Modern technology allows almost everyone to record their music – we say almost everyone, as there is a slight difference in just plugging in your karaoke machine and blasting away, and recording in a professional quality.

If you want to learn more about your music and perhaps surprise your friends and family, you should look into recording music at home. After some initial investment, you are going to not only improve your skills but also take your playing to the next level.

The Basics

The first thing is to make sure you have a good computer to use as your main control centre. You don’t need a fancy computer, although a higher spec computer will provide better results. One thing you want to focus on is the amount of plug-ins your computer supports, as you’ll need a few for different elements.

The most basic recording sound path will look like this:

The sound (guitar/saxophone/singing etc.) -> microphone/line in -> audio interface (most computers have built-in soundcards, but you may wish to buy a professional one) -> computer (the program you’ll use to manipulate the sound) -> audio interface -> headphones

The Gear

Now when it comes to getting the gear you’ll need, a lot depends on your budget. Although you can record good quality without spending a fortune, if you have some money to spend and you are serious about recording, you shouldn’t shy away from the pricier equipment.

Quite a number of musicians prefer to use Apple’s computers for music recording, but if you are a PC person, you don’t need to change. The audio interface is definitely going to cost you a bit, but it’ll guarantee a smooth, high-quality sound. You can find great reviews online.

You’ll also need a good microphone to record your sound, whether an instrument or your singing. Again, there are plenty of options available and you might want to consider second-hand products as well.

Finally, you need to find software to manipulate and tweak the sound. If you are using a Mac, then you can start by using GarageBand. This is free software and it’s perfect for getting started, but as you become more serious about recording, you want to find something a bit more professional.

Udemy features an excellent GarageBand tutorial you can use if you do decide to use it.

You can always splash on microphone stands, professional headphones and the like as well, but these aren’t necessary when you are just getting started. Overall, it is a good idea to consider reading some reviews, perhaps even trying out different things at music shops, before you make your purchasing decision.

Start Recording

Once you have your gear set up, you want to take some time getting used to the software. Read the instructions and search for users’ tips for using the specific software.

The best way to learn all the tricks of the specific software is by trying out different things. You don’t need to record a masterpiece on your first try. Just play random chords and test the different settings to see how the system behaves.

As you get more used to using the gear and you feel your playing skills are up to scratch, you can start recording songs of your own!