Record Guitars That Pop (One Song One Month Challenge 3/8)

When it comes to recording guitars and bass, a little intentionality with tone and performance choices can go a long way to making your mix sound wider and more powerful – all during the recording phase.

Today marks week 2 of the One Song One Month Challenge – recording week and at this point I already have my song’s map and foundation built out.

Now I’m ready to start recording guitar and bass parts that will virtually mix themselves.

What If I Don’t Record Guitars?

If guitar (or bass) is not your instrument of choice, fear not – the principles in this video still apply.

Whether it’s piano, synth, strings, organs, or glockenspiel, the key to recording great tracks is to think through how they will each sit in the mix. Be intentional about your tones.

As with the guitars – put different sounding instruments or tones on the far edges of your song. This will always give you a wider sounding mix, even before you begin the mix process.

Also, keep your bottom end instruments (bass, synth, etc) strategically locked with the kick drum for added clarity, impact, and punch.

The whole point of recording is to pretend that there is no mix phase. This is where you are actually making the music – so only put in what helps, and be strategic about how you record what you put in the song.

How Are You Doing So Far?

So I want to know – how are you doing with your One Song One Month Challenge?

As of today – how far are you along in the process? And what is one thing that has surprised you the most about this challenge so far?

Let me know below in the comments!