How to Record Acoustic Guitar—Expert Tips

Recording acoustic guitar is easy enough, but if you're after that good acoustic guitar sound you hear in professional recordings, then you're going to have to put some work into it. With the right techniques, tools, and environment, you can achieve a balanced sound that reflects the natural tone of your instrument.

Putting it simply, recording acoustic guitar is an art. It requires attention to detail and a good understanding of how sound behaves in a room. Whether you're aiming to capture a warm, natural sound or experimenting with different tones, the way you record your acoustic guitar can make all the difference.

By the end of this guide, you'll have a solid foundation in recording techniques that will allow you to produce professional-quality acoustic guitar recordings, whether you're working with just one mic or experimenting with a stereo setup.

Table of Contents

1. Prepare your guitar
2. What is guitar sound dispersion
3. Microphone types and placements
4. Recording techniques
5. Post-production
6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

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Prepare your guitar

A lot goes into how we record acoustic guitars. Of course, the very first step is preparing your acoustic guitar. Depending on your level of expertise, this is fairly straightforward. Despite how simple it may seem, it's still a crucial step to achieve that good sound we all want to hear.

• Condition

What kind of condition is your guitar in? If you want that great acoustic guitar sound, then it needs to be in top condition. Check everything from the body, neck, and strings to see if it's in tip-top form.

• Strings

Strings have a dramatic effect on sound, especially for an acoustic guitar. There are all kinds of strings you can get. Steel, brass, and nylon are just a few, and then you can choose coated or uncoated. Each kind of string places different and can make a different sound.If you haven't changed your strings in a while, you might want to change them. Typically, if they aren't broken, there's no cause to change them, but you could switch them out for a new, vibrant tone. Some strings work better depending on the kind of music. Work out what tune you're going for and find the best strings for that music.

• Guitar setup and tuning

A well-set-up acoustic guitar makes all the difference in recording. Make sure the guitar is properly tuned, so every note rings true up and down the neck.Precise tuning is critical; even the slightest off-pitch note will be noticeable in a recording. Tune your guitar regularly during the session. There are tuning aids out there that can help you find the right tune for each chord.

• Room acoustics

When learning how to record acoustic guitar for the first time, you might not consider room acoustics, but they play a huge role.Your recording room plays a huge role in sound, especially for acoustic instruments. When recording guitar, find a nice, medium-sized room, that is well decorated. Too much furniture results in a thinner sound, whilst an empty room will have too much reverberation and echo. Consider using acoustic foam or panels to absorb excess sound waves.If you have a recording studio or can rent one, always use that space.

What is guitar sound dispersion?

Acoustic guitars can make all kinds of different sounds, depending on the sound hole and the strings used. The type of wood can change the sound too. When recording acoustic guitars, you need to keep sound dispersion in mind. Sound dispersion is ultimately based on the frequencies you play, and how the sound fills a room. It's affected by things like how well your amp and speakers work and mic placement.Good sound dispersion fills a room so that no matter where the listener is, they hear the same sound.

Microphone types and placements

If you're wanting to get that perfect sound, then microphone types and placement are vital. The mic position, whether you use mic stands, condenser microphones, dynamic microphones, two mics, or single mic, a lot goes into a recording. The first step is finding the right kind of mic, and then you need to work out its placement.The proximity to strings and the sound hole are the main aspects to keep in mind when preparing your microphone. The sound source is, of course, the sound from the strings and sound hole, so proximity to these is the main thing to keep in mind.

Types of microphones

Selecting the right microphone is vital for capturing the nuanced tones of your acoustic guitar. Condenser mics are typically preferred for their sensitivity and wide frequency response, making them excellent for picking up the detailed sound of acoustic guitars.The two main kinds of microphones for recording are

• Condenser microphone
• Dynamic microphone

Large-diaphragm mics, like the Shure SM81, offer a full, balanced sound, while small diaphragm mics excel at capturing the guitar's high-end sparkle and transient details. Ribbon mics, though less common, can add a smooth, warm character to the recording.Check out our article on the difference between condenser and dynamic mics.

Microphone placement techniques

Microphone placement can make or break your recording. One popular technique is to position the mic around 12 inches from where the neck meets the body (around the 12th fret). This spot captures a balanced sound, with a good mix of the guitar's body resonance and string detail.Placing the mic closer to the sound hole can add more frequencies but might also include unwanted boominess. For a brighter sound, aim the mic towards the point where the neck meets the body.Experiment with angles — Even the slightest change can have a dramatic effect — so don't be afraid to try different positions until you find what works best.

• Angles and distances

Angles and distances can be played around with as much as you like. Even small changes in microphone position can have a significant impact on your recording. Moving the mic closer to the guitar will increase the direct sound and reduce the room sound, giving a more intimate feel. Don't be afraid to try different positions until you find what sounds right to you.Pulling it back adds more room ambiance, which can be great for a natural, open sound. Adjusting the mic angle can also help control fret noise and other sounds. If your guitar sounds thin, try angling the mic towards the bridge or body to capture more low frequencies.

Using multiple microphones

For a more complex sound, use two microphones. A spaced pair technique, where the mics are placed apart from each other, can create a wide stereo recording. Directional mics that can easily be altered and moved are great for quickly and easily changing how a recording sounds. You can simply change where you have the mic pointing to get an all-new sound.One technique is to place one mic near the 12th fret and the second mic near the bridge or sound hole. This captures different aspects of the guitar's tone. Make sure mics are a matched pair, so they record similarly, and that they are both the same distance away from the guitar. Barring that, you can also edit the sounds later with your recording software. This results in a full, equalised sound.

