lead guitarist wanting to make quality demos

  • Thread starter Thread starter CountryGuitar
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CountryGuitar

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Hey Guys,

Totally new here and to home recording techniques as well. I've been playing in bands for several years and teach guitar lessons. So I've got a good grasp of my abilities as a guitarist. :guitar: What I'm wanting to do is get some demos recorded in different styles with some pre-written lead guitar licks and solos to show off my abilities and to help me in my search for a new band. I feel and get a sense that I need some more "skin in the game" as I've done some studio recording in the past on other peoples recording projects that showcases some of the styles I play.

I've considered recording some backing tracks off youtube and just jamming some lead parts to them but I'm a bit hesitant to only go that far with a demo project and call that good/send it to folks seeking lead guitarist.
I've considered just putting a camera and uploading to youtube... but I would really like to write some full blown instrumental guitar music and heck, maybe get some of my songs recorded.

Should I write drum tracks with EZdrummer on my pc then go over to a friends house and record guitar/bass/drums? :confused: What would be the cost efficient way to do this without buying/building my own pc, buying a daw, mics and an interface? I could buy that stuff but I'd rather not. :p
 
Hey,
If the goal is to get a decent demo, I'd shop around for a local studio or a skilled friend and just get it done.

If you'd like to get into recording in the long term, fair enough.
Tell us what gear you have as a starting point.
Amps, mics, stands, leads, headphones, monitoring, software, interfaces, computers (specs), instruments, etc.
 
Gear I have as a starting point... plenty of guitars pedals and a fender vibroverb amp. SM 58 and a mic stand and that's it. I've thought about purchasing Band in a Box, but it sounds pretty mechanical. I guess I just want to arrange drums, bass, and rhythm guitar at my house then go to a friends and record some loud guitar and get him to mixdown and put it on sound cloud.

I could get native instruments complete, could I do everything with that, then add lead guitar? Is there another option?
 
You should be able to make that work for your purpose. It just going to take you more time to start from scratch. You could just play over pre-recorded tracks for a demo.

THIS site is pretty cool for downloading backing tracks that you can customize what tracks you want. Mostly pop karaoke tunes, but you can take out any instrument you don't want.
 
Jimmy!!! Thanks for the link!!! That's what I needed!!
 
CountryGuitar said:
Jimmy!!! Thanks for the link!!! That's what I needed!!
Click to expand...

Yeah, I use it often for singers that wish to try their hand in the studio without the expense of recording a whole band.

Glad it helped. I can't remember who turned me to the site, but I'm sure it was someone that drinks Guinness. :)
 
The modern tracks sound way better than some of the older, re-recorded songs.
 
Oh, I am sure of that. The cool thing is being able to take out the tracks you don't want. The quality isn't there on many, but that is good for you in a way. Your solo tracks will be the most awesome part right?!? :)
 
Your solo tracks will be the most awesome part right?!?
Click to expand...
I guess they'd better be huh?? haha ;) This route is the easier route than buying a whole home recording setup and learning how to use it! As far as a computer program where I can compose tracks and still have some Guinness money left. What would be a step down from say, Komplete?
 
If you are just trying to demonstrate your abilities, try it yourself first. From your gear list, though, you need an audio interface.
 
I just need an interface? Is that really it? Gosh, I'm so new to this.... :confused:
 
CountryGuitar said:
I just need an interface? Is that really it? Gosh, I'm so new to this.... :confused:
Click to expand...

You've got a mic to use (although the SM58 may not be the best to put in front of your amp to record, it'll work). An interface with at least 1 mic preamp (plenty of choices under $150) and the DAW of your choice. Most interfaces come with a liited edition DAW, or you can download Reaper for free to try out, pay $60 to register once you decide to keep using it. You'll need some monitors and headphones, but you've probably got something you can use for now.
Yes, there's a learning curve to using a DAW, but the options are a stand-alone recorder or paying someone else to do it for you (studio).
 
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