Scratch Tracks

  • Thread starter Thread starter BibleMan
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BibleMan

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What are your feelings on Scratch Traks? If the bottom level players (Drums, Bass, etc.) can work without them, is this a way to go?

Are there any inherent problems with using a scratch trak?

Thanks.
 
I see absolutely no problem using scratch tracks and do so all the time, be it a guide vocal to be redone later, bass or guitar or whatever.
 
I use them all the time. I just make sure to record them to a click track to they are in time. I know from experience how frustrating it can be when I don't.... :rolleyes:

Have fun,
Chris
 
I find them to be important to keeping everyone in perspective.

I know that with my songs, what the drummer and bass player play and how much they play will largely be determined by what's going over them. I think the same can be said of anyone who is playing "for the song."

heylow
track scratcher
 
Like Chris said, it is extremely important to use a metronome on the scratch track, espiecially on a DAW where you can cut and paste! Plus it allows the "real" tracks to play on time without trying to play to a metronome.
 
A good scratch track can also help inspire the performer as well as keeping him in time with the groove.

Cy
 
I always do a scratch track. If I can, I'll track the scratch to a drum machine instead of a click track. A little easier to groove to. I also try and track scratch tracks as high a quality as I can in case I do something like not remember my composed solo and end up ripping a new one right there on the spot... I've done my best work that way. Nothing like some red light fever and good old fashion fear to bring out stuff you never thought was in you.

My absolute best solo ever was on a 4 track cassette laying down a scratch on a $200 piece of pooop Korean acoustic because I was too lazy to fix a string on my nice acoustic. On the DAW I couldn't even come close, so I cleaned up the 4 track version as best I could and used it. Taught me a lesson about being too lazy to fire up the DAW and replace a damn string for scratch tracks!
 
Scratch tracks are pretty much a given for most recording sessions. Unless you get a whole band who wants to nail it in "real time.

I agree with everyone that the scratch should be tracked to some type of metonome - and better still to drum machine to allow for a little life in the groove. Rather than a flat stick click on the quarter notes, set up a rhythem, useing tambourine with a cabasa or some congas. This gives the players (in particular a drummer) something to groove to. And candidly, as someone who has played to click tracks for about 25 years, a sharp click track (sticks, wood block, etc) can be painful and can cause ear damage.

Also, I think it is very important to have a scratch vocal. If the players know where the melody line is going (and what the story line is about) it can influence the emotional content of their performances.
 
I always record the scratch vocal and rythym,(electric guitar direct), on seperate tracks.
This way I can change either without losing the feel of the song as I go along.

I agree with the other guys,a drum machine is much better than a click track,even a basic beat.
When you start to add a couple of instruments,it gets impossible to hear the click quickly,especially recording vocals

Best to you,
Pete
 
I even have recorded a live practiced sample of the song, It will get everyone into the live dynamic and groove of a live recording
 
I record as I compose, so for me scratch tracks are essential. I'll lay something down to get an idea of what I want to have happen, but only later after the song structure is completed do I go back and set up all the good mics with proper placement, work with fx, etc.
 
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