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.

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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.

[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!

[jodyguilbeaux]

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

[bradellis]

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.

[tommygunrunner]

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

[Ravindra]

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

[johnlind]

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

[ricodeco]

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

[GaryMeadowsMusic]

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

[randybecker]

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 ...

[davideagle]

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

[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!

[Pick-a-finger]

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

[ronstanding]

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.

[toolteardown]

The Line Input method sounds actually really good.

[dancolley]

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

[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.

[robertreynolds]

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.

[dennisscanlin]

Very nice comparison of the different recording inputs

[kk-pxlu]

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