Help me get started- Any pointers anyone??

[BigKahuna]

The best way ... too open for opinion. The easiest way with a multitrack ... I say is by using different tracks. As mentioned above, I'd start with a click track. I just use a cheap metronome and close mic it then go have a beer while it records
Then I come back and then maybe play a scratch guitar/vocal track so the basic arrangement of the tune is on tape. Then you can add some "real" instruments that you want to keep. One at a time.
Good Luck!

 

[stranger233]

Shana,

personally, if I'm doing a song, I write the drum parts first (while playing along) and then record those as the first track. When I do songs without drums, I usually put down a click track to keep time, adn then the rhythm guitar, and then the vocals.

After the vocals are down, I go back and add bass, lead guitar, e-bow guitar, or whatever else I might want, but I've always found that if you get rhythm guitar and vocals down first, it's easier to craft the rest of the song around that.

stranger233

 

[Ears]

First of all I usually write on guitar or keyboard. I play the song over a basic beat on the same instrument I wrote it on. Unless by slight chance the other brings it home better. Plug in your guitar or keyboard, don't mic it while singing along and record the take. The first pass gives you a reference. Then you can play with your melody vocally till you land in that place where it really hits home.
Decide to keep or redo the instrument. Careful not be too full with the initial instrument. Remember that other instruments will need room to live. The rest is embellishment. The song is the heart, the music is the harmony. Together they deliver emotion. If they don't, then there is a missing link in the chain.