condenser mic, make sure you store it in a plastic bag and/or cover it when not in use. They are dust sensitive and eventually enough dust will collect inside so that it doesn’t work anymore.

[@ruchirsajwan]

What about record it with tone wood amp? Is it almost as good as recording with a mic?

[@gregbaker3701]

For acoustic, I use a Shure SM58 thru a TC Helicon Go Vocal into my iPhone 8. It sounds great and a very inexpensive, portable solution.

[@R.L.Humpert]

Hey Greg or Chris, so I am a couple years in and kinda new. I have a zoom device that records nice. I also have a thing called a rig 2 that plugs into the computer or phone and all but it just picks up the guitar not voice. What do I do? Also I want to buy an acoustic amp. Will that cover me both ways as an amp and an interface for recording onto an iPhone etc? Like this little zoom device I have works amazing for now but I can’t send it to people to hear my improvement. I try to email songs and the files are too large where as on my phone I can text it. However it doesn’t sound as well as on a zoom device recorded. Any thoughts before I spend more money? Thanks man. Ryan

[@gregbaker3701]

@@R.L.Humpert Boss Acoustic Singer Live/Pro. This thing will do what you need and then some! I think they even make a smaller version now.

[@R.L.Humpert]

@@gregbaker3701 thanks Greg I was checking them out. I’m going to have to save up a little. It’s a little pricey compared to the 250 dollar ones I was looking at. I saw one for 429 plus tax. I like that you can record off it too. I just bought my Taylor 324ce that I am making payments on so I gotta see on this one if I can make it happen. Thanks so much for the info. :)

[@gregbaker3701]

@@R.L.Humpert the 324 is a gorgeous guitar. I have it’s little sister the 224. I see what you are saying, this habit gets expensive quickly lol

[@R.L.Humpert]

@@gregbaker3701 it was so hard deciding between the 324 and the 314. My trial period is over so I hope I made the right choice :). They are both really beautiful guitars. I think yours is the Koa back and sides right? I think the spruce top guitars have a little more volume I like but I love the bass and crispness of the 324 Mahogany tops. I struggled watching every KZbin video on both guitars for a month!!

[@joebleibaum]

It's always amazing, when you hear the ES2 plugged into a system that is supposed to sound as neutral as possible and doesn't color the sound. Without the coloration from an amplifiers speakers, EQ or built in effects you can truly hear how good the latest version of the ES2 is. You totaly forget that you are listening to a humble piezo pickup. Did you add any reverb to the recording, Chris?

[@AlamoMusic]

No, it was dry.

[@joebleibaum]

@@AlamoMusic Interesting, then the ES2 is able to captuure the characteristic reverblike sound of high quality of rosewood, due to it's hardness.

[@stevetrauger8037]

onboard pickup definitely impressed me too

[@joeytrahan]

Thank you for the vid! Great tip about the gain... I hope there are more videos to follow on home recording for beginners.

[@j.c.lipseymusic884]

If I am not sure which laptop or tablet setup I will use, what brand of interface/DAW software do you recommend if I happen to start with a PC, and then switch to an Apple product later? Rather than having to re-buy a new daw software because you decided to switch platforms. I have done some minimal research and understand that Garage Band is very newby- user friendly. However, it doesn’t (or maybe it does) convert over to PC platform. So, here is what I want: 1. An entry level (2 signal inputs) interface (Sonus, FocusRite, etc) 2. The software that comes with the interface needs to be PC or Mac compatible 3. Easy to learn, use, manipulate, and edit. From what I have read, the earlier Mac-based systems were light years ahead of the PC platform. But in recent years, the PC platforms are indistinguishable between the Mac-based system. I am eventually going to buy a laptop/tablet/etc as a dedicated unit for home studio use (meaning, not be intermingled with work, gaming, word processing, and all the non-music production distractions). Thanks for your feedback and advice. This was a VERY informative video for a newby wanting to break-in to home producing/recording.

[@DjNikGnashers]

Really helpful video thanks. I actually quite like the pick up sound in that Taylor, and it was much nicer than the recording from the dynamic mic. Of course, the condenser mic was even better. I have a Lowden with the LR Baggs anthem pick up system, and find it sounds very good indeed, even compared to mid priced condenser mics.

[@leftofcenter4]

If your room environment I’d bad use an shure SM7B it blocks off axios sounds

[@WorldGrace]

I just wanted to add the iFi Defender if anyone is experiencing a Buzz or extra noise meaning their PC (usually Power Supply and or motherboard is causing noise to come through their Focusrite 2i2 or Pro tools devices etc. through the USB) - If this is the case then you can buy this: iFi audio iDefender+ USB Type-A Ground Loop Breaker - you can use this without having to replace your PC power supply or motherboard just to lower noise like I did and spare the trouble and expenses.

