Recording a slow process

JammerMatt

JammerMatt

New member
I'm new to recording... sheesh, I'm new to really playing guitar for that matter. I've had a recording device for a whole 3 months. So far, I can say this, it takes me FOREVER to record something.

When I did "Longest Day," (Soundclick) I think it took something like 8 hours before I was happy with all 3 minutes or so of it... and it's still a work in progress!! It hasn't been mixed and it's missing two solo sections.

I think part of it is being an anal perfectionist, part is just lack of skill. I dunno, but I can spend 3 or 4 hours on a couple of minutes of recorded material. I was goofing around with my Jam Station this weekend to throw something out there on the Soundclick, but when it was almost said and done, I decided that the track I was soloing over was probably way over my head as far as difficulty, and that my skill wasn't there to play what was in my head.

I downloaded VanSykes last night. So, I'm doing this real touchy feely clean LP jazzy ambient thing for the first verse. I get what I want when I'm sorta rehearsing, but then come "go" time, it just comes out not right. So, an hour or so later... nothing.

Does this happen to you?

Mixdown? What's that, I've never even gotten that far.

Yeah, I'm pi**ing and moaning.

Just call me... "Matt Lang"

-Matt
 
Re: Recording a slow process

Well, recording is definitely a long and tedious process if you want to do it all yourself AND do it right. Especially if you´re essentially writing at the same time, Manu and I re-realize that about once a month.

For example, right now we´re working on an independent piece in a Korn-Slipknot vein for a 3d-renderfilm, and it´s taken about 4 weeks just to get to a point where we can say OK, lets see what the customer thinks (he likes it, BTW).
 
Re: Recording a slow process

I've found for myself it takes an average of 1hr for each minute you hear of guitar. Multiply that for each track, and you're talking about days of recording for each song!! And that's just the guitar tracks ...
For forum jams and demos, I can crank out a couple of minutes in about an hour, all told, but I would say it's about 15% ... To get the other 85% will take hours and hours.
I've yet to record a rehearsal version of a song I like, too.

So, once you get past the technical learning curve, I think you'll see that the playing time is about the same for everyone, except maybe Dim7 (that little snot! :D ) ...
 
Re: Recording a slow process

Zerberus said:
and it´s taken about 4 weeks just to get to a point where we can say OK,(he likes it, BTW).
Click to expand...

Zerb, you know I respect your opinion and your knowledge/skills. Now I don't feel so bad.


TwilightOdyssey said:
I've found for myself it takes an average of 1hr for each minute you hear of guitar. Multiply that for each track, and you're talking about days of recording for each song!! And that's just the guitar tracks ...
Click to expand...

T.O. That seems to be about the rate I'm working, also. I was going to follow your Power Ballad clip up with a "bic lighter" special track, and I was going into the 3rd hour for a 3-minute track - just the playing part. It was killing me, I had a couple of flashy shredder-esque runs in my head, that my hands just wouldn't do. I finally bagged it and went outside to splash in the kiddy pool with my boy. Now, I'm onto that VanSykes track. Same story.

But, having said that, I have heard say that playing/recording/performing is a fundamental step in becoming a better player. I don't get the chance to perform, so recording is probably a "must-do" thing in order to climb to the next level.

Do you agree?
 
Re: Recording a slow process

JammerMatt said:
But, having said that, I have heard say that playing/recording/performing is a fundamental step in becoming a better player. I don't get the chance to perform, so recording is probably a "must-do" thing in order to climb to the next level.
Do you agree?
Click to expand...
Yes, totally, because it hones necessary skills: ear training, timing, and compositional skills you would never use if you weren't in a band. Plus, if you don't have the time or desire to invest in a band, recording is a great way to have your own personal band, recording studio, etc.
Playing 8th or 16th note triplets to a click is insanely boring, but lay down some tracks with some nice drum machine double bass and power chords, and my interest level increases exponentially.
 
