Some q's about micing vox and gtr amp

[lp51122]

I picked up a shure sm57 today and am excited to get recording with it. I want to use it for vocals and to mic my guitar amp. I'm a newbie - what kind of tracks do I need for each of these options? I've been doing everything on stereo instrument tracks so far.

Any tips on mic positioning and anything thing else are welcome too. thanks guys!

 

[buzzard bass]

Check out Youtube mate, there are tons of vids on their that cover the basics. As a newb too I've found it unbelievably helpful.

 

[mixsit]

Most everything mono. 'Stereo when you want to keep the pair connected; they can't get slid' between them, 'one file format for mixes, songs for example.
Actual stereo perspective in general is when you want to capture a stereo image. In all cases when you want a pair of tracks it can just as well be done with a pair of mono. As in 'stereo keys, kit overhead mics, I stay dual mono and often link (group) the faders. The difference is the tradeoff of flexibility in working with them separately, levels, pan what have you, vs. having to do two eq's for example instead of a single.