How can I record guitar tracks onto my computer?

How can I record guitar tracks onto my computer? I have no idea where to start. Also, is it possible to have it record a drum machine/backing track that my guitar is plugged into?

You can find several ways to record onto a computer.

For a cheap solution, try Line 6′s TonePort, they run from $60 to $120 and come with software. The higher model you buy, I might add, the better software you get.

Another cheap, and preferred if you only want to spend $3, way is to get a double male 3.5 mm cable (headphone cable) and plug it into your amp or guitar processor and then into your mic port on your computer. Then, you need to record it onto a program such as Audacity (free, go to download.com) which was developed by the creator of Google.

If you choose the really cheap method, buy a headphone jack splitter as to use with your amp/processor so that you can hear the guitar in real time (the software lags about .5 to 1 sec.)

You can always put in a few more dollars and get an expensive program and interface (such as Cakewalk’s Power Studio) in which you will get a professional grade recording (but at the cost a few hundred to a couple thousand).

You can also get great USB microphones for not too much at most music shops.

For on the go: Buy a digital voice recorder and a decent microphone to plug into it. Most of these record in MP3 and have varying degrees of recording quality. After you record your track, plug it into your computer w/ the USB cable and edit away. -You can also use the 3.5 mm cable and plug into the recorder like I mentioned with your guitar.

On software: Audacity is the easiest and most powerful thing you can get without buying $800+ software. It does take a while to learn (as does all recording software) and will help you achieve your desired sound with effects galore if you use the beta version.
There are other softwares that work well too: Reaper, Fruity Loops, Cakewalk, GuitarPort, ect. But they all cost $$$.

You can also find decent software at your local Best Buy for $50 (sorry, can’t remember the name of it…..).

I hope this info helps a bit.

My computer teacher playing guitar

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