Re: Recording a slow process

yea.. playing along with records can be cool if you really want to learn the song.. but playing along to an 'empty' track is soooo much better, even if it's just some power chords

tomorrow is the paycheck and i'll see if i dare to go to the store again *gulp*
allthough i still didnt sell my gear for the jacky

matt, imo, posting clips of your playing can lead you to be a better player, even if the tracks arent the way you'd wanted them. constructive criticism helps a long way. and hearing yourself play is erally weird sometimes but you can hear your mistakes.. not everyone can record a riff or solo in the 1st take and be perfectly satisfied with it

i have yet to get to the playing/performing/recording bit myself LOL .. i'm not really satisfied with my gear to play efficiently, even if it's not half bad
 
Re: Recording a slow process

Jeez hope you guys aren't paying for studio time or expecting studio work!!!

If you're writing while you're recording it can take forever and certainly if you are new to recording yourself you will hear things in your playing you never heard before, 8 hrs for 3 minutes is nothing in those cases.

I was just recording last weekend and we did basic tracks for 7 tunes in about 20 hours which seemed pretty good considering there was little to no rehearsal.

I would imagine I'll put a 2-3 hours into each song for finished guitar tracks (dialing in the sound, rhythums and leads) hopefully not more than that. These aren't real complex pieces though so YMMV.
 
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Re: Recording a slow process

I meant it too be funny no insult intended, realized it might sound a bit pompous.

Nailing "THE" take can can run into endless hours. I've seen guys who can nail anything they need to live but as soon as the red light goes on they lose all feel and ability to think. Practice recording as much as you can, it is a skill like anything else.

Seriously though if it is costing money for studio time get in and get your parts done as quickly and professionally as possible. Everyone appreciates a guy (or girl) who is ready to go and can get the job done with as few takes as possible. Studios are the death of the anally retentive, stay loose and remember perfection is near unobtainable on any level.
 
Re: Recording a slow process

Don't worry, my friend. Your comment was taken in the spirit in which it was offered, at least on this end ...
 
Re: Recording a slow process

Practise recording. It's because you get anxious when you need to perform..
 
Re: Recording a slow process

Good words, all. I'll get back on that horse.

My studio is my PC, so the longer it takes, the less my machine costs on a "per unit" basis. How's that for Govt thinking?

Wattage... what's your avatar?
 
Re: Recording a slow process

Wattage said:
Nailing "THE" take can can run into endless hours. I've seen guys who can nail anything they need to live but as soon as the red light goes on they lose all feel and ability to think. Practice recording as much as you can, it is a skill like anything else.
Click to expand...
this is so damn true.. i can play to save my ass, but as fast i click the red button, i go numb, my mind shuts off and i start to sweat =P

to get better at this, you just need to record, record, record.. even if it's normal riffing and then get opinions on it (and where better than on a board chock full of misicians :D ), so you dont freeze up and arent nervous when recording
my $0.02
 
Re: Recording a slow process

i suppose this is where im the freak...

when the red light goes on i get a ton of ideas and i usually nail parts first or second time

but in a live situation i sometimes freak and get lost and end up playing "comfort licks"
 
Re: Recording a slow process

I think recording is a little more stressful because it HAS to be perfect. In a live situation, a string accidentally muted can be minor. On a recording, you can't even tolerate to hear a fly fart. I think the more you record, the more you get used to it. But if your an anal perfectionist, you'll start over more often than others. Not a big deal as long as you know it :)

That being said, you're not that freak nuntius, I'm very prone to stage fright, and it's on stage that I really have to work my act. That is also something you can work on, although I think it's better not to have stage fright in the first place (is it possible?). Maybe because I'm a perfectionist... Maybe my conception of a show is not right. I heard several artists (including superstars) on stage that honnestly sounded like sh!t. I would have been totally ashamed to be on stage with them... but they seemed very satisfied with themselves... they were probably more satisfied of the packed arena and the paycheck I guess.
 
Re: Recording a slow process

It's weird as I don't have stage fright when i know what I'm doing. I can play all my parts without looking and move about on stage but if I try and improvise a solo live I all of a sudden Sh!t it and screw up...
 
Re: Recording a slow process

Stage fright? What's that?! :D
I forget about everything when I hit the stage. My singer calls our little group "Virginia and the Hams"!! LOL
 
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