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How to record a Guitar Performance

There are a few different aspects to keep in mind while recording a Guitar Performance

  1. Lighting

  2. Sound

  3. Recording location

  4. Video Device (camera / phone)

Lighting to record a Guitar Performance

  • Ensure there is sufficient light on the Guitar and the Performer

  • Avoid any bright lights from behind the performer

  • 2 point lighting or 3 point lighting can be used for this

Sound to record a Guitar Performance

  • Ensure there is no background noise while recording

  • In case there is too much disturbance then try recording at another time

Different options to record good quality sound?

  • Option 1 : Use the phone microphone

  • Option 2 : Use a Lavalier microphone such as the Boya BY-M1. (Amazon link)

  • Option 3 : Use a sound-card such as the Scarlett Focusrite (Amazon link)

Recording Location to record a Guitar Performance

Make sure the "set" or recording location, including the background is neat and tidy. A simple black or white curtain or cloth may be used to give a clean background.

Video Device to record a Guitar Performance

A smartphone is good enough to get started with recording. You don't need an expensive DSLR or a mirrorless camera to get started.


Which App to use for recording?

  1. Option 1 : Default camera app on your phone

  2. Option 2 : OpenCamera for recording guitar videos as it gives us the option to lock the brightness for recording.

Camera Settings to be used

  1. Resolution : Please pick a resolution below

    1. Option 1 : 1920 × 1080

    2. Option 2 : 3840 x 2160

  2. Frame Rate : Select frame rate as 24 fps

  3. Turn Grid on

  4. Position subject as shown below using the grid We want to fit the guitar and the performer within the frame with little extra space on either side and above their head

Boy sitting with a Guitar, ready to perform
How to position a guitar for recording a performance

Recording the performance

  1. Click record

  2. Smile and look at the camera for 2 seconds

  3. Quick introduction

    1. Example : Hi, my name is Nikhil, I am 12 years old and today I will be performing “Twinkle Twinkle” on “Acoustic Guitar”

  4. Perform the song

  5. Don’t worry if any mistakes happen, just restart or continue playing the song. The file can be edited later.

  6. After finishing the performance, look at the camera again and smile for 2 seconds

Sharing the file

  1. Option 1 : Please use Google drive or any other cloud service to share the recording in the highest quality

  2. Option 2 : Use whatsapp to share the file in HD (high definition)

  3. Option 3 : Request me to share a link which can be used to upload the file

Summary

  • Lighting : sufficient and not too bright

  • Sound : minimal disturbance

  • Recording location : neat and tidy

  • Video Device (camera / phone) : either will do

Found this helpful? Let me know in the comments below.


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