Learning electric guitar includes many sub-skills. It includes – arranging backing track, layering bass, and aligning the solo. All these combined create sweet arrangements.
Now, how to create a sweet musical arrangement? Simple! Just record your creatives and let it loop until it reflects the feel. This is the divine rule.
Every musician has been applying this rule for decades. The way of application has changed, but the rule is the same. Let us explain the statement in depth.
When there were no technologies for recording a backing track, bandmates worked as a loop. They consistently played a progression and let the thoughts flow.
But the situation has changed. We now have numerous options for a sweet arrangement, including -within budget or without a budget.
No matter how much your budget is, it’s easy to make a composition. And the process starts with your courage. Connect your guitar with your pc or laptop and start recording.
That’s the first step every music composer did for the decades. So, how to connect an electric guitar to a PC or laptop?
Here are the four easy solutions for you. Follow the guide and let us know: what solutions worked best for you? Before answering the question, you can check guitars and amps from the musical instru blog.
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Solution One: Use Direct Audio In-Connection
Every fresh guitar player started their recording with this rule. Trust us! It’s effective and works fine for the beginner. To apply this rule, follow the instruction below.
- Buy a 1/8 TRS cable and 1/4 phone jack plug.
- Connect one side with your guitar.
- Connect another side with your pc/laptop audio port
- Then set up the speaker output.
- You are done! Play it now.
- Here are the images that will help you to understand.
Problems:
Since you are not using a high-quality audio interface, you have to face the following issues.
- There will be latency issues.
- A low-quality sound.
- Sometimes there is a chance of sound crashing.
You can solve the latency issues. But the rest of the problems will sustain because of the necessary signals. Why? Your pc or laptop sound-card is built for regular sound use. So, if the solution does not work for you to check the next solutions.
Solution Two: USB Guitar Linking Jack
This is one of the easiest ways to connect your guitar. It is even better than the previous one in regards to sound. Here is the idea of connecting the guitar.
- Buy a USB guitar linking cable.
- Connect the USB port with pc
- Connect another port with your guitar.
- Set the sound output from your pc.
- Done!
Problems:
If we compare it with the first solution, this one is slightly better. Still, it has some issues to mention. Here are those problems.
- Less latency issue
- High volume.
- Noisy sound.
- The chance of sound crashing is less than the first one.
The biggest opportunity of this cable is -low latency. You will enjoy the sound, but the volume is high. It’s better to keep the volume low.
However, it’s tough to reduce noise. It can happen for low-quality cable. Buying a quality cable may solve the issue. Still, the chance is high.
Solution Three: USB Compatible Guitar Amplifier
Connecting your guitar amp with your pc can be an effective way. The benefit of using an amp is massive. For example, you can add FX and construct the tone. Here is the idea of connecting.
- Connect your guitar with amp
- Next, there is a USB port behind the amp.
- Plug-in the USB port with your laptop.
- Install the amp software.
- Well done! You can record your track.
Now, most of the amp comes with built software. No need to install any new app to connect the amp. Overall, this way performs better though it has some glitches.
Problems:
- Noisy sound for high gain.
- Sounds wet rather than dry.
- Distortion.
Wait! Not all amps have the same problems. There are some reliable guitar amps like a Blackstar ID:Core or Boss Katana with great sound and USB B-type . We recommend those amps if you have a budget.
To understand it really well and for an actual demo, here is are Youtube links on how you can do it using the Boss Katana amplifier or through the Blackstar ID:Core in full detail.
- Boss Katana 50: How to record through USB output into computer
- Blackstar ID;Core 40: Easy PC USB recording
Solution Four: USB Audio Interface
A professional solution for every guitar player. Why? It keeps the sound authentic. This means what you play; it will output the same. To do this, you need to buy an audio interface. Here is the picture with how to connect.
- Connect the device with USB on your pc.
- Install the recommended software.
- Set the audio interface with the DAW
- Plug your guitar and play.
- This is the best way to record the guitar track. Now the question is: is it flawless? Here are the problems.
Problems:
- It costs minimum $150
- The setup process is technical.
However, using an audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 will cut your toil. You don’t have to worry about sound quality. It will result in a quick mix and mastering.
To find out more on how to set-up and watch a demo, here is a video from Youtube.
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Quick Set Up and Demo
Basic Recording Tips
Here are some essential recording tips for the beginner.
- Prepare your arrangement first.
- Check the noise, sound, and strings.
- Don’t forget to tune your guitar before recording.
- Use noise-cleaning FX after recording.
- Choose the right sound output
- Record in mono
- Mix the sound for stereo.
- Keep the recording room noise-free.
- Check and cross-check the cables.
- Concentrate on an earth loop.
- Earth loop produces noise, so check this on your cable.
Following the basic tips can help you record your guitar track better. Remember, if you are not using a professional USB interface, don’t expect a clear sound. We recommend using an audio interface to connect the guitar with Pc/Laptop.
Final Words
We have added all the possible solutions and recording tips for connecting the electric guitar. Among all of the solutions, our recommendation is the fourth. Why? It’s wise to use a professional device since it’s creative. So, utilize the recording tips and solutions for your first step, and don’t forget to share this post with your bandmate.
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