Recording techniques

Are your mics all ready? Great! Now it's time to start recording. We already mentioned on technique, but here are some other things you should know about.

Direct Input (DI) vs. microphone recording

Direct Input (DI) involves plugging the guitar directly into an audio interface or recording interface. While this can result in a cleaner signal with no room sound, it lacks the warmth and depth that microphone recording provides.Blending a DI signal with a mic recording can give you the best of both worlds—clarity from the DI and natural resonance from the mic. This technique works particularly well in a mix where the guitar needs to stand out without overpowering other instruments.

Recording levels and gain staging

Proper gain staging is vital to avoid distortion and noise in your recordings. The loudest parts of your performance should hit around -6 dB on your meters. This'll keep your standard dynamics around -12 to -18 dB.Be mindful of your playing dynamics. Playing hard can produce louder peaks that could clip if your levels are set too high, so adjust accordingly.

Tracking multiple takes

Recording multiple takes can be incredibly beneficial, especially if you're layering guitar tracks. Each take can bring something unique to the mix, whether it's a subtle variation in tone or timing. You can record separate tracks that can be added together, making a totally unique sound.When tracking multiple takes, aim for consistency in your performance and mic placement. This ensures that they'll blend seamlessly. If you have several takes, you can also combine them when editing, taking the best parts of each and putting them into a single track.

Using a click-track

A click track helps you maintain a steady tempo with the use of a metronome. If you've got multiple instruments in a band, like drums, this is a great way to keep in time with the beat. Some players find that playing to a click can feel rigid or unnatural, so it's down to you what feels best.Try setting the click track at a lower volume or with a different sound that’s less intrusive. If you don't want to use it long-term, but still need a guide, you can record a guide track with the click-on and then re-record the guitar with the click-muted. This can make it feel more natural whilst also maintaining a steady tempo and timing.

Post-production

After you've finished recording your acoustic guitar, it's time to get editing. Editing can feel a bit complicated, but once you get the basics down, it can be quite straightforward. Plug your mics into an audio interface that will translate your sound into an audio file for your computer, and then boot up your recording software.Editing is vital for professional-sounding recordings, like what you'd find in a music video.Editing and comping – Once you've finished recording, it's time to edit and combine them into a final track. Start by listening through each take and marking the best parts. Use these selections to create a composite track.Pay attention to the transitions between edits to avoid noticeable cuts. Crossfading between takes can help ensure a seamless transition.EQing acoustic guitar – EQ (Equalisation) is your best friend when it comes to refining the sound of your acoustic guitar. Start by cutting any unnecessary low-end frequencies (below 80 Hz) to reduce rumble.Boosting the midrange around 2-5 kHz can enhance the guitar's clarity and presence, while a slight lift around 10-12 kHz adds air and brightness. Be careful not to overdo it.Compression and dynamics control – Compression smooths out the dynamic range of your guitar track, making quieter parts louder and controlling the louder peaks. Use a gentle compression ratio (2:1 or 3:1) to maintain the guitar's natural dynamics. This is great for aggressive rhythm parts and making them more audible.Set the attack time fast enough to catch peaks but slow enough to preserve the instrument's sound. The release time should allow the compressor to reset between notes, ensuring the guitar remains responsive.Reverb and effects – Adding reverb gives your acoustic guitar recordings a sense of depth. A small room reverb can enhance the recording without drowning it in room ambience.If you're after a more dramatic effect, experiment with longer reverbs or different types of reverb, such as plate or spring. Other effects like chorus or delay can be used creatively to add texture and movement. Effects should be used rarely to avoid overpowering the natural sound.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

We all make mistakes, it's part of learning. Here are some common mistakes to look out for.Over-processing the sound – One of the biggest pitfalls in recording acoustic guitars is over-processing. Too much EQ, compression, or effects can strip away the sound of the guitar, leaving it sounding artificial.Use processing only to enhance what’s already there. Less is more when it comes to achieving a natural, balanced sound.Ignoring room acoustics – Poor room acoustics will doom any recording, regardless of equipment. If your recording space is too reflective or too dead, your guitar won't sound its best.Take the time to treat your room with acoustic foam or panels, which can help produce reflected sound and absorb excess sound too. The better your room sounds, the less you'll need to fix in post-production.Incorrect mic placement – Mic placement is critical, and getting it wrong can result in a poor recording. If your guitar sounds too boomy or too thin, try adjusting the mic's position or angle.Don't be afraid to experiment —what works for one person might not work for another. Take the time to find the sweet spot that captures your guitar's true sound.

Conclusion

Recording acoustic guitar can be challenging without the right environment. Mic placement, room acoustics, and proper technique all play crucial roles in capturing a great sound. But with the right setup and some practice, you can produce recordings that truly showcase the beauty of your instrument.

TYX London Recording Studios

TYX Studios offers everything you need to achieve professional-quality recordings. Our state-of-the-art recording spaces are designed to capture the best possible sound, and our team of experts is on hand to provide guidance every step of the way.If you’re looking for expert advice and a seamless recording experience, contact us today. Let’s make your acoustic guitar recordings sound as good as they possibly can.