Instrument sync. at beginning of song

[dug]

Can anyone give me some simple ways to synchronize instruments at the beginning of my song. For example, I recorded a drum track on my track 4. Then I record my guitar track on track 1. At this point I record more drums than I need and then come in with the guitar listening to the beat. What I would really like to do is start the guitar when the drum track starts, but I don't really know how to set up the stuff before the drums start so I can count down. I have a Fostex Mr8hd and the click track thing does not make sense to me. Sometimes its the simple things that create road blocks. I have searched the net and can find nothing. Is this so simple that people don't talk about it? Thanks in advance for any help that you guys can give!

 

[Dogman]

Just use the drums as a count in, and when you are done recoeding, edit it out. You can silence them, or simply cut off the beginning.

 

[Fade]

Are you recording live drums or a drum machine? With a drum machine I use Dogman's method. Just put 4 or 8 snare hits or something at the start to count everything else in and remove them later. If I am working with live drums I will record a click track for the whole duration of the song. The clicks can count in the drummer and keep him on pace throughout the song. Then you just mute/erase it once it is no longer needed.

 

[rayc]

Do the Dogman-
Get the drummer - or the drum machine - to count in, tap in, beat in, do an extra bar etc etc.
I have a little more faith in human rhythm than some. A click track for a drummer is a last resort.
Cheers
rayC

 

[dug]

Thanks Guys that helps a lot! It is starting to make some sense to me now. I guess I just didn't realize I had to set something up that counts down to the start of the music. I went to a Samash store in Nashville TN. today and talked to a pretty knowlegable guy. Basically he explained what you guys are telling me. Went down in my basement about an hour ago and it works. Couldn't believe how d-mned simple it was! Like I said its the simple crap that kicks my butt sometimes.