When you hear a memorable guitar riff, you’re probably not thinking about how it was recorded: where the amp was placed, whether it was on a carpeted floor, or if the microphone was two inches or ten inches away from the speaker. It’s these details, however, that contribute to the sound you hear on the recording. So how do you capture the sound of an electric guitar?

First, you want to record the amp. While the electric guitar can certainly be recorded directly, there are times when there is simply no substitute for the sound of a real amplifier. Guitar amps have particular gain stages that facilitate the popular “crunchy” guitar sound. While digital modeling and processing systems certainly have their place, they may not have the same level of realism as the sound from an amplifier. A small guitar amp can be just as effective as a full stack, because you don’t necessarily need to “crank” the volume. Instead, you want to increase the amp’s initial gain to achieve the desired amount of overdrive.

Typically, a guitar amp is close mic’ed to capture the most direct sound. Placing the microphone roughly 4 inches from the grill and aiming it directly at the center of the speaker will produce the most “edge”. If you move the mic further away, it takes away some of the edge and mellows the sound more.

If you’re going to put a microphone close to an amp, it needs to be able to handle high SPLs (sound pressure levels). You can use a dynamic mic, but a condenser can do the job, too. A good instrument mic can perform well on a variety of sources, including a guitar cabinet.

Distance from the source isn’t the only thing that affects the sound. By angling the microphone slightly off axis from the speaker, you can add more “room sound.” Experimentation is a key factor in achieving the sound you are looking for. You might put one mic close to the cabinet and one several inches way. You’ll target the cabinet but you’ll also pick up the cabinet sound as it’s reflected in the room.

A ribbon mic might also give you the mix of guitar and room sound you’re looking for. The figure eight pattern naturally picks up sound from the front and back of the mic.

Placement of the amp is another important factor. If the amplifier sits on a carpeted floor, you are more likely to reduce the amount of brightness in the sound. Similarly, elevating the amplifier off the floor may result in a loss of low-end. If you’re looking for a big reverberant tone, placing the amp and microphone in the bathroom is another popular technique. The hard tiles and other reflective surfaces can do wonders for a dull sound. In this case, move the microphone back a few feet from the loudspeaker and crank it up!

Recording audio is all about getting the sound you want. Garage band or singer/songwriter? Rock anthem or wedding ballad? “Enter Sandman” or “24K Magic”? Determine your desired sound and then adjust your mic and amp placement until you get it. There’s no wrong answer!