Recording music used to be an impossible feat without being able to get into a studio. Studios can be very expensive to rent, and sound engineering isn’t as easy as it might seem. If you’re looking to record your guitar but can’t access a studio, you might want to look into Garageband.
Technology has made it much easier to record music so that those just starting out in the music scene can have a more equitable opportunity to get their music to a wider audience. Garageband is one such piece of technology that has made it easier to turn your home into a recording studio.
What Exactly Is Garageband?
Garageband was created by Apple over 20 years ago to allow Apple users to turn their devices into a music studio. This software allows you to record music, as well as learn how to play through various lessons. Additionally, there is a large library of other instruments to be able to create your own song from scratch just using your computer.
Many Apple devices will already have Garageband on their device automatically, so you don’t even have to search for the application or download it yourself. Through Garageband, you can also access digital versions of instruments, so if you want some drumming in your song but don’t have drums, you can just use the software.
Can You Record Guitar With Garageband?
You can easily record with Garageband. You must have an Apple device of some kind in order to do so. This could be either an iPhone, an iPad, or a Mac laptop or computer. There are a plethora of controls that you can use on Garageband to change the audio settings for maximum recording quality, as well as play with unique sound effects.
You can record on Garageband through the actual application, and once you’ve finished recording, you’ll be able to save that sound bite or the song onto your device.
If you want to plug your guitar directly into your device, you can purchase a USB adapter. There are different types of adapters depending on which device you plan on using. The adapters are affordable, and you can enjoy using the amp features on Garageband instead of having to buy your own amplifiers, which can be very expensive.
What Is The Best Way To Record?
The best way to record on Garageband is through having either a microphone that will pick up the best quality sound, or plugging your guitar directly into your device. If you’re looking to record an acoustic guitar, or are planning on connecting your guitar to an amp, you should opt for the microphone option.
You can also get an adapter that will allow you to plug your guitar directly into your device. There are features in Garageband that’ll allow you to mimic the effects of having an amp. This can be a helpful option if you don’t have access to your own sound equipment, such as an amplifier or a microphone.
The settings within Garageband let you play and experiment with the overall sound of your guitar. Having a microphone to record your guitar is the best overall method for recording your guitar for several reasons.
Regardless of whether or not you’re using a microphone, or plugging your guitar into your device, recording is going to generally be done the same way. The only things that will differ depending on your sound input is how you set up your various settings within Garageband in terms of input levels and the amp settings, for example.
How To Record On Garageband Without A Microphone
You should have headphones so you can hear the sound of your guitar uninterrupted, and you can listen back to your recording without any outside noise disrupting the guitar. Once all of your equipment is ready, you will select Start a New Project. You will want to change your Input device to make sure you’re selecting the device’s microphone since you won’t have an external mic.
Next, you’re going to select the Track Type, which will be audio and instrument. Make sure that you have the recording setting on so you’re able to easily locate and click the Record button when you’re all set. You will do this by clicking the option Configure Track Header so you see your controls on the top of the program.
Finally, you’re going to play with the Amp option and the Pedalboard option until you find your particular presets that allow you to record your guitar exactly how you want to. You might have to experiment with these controls until you become more comfortable with them. Finally, you can click Record and start strumming.
If you’re going to be recording your guitar without a microphone, it’s best to try and do so in a closed room that has limited outdoor noise coming in. A microphone can allow you to direct where you want your audio to come from. Thankfully the microphones on Apple devices are quite clear, so you will still get a decent recording regardless.
Building Music On Garageband
If the only instrument you can play is the guitar and you want to record a song that isn’t acoustic, you can play with the different instruments and the library of beats with Garageband. Other than vocals, you can create an entire song with numerous instruments through this software.
If you are concerned about your vocals, there are tools in Garageband that help you smooth out the vocals and correct any issues with pitch. While Garageband can’t compete with million-dollar recording studios, it comes pretty close once you learn how to navigate it.
Conclusion
It is quite simple to record your guitar using Garageband. Once you play around with it and experiment you will be a pro in no time.
