Which is better?

[Disposable]

Which is (in general) a better way to record when multitracking?

Stereo tracks, or mono tracks. Meaning should the guitar be recorded mono or stereo? Drums? Bass? Vocals?

Or is it all preference?

I find it easier to record everything in mono then mix it down with panning.

[ds21]

Totally depends on what your going after, or what tools you have at hand. There is no "better" way.

[Jblount]

It is probably easier to use mono and pan. It is all personal preference.

[coplinger]

Typically, drums are recorded with a stereo pair overhead & mono close mics to accentuate the kick, snare, toms or hihat. Electric guitars are usually mono, but often recorded with more than one mic. Bass is usually mono & often a mix of direct & miced signals are used. Acoustic instruments (guitar, piano, percussion, etc.) can be recorded mono or stereo-there's no standard.

[jake-owa]

If I am printing effects I record a lot of stereo pairs. But usually I will just mix effects later so I just record most stuff in mono. I record drums on four tracks: a stereo pair overhead and a stereo drum module pair.

If an accoustic guitar is the central theme I will use a couple of mics and record a cool stereo mix. A few things I like to always keep in mono for panning purposes: lead guitar, bass, vocals or any rythymic elements.

Also, a common beginner mistake in DAW recording. Just because you have a stereo track by default doesn't mean you should record everyting in stereo pairs. If it's mono record it in mono.