- 1
Adapter & Mic
Assuming you already have a guitar, guitar cable and a computer. The first thing you will want to do is get a 1/4 to 1/8in adapter like the one shown on the left side of the picture. If you do not have an input on your guitar you will want to get a mic like the one shown on the right side of the picture. Both I found at Radio Shack for about $5 each. - 2
Audio Inputs
Most computers will have inputs somewhere on the front that will look similar to the ones in the picture. The inputs we will be dealing with are the "line in" (far left) and the "mic" (middle) input. If you have an active source you will want to plug your cable(with adapter in place) into the "line in", if you have a passive source you will want to plug you cable into the "mic" input. For more information on this please see "TIPS".
Of course if you have no input on your guitar you will be using the mic to record it. - 3
Sound Recorder
Now that you are all plugged up we want to test and make sure you are set up correctly. You will want to open up sound recorder press the record button and start playing. If your set up correctly then you will be able to play back your short recording. (Problems with the sound distorting? See "TIPS") - 4
Volume Control
If you hear nothing or the sound is very faint you will want to go into "volume control" and make sure you have the proper inputs selected and that "mic boost" is turned on. Please refer to the image if you have questions on this. - 5
Audacity Screenshot
Now that you have everything working you will want to record a full song!
A free program that can handle multiple tracks is called "Audacity" you can check it out here http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
It is a good starter program. It does have some limitations but is great to get your feet wet. Go ahead and install it, start the program and click record!
Look for my eHow on setting up Audacity and applying basic effects and editing techniques below.
Have fun and get recording!
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