The Recording Process

[Kinslayer]

Well...I have a basic idea of what to do but I am quite a newb when it comes to recording so I was wondering, in your expert opinions, what the best recording process is. (i.e. what should I record first, second, third...etc).

My thought was
Guitar Scratch track
Drums
Bass
Guitar
Rhythm guitars/back-up guitars
Vocals
Harmonies
Anything else (Samples/MPC beats/Effects)

What's your take?

 

[Nbudinich]

Record the drums first, playing along with as many band members as possible and scratch everything except the drums. Its hard to play drums over a prerecorded guitar part and since they keep the time it's a good base. Record guitars next, at least rhythm, then its up to you.

FYI: That was FAR from an expert opinion.

 

[Daisy]

I think you should definitely start with the vocal harmonies.

That way, you've got something to follow, as you do the cowbell and triangle tracks ... which should most definitely follow the "whisper track."

.

 

[Kinslayer]

What do you mean start with the vocal harmonies? I don't get it...start the entire song with vocal harmonies? Doesn't sound right to m...

=D

 

[mattr]

My sarcasm detector reads "pink".

 

[Amnesia180]

It really depends on what you're recording.

I.e: If you are recording yourself (no band) then I would probably start with a basic drum pattern/click track and then put your rhythm guitar over it.

However, a lot of my music is piano/keyboard driven, so I tend to lay the rhythm of the piano down with a click track first.

Then move onto the bass, then the drums.

However, if you're recording a band... lay the drums first

 

[VomitHatSteve]

My thought was
Guitar Scratch track
Drums
Bass
Guitar
Rhythm guitars/back-up guitars
Vocals
Harmonies
Anything else (Samples/MPC beats/Effects)

What's your take?

I record by myself (no band), and that's basically the pattern I follow. I record rhythm guitars before lead guitars, but otherwise it's identical.

 

[MrBluesMan]

I normally tab out my compositions in MIDI before I produce them properly

This way I just go through the project replacing the instruments as I go.

 

[Elton Bear]

2 little not-so-shiny items of currency

I have done that but I find it makes me play a little bit "too in time", I end up replacing machine with machine.

The way I like to do it, where possible, is to record acoustic guitar/vocal as a really rough guide to a click, and track drums and bass first so you really get a live groove underpinning the whole thing, and then everything goes from there. Usually rhythm guitar/piano, then vocals, then lead, then harmonies, then percussion, synth, sitar, zither bow, jaws harp, kazoo etc.