Category
Performing & Recording
At some point you want to let people hear you play, whether that is friends, a band or an audience. In this category you read how to prepare for a first gig, how to deal with nerves and what to do when a string breaks. You will find tips for playing with a drummer, a bass player or other guitarists, and for playing in a bar, at a wedding or on a livestream. Recording is covered too: capturing your guitar at home with a laptop, connecting an audio interface, choosing a microphone and using free recording software.
About to play your first gig? Then first read tips for your first performance and playing live without stress. Joining a band? Playing guitar in a band is a good place to begin. Mainly want to record? Start with recording your guitar at home.
Start here
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How to Build a Setlist for Guitar
To put together a guitar setlist, first decide how long you will play and for whom, then pick only songs you can play without…
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Stage Fright When Playing Guitar: 10 Tips for Your Performance
Short answer: Stage fright is the tension or fear you feel before or during a performance, for example with shaking hands and a racing…
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How to Play Guitar in a Cover Band
How do you play guitar in a cover band? You play well-known songs so the audience recognizes them right away, you know your own…
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Tips for Playing Together with Other Guitarists
Playing together with other guitarists works best when you are both well in tune, keep the same tempo and each take your own role.…
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Which Microphone to Use for Acoustic Guitar
Which microphone should you use for acoustic guitar? For recording, a condenser microphone is usually the best choice, often a small-diaphragm model, because it…
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Simple Recording Tips for Singer-Songwriters
As a singer-songwriter, you can record very well at home with a few simple recording tips. Start with a microphone that suits your voice,…
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How to Record Your Guitar Playing at Home
Recording your guitar playing at home takes a laptop or computer, an audio interface, headphones and recording software (a DAW). You plug an electric…
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Best Free Software for Recording Guitar
For most beginners, the best free software for recording guitar is Audacity (Windows, Mac and Linux) or GarageBand (free on Mac, iPhone and iPad).…
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Tips for Recording Guitar Without Noise
Recording guitar without noise works best if you tackle the cause before you press record. Use a good, short cable, do not sit right…
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How to mix guitar recordings for beginners
How do you mix guitar recordings as a beginner? First set the volumes properly, use EQ to remove unnecessary low end, spread guitar parts…
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How to Set Up a Home Studio for Guitar Players
Setting up a home studio for guitar players starts with a quiet room, a few acoustic panels and a fixed setup where your guitar,…
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Tips for a Livestream Performance with Guitar
A good livestream performance with guitar stands or falls with the sound. First make sure your guitar and voice come in clearly through an…
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Practicing for a Guitar Audition at a Music School
To practice for a guitar audition at a music school, start with the audition requirements: which pieces, styles and tests does the program ask…
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How to Play Guitar in a Recording Studio
Playing guitar in a recording studio calls for a different approach than practicing at home or playing live. You walk in with a tuned,…
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Tips for Playing a Gig with Guitar for the First Time
Playing a gig with your guitar for the first time? Choose a short setlist of songs you can play without thinking even when you’re…
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How to Play Guitar in an Acoustic Duo
How do you play guitar in an acoustic duo? Divide the roles so you complement each other: if you play with a singer, you…
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Tips for Playing Guitar in a Band
Playing guitar in a band is all about playing together: listen to the drummer and the bass player, play tight on the beat and…
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How to Play Guitar with Small Room Acoustics
How do you play guitar in a small room with difficult acoustics? Dampen hard reflections with textiles, don’t sit in a corner and keep…
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Tips for Playing Small Cafés with Your Guitar
When you play a small café gig with your guitar, it all comes down to volume, atmosphere and connection with your audience. Choose an…
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What to Do When a String Breaks During a Performance
What do you do when a string breaks during a performance? Stay calm, finish the song on the remaining strings and then switch guitars…
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How to Prepare for a Guitar Performance
How do you prepare for a guitar performance? Put together a setlist that suits your audience, rehearse it in order including the transitions, check…
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Tips for Performing With an Acoustic Guitar
Performing with an acoustic guitar goes best when you are well prepared: tune your guitar right before you start, practice your setlist until the…
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Tips for Playing Background Music on Guitar
Good background music on guitar is calm, soft and predictable. Choose warm chords such as Cmaj7, Am7 and Fmaj7, keep a steady tempo and…
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Playing Guitar with a Drummer and Bassist
Playing guitar with a drummer and bassist works best when you lock in with the kick drum and snare, leave room for the bass…