Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Connected directly to the audio input
• Method 2 of 3: Using an amplified audio input
• Method 3 of 3: Using an amplified digital input
• Tips
• Necessities
• Connected directly to the audio input
• Using an amplified audio input
• Using an amplified digital input

With technology becoming more accessible and cheaper, independent recording and editing of your own songs and covers has become a reality. Today, guitarists of all levels can deliver raw recordings or slick masterpieces from home. You don't need expensive equipment to record and distribute your music, just a laptop, guitar, a few cables and possibly a preamplifier.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Connected directly to the audio input

1. Look for the audio input on your computer. It is possible to connect your guitar directly to your laptop via the audio input of the device. This port is usually located on the side of laptops, near the headphone output. Often one of the following icons is used: a microphone or a circle with two triangles.
2. Purchase the correct cable or adapter. The average guitar cable has a 6.3mm plug on each end, but the audio input requires a 3.5mm stereo plug. You can buy a guitar cable with a 6.3mm plug on one end and a 3.5mm stereo plug on the other, or you can buy a 3.5mm stereo plug adapter for use with a standard guitar cable.
   • Your laptop's audio input may require a stereo plug with a TS (Tip / Sleeve) or TRS (Tip / Ring / Sleeve) connection. If you are unsure which plug your computer needs, consult your laptop manual.
   • If your laptop doesn't have an audio input, you need an interface or a special cable to connect to your audio output (also known as the headphone jack). This allows you to use the audio output as an audio input. The price and quality of such products varies enormously. You can also use these devices for your phone and tablet.
   • If your laptop doesn't have a headphone jack, you can buy an adapter for your USB port.
3. Plug your guitar into your computer. Connect the 6.3 mm plug to your guitar. If you're using a 3.5mm stereo adapter, plug the 6.3mm plug in there. Plug the 3.5 mm stereo plug into the audio input of your laptop.
4. Test the signal. You can hear your guitar through the computer speakers, external speakers or headphones. If you're using external speakers or headphones, connect them to the audio output of your laptop. Pluck your guitar to test the signal.
   • If you're using your laptop's internal speakers or headphones, the signal will be pretty weak. This is due to the fact that the laptop's audio input is not suitable for amplifying the signal. However, some external speakers will act as an amplifier.
   • There may also be a significant delay, or pause, between playing the guitar and hearing sound through your computer.
   • Before you can hear your instrument, you may need to download and / or open recording software.
   • If you don't hear your guitar, open your computer's sound settings. Make sure the sound is not muted. Make sure you have selected the correct port or device (audio in, audio out, headphones, microphone, etc.). For specific instructions, refer to the manual for your computer or device.

Method 2 of 3: Using an amplified audio input

1. Make sure you have a device with a preamplifier. If you are dissatisfied with the strength of your guitar signal, you can improve its playback quality with a preamplifier. The preamplifier is the first stage of sound reinforcement. These devices make the signal from your guitar stronger. You can use a preamp specially designed for guitars. However, if you would like to save money, there are a variety of guitar accessories that come equipped with preamps. Some examples are amp modelers, pedals, drum machines and a DI box.
   • The best preamps use tubes.
2. Connect your guitar and preamp to your laptop. Plug the standard guitar cable into the guitar. Connect the other end of the guitar cable to the input of your preamp. Connect a 3.5 mm stereo cable to the PA Out or Line-Out of your preamplifier. You connect the other end of this cable to the audio input of your laptop.
   • If your laptop does not have an audio input, you will need to purchase an interface or a special cable that transforms your audio output (also called the headphone jack) into an audio input. These products also work with phones and tablets. There are also adapters that you can connect to a USB port.
3. Test the signal. If your guitar is properly connected to your laptop, you will hear the instrument through the computer speakers, external speakers or headphones. If you are not using your computer speakers, connect the cable from the external speaker or headphones to the audio output of your laptop. Strum your guitar to test the signal.
   • While the preamp will improve the strength of the signal, it doesn't have to be that the delay you experience will also decrease. Delay, or audio latency, is the pause between the input of sound into the computer and when that sound is actually heard.
   • To hear your guitar, you may need to download or open recording software first.
   • If you experience problems with the sound, open the sound settings of the computer. Check that the sound is muted and that the correct port on the device is selected (audio in, audio out, headphones, microphone, etc.). For specific instructions, refer to the manual for your computer or device.

Method 3 of 3: Using an amplified digital input

1. Buy or find a preamplifier with a USB or Firewire port. For best results, bypass the analog connection completely and connect the guitar digitally to your computer. You can digitally connect your guitar to your computer via a preamp with a USB port or Firewire port. Before you buy a preamp with one of these ports, you should first check the capabilities of the guitar accessories you already own. These accessories may include amp modelers, pedals, drum machines, and DI boxes.
2. Connect your guitar and preamp to your laptop. Plug a standard guitar cable into your guitar. Pull the other end of the guitar cable into the input of the preamp. Connect a USB, Firewire or optical cable to the USB or Firewire output of your preamplifier. Plug the other end of this cable into the USB or Firewire input on your laptop.
3. Test the signal. When your guitar is properly connected, you should be able to judge the strength and quality of your guitar signal. Listen to the instrument through computer speakers, external speakers or headphones. If you are using external speakers or headphones, connect their respective cables to the audio output of your laptop. Play a few chords on your guitar to test the sound.
   • This method will produce the brightest and clearest recordings.
   • Download or open any recording software to hear your instrument.
   • If your guitar sound is not coming through, make sure the instrument volume is turned all the way up. Open the sound settings of the computer and check again that the sound is not muted and that the correct port on the device is selected (audio in, audio out, headphones, microphone, etc.). For specific instructions, refer to the manual for your computer or device.

Tips

• Practice a lot before recording.
• Make sure your instrument is in tune before recording!
• Instead of connecting your instrument to your computer, you can record your music with an external digital recorder.
• There are several recording programs to choose from. If you're a Mac user, consider Garageband, Logic Express, and Logic Studio; If you are a Windows user, you can choose Cubase Essential 5 or Cubase Studio 5, for example. You may need to download or open recording software to hear your instrument through your computer.

Necessities

Connected directly to the audio input

• Guitar cable and 3.5 mm stereo plug adapter
• Guitar cable with a 6.3 mm headphone jack and a 3.5 mm stereo plug
• Headphones or external speakers (optional)

Using an amplified audio input

• The guitar cable
• Preamplifier
• 3.5mm stereo audio cable
• Headphones or external speakers (optional)

Using an amplified digital input

• The guitar cable
• Preamplifier with a USB or Firewire port
• USB, Firewire or optical cable
• Headphones or external speakers (optional)