Alt Rock guitar sound

[chewbacaface]

Funny you should ask that.

I did most of the electric guitar tracking like that on the album I put out...though there were a few times where I just left the mic out in the open.

I use to take a couple chairs and some long metal rods (like curtain rods), and then I would first create a frame, using the chairs/rods. Then I would cover the chairs, frame and entire amp except maybe the very top/back (so the tubes could vent) with 2-3 heavy quilts/blankets.
I would end up with a nice “tunnel” where I could then put the mic to give me some air between it and the amp...but without getting any room sound.
With a couple of feet distance between amp and mic, there's a couple of ms delay...just enough to create a bit of space and not have that up-against-the-grill sound that most guys seem to go for…but it’s still a dry sound.

I'm kinda' glad you reminded me about it!
I was just getting ready to do some guitar tracking, and while I would have remembered that technique once I started my session, I need to figure out where the heck I put all my studio quilts/blankets!!!
They use to be piled on the couch I had in my studio...which I removed this past summer to make room for more amps. They must be in one of the closets…I have to do some digging.

Yeah, I am getting ready to track some guitar and was going to give this a try since I hadn't seen anyone do it. I'm glad to hear it's been done successfully before. It seems like it might add some lower end to the track and keep it from being, as you said, dry and basically just a direct signal. My room has drums in it, so I need to be able to isolate it but I still want that slight delay to add depth.

Thanks for the tips.

 

[Sonixx]

can you post a sample of your gtr (only) that you consider thin? So I can calibrate.

+1 I'd like to hear a clip also.

 

[bozmillar]

dude, have you tried stereo micing the guitar or double tracking? That will make a huge huge huge difference in how the guitar sounds. What I did is put a second output jack on my guitar so I can track each pickup separately. It makes it much easier to get a big sound. here's a clip of my guitar switching from mono output to stereo:

It's a cheap mod, only cost about $3.

You can also try recoding dry and reamping the signal. That way you can record one track with your amp on one setting, then recorde the same thing, but change the settings on you amp then pan them left/right. That will give you a wide stereo image while keeping it tight.

And here's a full song with the stereo guitar. http://www.bozrecords.com/mp3s/60song/60sSong.php