how to record properly?

[stolenlogic]

I want to record this electric guitar I have. But I want you to be able to hear a combination of what it sounds like not plugged in and plugged in. So to do this, i should just be able to record the same thing both ways, and just layer them?

[John_A]

I want to record this electric guitar I have. But I want you to be able to hear a combination of what it sounds like not plugged in and plugged in. So to do this, i should just be able to record the same thing both ways, and just layer them?

I won't ask 'why?'

Best way would be to use 2 mics, one on the guitar and one on the amp in another room where you cant hear it

[sambostar]

I know why! You want to do one of those really annoying amp demos on Youtube.

[bochetagrave]

I know why! You want to do one of those really annoying amp demos on Youtube.

[Basher]

I suppose it's easier with some kind of modeller or software (e.g. Guitar Rig) as you can record the guitar direct and apply an amp sim while using a traditional mic to pick up the acoustic sound (although the mic would have to be pretty close to the strings to get a workable signal).

Obviously, you'll need some kind of interface that can record from two inputs simultaneously. You could use a mixer but if you're only recording to a single input on your computer or recorder, you'll have to make your mind up on the relative levels of the two signals as you're recording.

I did read about XTC doing exactly this. Apparently it's an old studio trick to add a bit of a percussive edge and cut to a guitar track without having to increase levels or use fancy EQ.

[littlegreenman]

I did read about XTC doing exactly this. Apparently it's an old studio trick to add a bit of a percussive edge and cut to a guitar track without having to increase levels or use fancy EQ.

Johnny Marr was also a proponent of said recording technique IIRC.