How To Record Guitar To PC? [10 Methods]

Recording your guitar to your PC opens up creative possibilities, from sharing your music online to creating professional-sounding tracks, so you might be wondering how to record a guitar on PC. I’ll walk you through some simple methods to record your guitar on your PC. 

Key Takeaways

• The most common method for recording a guitar to a PC is by using a USB audio interface.
• For professional-grade audio recording, you should invest in a Digital Audio Workstation. 
• There are multiple methods to record your guitar to your PC, including a guitar-to-USB cable, a microphone, amp simulators, mobile apps, online platforms, and more.

How To Record Guitar To PC?

To record a guitar to your PC, you’ll need to connect it using an audio interface and install recording software. This section will explain how you can do that using different methods. 

Using A USB Audio Interface

A USB audio interface is a popular and reliable method for recording guitar to your PC. It lets you connect your guitar directly to your computer while providing excellent sound quality. 

1. Plug your guitar into the “Instrument” or “Hi-Z” input of your USB audio interface using a standard instrument cable. 
2. Use a USB cable to connect the audio interface to an available USB port on your computer. 
3. If necessary, install the drivers for your USB audio interface or restart your computer so Windows can install them. 
4. Launch your preferred recording software on your PC. 
5. Select the USB audio interface in your recording software as the input device and adjust the input gain level. 
6. Create a new audio track in your recording software and arm it for recording. 
7. Hit the record button and start playing your guitar. The sound will be captured by the USB audio interface and recorded on your PC. 

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Using A Guitar-To-USB Cable

A guitar-to-USB cable is a simple, cost-effective solution to connect your guitar directly to your computer’s USB port. 

1. Connect one end of the guitar-to-USB cable to your guitar’s output jack and another to an available USB port on your computer. 
2. Install any necessary drivers with the cable by following the instructions provided. 
3. Launch your recording software on your PC. 
4. Select the guitar-to-USB cable as the input device in your recording software and adjust the input gain level. 
5. Create a new audio track in your recording software and arm it for recording. 
6. Press the record button and begin playing your guitar. The cable will convert the analog guitar signal into a digital one, which your PC will record. 

Using A Microphone

A microphone is an excellent option if you prefer capturing the natural sound of your guitar’s amp or acoustic guitar. 

1. Place the microphone in front of your guitar amp’s speaker or near the soundhole of your acoustic guitar. 
2. Launch your recording software on your PC or use an online one. 
3. Select the microphone as the input device in your recording software and adjust the input gain level. 
4. Create a new audio track in your recording software and arm it for recording. 
5. Hit the record button and play your guitar. The microphone will capture the sound and transmit it to your PC for recording. 

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Using A Guitar Amp Simulator Plugin

Guitar amp simulator plugins provide a convenient way to record guitar directly to your PC without needing a physical amp. They allow you to record professional sound quality without too much strain on your wallet. 

1. Download and install a guitar amp simulator plugin of your choice. Popular options include Bias FX, Guitar Rig, and Amplitube. 
2. Launch your recording software on your PC. 
3. Insert the guitar amp simulator plugin on the audio track you intend to use for recording. 
4. Adjust the settings of the plugin to achieve your desired tone and sound. 
5. Create a new audio track in your recording software and arm it for recording. 
6. Press the record button and start playing your guitar. The plugin will process the guitar signal and record the processed sound on your PC. 

Using A Digital Audio Workstation

A digital audio workstation (DAW) is a powerful software application that allows you to record, edit, and mix audio. It provides comprehensive tools for recording guitar to your PC, and most professionals use DAWs to record their music to PC.  

1. Download and install DAW software such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or FL Studio. 
2. Use one of the previous methods mentioned (USB audio interface, guitar-to-USB cable, or microphone) to connect your guitar to your PC. 
3. Select the appropriate input device in your DAW and adjust the input gain level. 
4. Create a new audio track in your DAW and arm it for recording. 
5. Hit the record button and begin playing your guitar. The DAW will capture and store the recorded audio on your PC. 

Using Mobile Apps

If you’re on the go or prefer recording guitar using your mobile device, several mobile apps are available that enable you to record directly to your smartphone or tablet. 

1. Search your device’s app store for a guitar recording app. Popular options include GarageBand, FL Studio Mobile, and AmpliTube. 
2. Use an appropriate interface or adapter to connect your guitar to your mobile device. 
3. Open the recording app on your device. 
4. In the app’s settings or preferences, select the input device and adjust the input gain level. 
5. Create a new track within the app and arm it for recording. 
6. Tap the record button and begin playing your guitar. The app will record the sound and save it on your mobile device. 

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Using A Multi-Effects Processor With USB

Some multi-effects processors offer a USB connection to record your guitar directly to your PC. 

1. Plug your guitar into the input of your multi-effects processor using a standard instrument cable. 
2. Use a USB cable to connect the multi-effects processor to an available USB port on your computer. 
3. Access the settings of your multi-effects processor and configure it to operate as an audio interface. 
4. Launch your recording software on your PC. 
5. Select the multi-effects processor as the input device in your recording software and adjust the input gain level. 
6. Create a new audio track in your recording software and arm it for recording. 
7. Hit the record button and start playing your guitar. The multi-effects processor will process the sound and send it to your PC for recording. 

Using Online Recording Platforms  

Online recording platforms allow you to record your guitar directly within your web browser, eliminating the need for additional software installations. 

1. Explore online recording platforms such as Soundtrap, Soundation, or BandLab. 
2. Create an account or log in to the chosen platform. 
3. Use an appropriate interface or adapter to connect your guitar to your computer. 
4. Access the platform’s settings, select the input device, and adjust the input gain level. 
5. Start a new project within the platform and create a track for recording. 
6. Press the record button and begin playing your guitar. The platform will record the sound directly to your account. 

Using A Portable Recorder

Portable recorders provide a standalone solution for recording guitar and other audio sources. You can transfer the recordings to your PC for further editing and processing. 

1. Use an instrument cable to connect your guitar to the input of the portable recorder. 
2. Configure the input settings on the portable recorder, such as gain level and input type (line or instrument). 
3. Press the record button on the portable recorder and begin playing your guitar. The recorder will capture the sound onto its internal memory or a memory card. 
4. Connect the portable recorder to your PC using a USB cable and transfer the recorded files to your computer for editing and post-processing. 

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Using Direct Line Recording  

Direct line recording connects your guitar to your audio interface or PC using a direct box (DI box). 

1. Plug your guitar into a DI box using an instrument cable. 
2. Connect the DI box’s output to the input of your audio interface or PC using an appropriate cable. 
3. Launch your recording software on your PC. 
4. Select the audio interface or PC input as the input device in your recording software and adjust the input gain level. 
5. Create a new audio track in your recording software and arm it for recording. 
6. Hit the record button and start playing your guitar. The DI box will ensure a clean, balanced signal, which your PC will record. 

Final Thoughts

Whether you use a USB audio interface, a guitar-to-USB cable, or a microphone or explore other options like amp simulators, mobile apps, or online platforms, recording your guitar has never been easier.