[@joelgraham3]

I thought the shure was the best - it was very forgiving but held up quality-wise whereas the warm did just what you said it would do - very good but every noise was upfront

[@denbo6054]

What do you think about a Tascam 8 track digital recorder as opposed to using a computer?

[@StringsOfCrossroads]

Den Bo I started out on a Yamaha 16 track digital recording station about 15 years ago. Got some okay results and it was nice have everything contained. Even printed a cd at the end of it! But very limited on your post processing as you can’t use 3rd party plug in (if you wanted to) I also found it quite slow in terms of work flow as you have to map each channels routing. I honestly think you would achieve better results on Garage band.

[@StoicTrader-]

Hey Chris, I recently picked up a d18 modern deluxe (amazing guitar) I had it set up with buttery smooth low action, but the strings that were put on were wrong, instead of 12's, he put 11-52 😬. I have many boxes of strings at my house, purchased them this past week on Amazon, if I put on some 12-53, will my action get screwed up? I really love where it's currently set at.

[@AlamoMusic]

It might, but not necessarily, the tension difference is slight. Put them on and try them out.

[@StoicTrader-]

@@AlamoMusic thanks

[@johnferdon6525]

What about a mic that plugs directly into the laptop? Why do I need the interface hardware?

[@Raindog-my4uu]

Might not give you the desired quality.

[@jasper_north]

Consider GO MIXER PRO X by Roland...no software and clapping...Plug n Play

[@MelodyMaker]

Oh.....How I could have used this a couple of years back. Next video suggestion for you Chris. => Help people trouble shoot common problems with software (couple of most popular software brands) configuration on setup.

[@NeXraDCH]

Cracked at Fortnite!! LOL! I know you have heard that before when you are trying to record! ;)

[@oinkooink]

My studio is 8x9 foot. All acoustic recordings in there sound diabolical.

[@jamessanders2007]

I like the sound there better

[@chrisstanford3652]

🤗🤗👍

[@dsig7776]

Chris is the only guy I don’t know that takes 30 minutes to explain 10 minutes of content, damn that boy can yap yap yap

[@rtgray7]

I watched it because I need that "yap, yap". I had no idea how to do this which was the purpose of the video. Chris is awesome!

[@rubenedgardo7676]

@5:50 you said that the 26c is a USB3? The port is USB-C(usually associated with USB3), but I don’t think this is a USB 3.0 interface ... was this interface updated since released?

[@nico3641]

The condenser mic really sounds better.

[@gclaytony]

Dynamic mic sounded tinny/thin compared to the condensor mic.

[@jmat319]

Miss Piggy looks good with lipstick on

[@butcharmstrong9645]

Damn bro, you're beautiful! Wow!

[@ibji]

Excuse me if I don't have a masters in engineering, I can't use these DAW's interfaces, a million buttons crammed into a small space on your computer screen, what's important is right next to buttons you'll never use or understand. All I want to see is one channel, not a board of 24 channels, where is the signal, where is the start record button, where is the stop record button, big easy buttons my grandmother could use if she's never used it before. I was so lost with the interface I put it away and never used it.

[@AlamoMusic]

I totally understand where you are coming from. Some DAW’s have a very complex interface with a steep learning curve, there are others that are easier to use from the get go. I think GarageBand is one of the easiest to get started with but it is limited to Mac. Thankfully, there are lots of KZbin videos but just know that you are not the only one to sit down and scratch your head. - Chris

[@kenz2756]

Your shirt is confusing me, I thought the video was at low resolution.

[@AlamoMusic]

LOL

[@SpencerHart-hz5cb]

Fuck me, this guy can talk.

[@codking82]

ok I don't believe that this is the actual sound coming from the mics look very closely at the laptop protools wave form theres nothing its flat lined

[@bigriver2000]

the video is way too long, but for what it's worth, my preference for the sound you produced, for my ear, is the dynamic mic.

[@TenMinuteDrumSolo]

"You're going to have to go into an interface."..but you never said why?!? "...but they all effectively kind of do the same thing..." but you never said what that thing IS?!?! As a beginner I have no idea why an interface is needed, THAT is in fact why I googled it and clicked on this video. Turns out "How to Record..." is not so much a recipe as it is a list of ingredients. Well spoken though, cheers.

[@AlamoMusic]

The interfaces all do the same thing which is accommodate the input type and convert signal from analog to digital. They also may allow you to control your input level. That’s the gist of it. The various ones in the market differ with, connection type, clock speed, pre-amps and other features.

[@TenMinuteDrumSolo]

@@AlamoMusic Thanks for the quick(!) and informative reply Chris. I'm an old geezer but I'm new at this stuff...fixing to retire any minute now and set up a "music room".

[@AlamoMusic]

That's awesome! Good luck!

[@howardmakely2169]

Never showed how to hook up to computer.I will go to my grave wishing I could record myself. However recording sounded good.

[@AlamoMusic]

Sorry about that Howard. That particular interface connected to the computer using USB.