The Many Uses of Acoustic
Some ideas for recording and mixing acoustic guitar, either as a featured instrument or for providing extra texture to a wide range of rhythm tracks
Though it’s standard equipment for those who gravitate towards country, folk or Americana, the acoustic guitar is in fact much more versatile than you might think, one that can add heft to hard rock, hip-hop or just about any genre imaginable. Here we take another look at the various ways to use acoustic in your recordings, either as a featured instrument or for just adding some extra texture to a wide range of rhythm tracks.
As a primary instrument. There are a number of methods for recording acoustic when it’s the main instrument on a song. If you’d like more of a stripped-down sound, start with a single guitar and, for the best results, record using a large-diaphragm condenser microphone, placed about a foot away or less and aimed at the 12 fret (rather than the sound hole). If playing and singing simultaneously, adjust the positioning of both the vocal and guitar microphones so that their paths don’t cross in order to prevent phasing issues; similarly, be cognizant of any sound leakage from your headphones and trim the monitor volume if necessary.
Recording multiple guitars. For a fuller sound, consider balancing the main guitar with an additional acoustic-guitar part. It’s helpful to have the second guitar contrast with the original, even it means just slightly altering the rhythm or picking pattern. If feasible, use a different type or model of guitar—if the main guitar is bass-heavy, go for something slightly smaller or brighter (or perhaps even a 12-string for the ultimate in complex colorations). You could also try a different “voicing”—for instance, if the main progression is in the key of D, you could put a capo on fret 2 of the second guitar and transpose the chords to C instead. Another option is drop-tuning—using the example above, you’d detune the additional guitar one whole step, so that you’re playing the progression in the key of E. When mixing, keep the guitars slightly separated (as opposed to stacking them in mono), or around 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock respectively.
As a rhythm instrument. Adding acoustic guitar to an otherwise non-acoustic track calls for a slightly different set-up—here, you’re going for less guitar volume and more rhythm sound instead. Ideally, you’ll want a guitar with a fairly neutral voice, since having too much low end risks muddying the mix. When recording, put a bit more space between the microphone and the guitar; for a more “agnostic” tone you could try swapping the condenser for a dynamic mic or, if your guitar has an installed pickup, plug directly into the recorder. Also, some players like to use a thinner pick when tracking rhythm acoustic, as it reduces the guitar’s projection while emphasizing the strumming attack.
Pick your sound. As you may know, a guitar’s timbre can change enormously based on whether you’re strumming with a pick, without a pick, or playing “fingerstyle” using just thumb and forefinger. As noted above, the size, thickness and composition of the guitar pick itself can make a big difference tonally – medium to heavier-gauge picks provide a meatier tone and therefore are suitable for basic rhythm as well as soloing (such as on bluegrass or traditional country). There are some who don’t like picks at all, and instead use their index finger to strum, and may even apply clear polish to the nail to keep it rigid! For that matter you could even use the fleshy part of your thumb for soloing, especially if you’re after a “rounder” sound. To determine which approach works best for the song at hand, just set up a mic, strap on the headphones and start playing, alternately using different types of picks (or none at all), strumming styles, as well as chord voicings.
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