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| Ashane's tips for effectively recording and
mixing rhythm guitar tracks |
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panning method if there are two rhythm guitars would be 100L and 100R. This a very used method, even in professional studios. But if you want to beef it up even more, go for recording four total tracks. The panning then would be 100L, 50L, 50R, and 100R. Panning your rhythm guitar track around the stereo field is important, as it makes them stand out a hell of a lot more. But just overdubbing them a bunch of times isn't enough. The first thing you'll need to do is apply different EQ to different tracks. But, you should apply the same EQ to each corresponding panned track (100L & 100R, 50L & 50R, etc). So essentually there's only two different tracks. You'll want to keep one of them the same, so for the other one, the general idea would be to boost high and cut low. In whatever multitracking program you're using, load up the FX chain for the 100L track. Then add in either a graphic EQ or parametric EQ. Make sure it's at least 10 bands. Below is a picture of a graphic EQ I used in Cool Edit Pro for my hard panned rhythm guitar tracks.  Below is a picture of a paragraphic EQ that I use in Vegas.  Here's what my EQ settings look like:
Of course, these settings are not universal for everyone, since peoples' tones need to be tweaked according to the EQ they already have. But that is the key: Boost High and Cut Low . Also, don't be afraid to mess around with the EQ yourself. It's best to mess around with the settings while the track is playing. If you're new to EQing, you should be drastically changing the gain on all the different frequencies so you can hear the changes that can be made. Never make the EQ have a steep slope. You always want to curve into areas that you want to change. If you're recording more than four rhythm guitar tracks, like I did in my last mix, then you'll have more variation to work with in terms of EQ. Make the hard panned rhythm tracks have the most high boost and low cut, and have the ones that near the center on the stereo field have less and less intensity. For example, lets say you have six rhythm guitar tracks recorded. The panning for these would be 100L, 66L, 33L, 33R, 66R, 100R. Think about the change in the EQ mathematically. 66L is 66% away from the center, therefore, it needs 66% of the total effect change. Just multiply all of the values for the gain in the hard panned EQ by 0.66, and you'll have the settings for your 66L and 66R tracks. Do the same thing for the 33L and 33R. This method just described is a "V effect." The changes in the EQ is linear as it moves towards the farthest left or right track. If you'd prefer, you can do a "U effect" by making the EQ change parabolically, or exponentially. Either way is fine. It's up to you. Let's say you have an odd number of recorded tracks. Always put one of them in the center. This way, you'll be able to make everything symmetrical in terms of EQ changes. But since you have a center track, you'll want to leave the EQ alone. Remember, you always want to EQ your overdubs differently. If you don't they will usually end up sounding muddy or chorusy. Always tweak and experiment with it. If you do, you're sure to get the sound you want. Thanks, and good luck. by Dan Liss 'Ashane' |