Anyone else ever had a bad day recording?

[Stingray89]

So today my band recorded 5 songs for a demo and I know the songs like the back of my hand but somehow when I go to record them by myself I tensed up and had to re-record them a few times. I don't know if anyone else has this problem but this is my first time getting a somewhat professional recording done. I'm probably being the hardest on myself but I feel like I kind of let the other guys down. Maybe I was just having a bad day. Anyone else ever tensed up and screwed up when trying to record?

[plangentmusic]

It's another world when that red light goes on and you know that any imperfection will be etched forever in time.

These days, with all the home recording options available there's no reason why you can't get a lot of practicing in before going into a studio. It isn't unlike playing live. You can rehearse forever but when the audiences eyes are on you, it sets off different emotions and that can throw you off. In the end, it's all about getting used to it. i.e. "experience."

[iridiumrocks]

Recording and playing live are very different. If you make a mistake playing live, it only lasts for a second. If you make a mistake recording, it lasts for a lifetime If you try to be too perfect, you get too tense and lose the groove of the song. I had to teach myself to just relax and let it flow.

[Stingray89]

Originally Posted by iridiumrocks

Recording and playing live are very different. If you make a mistake playing live, it only lasts for a second. If you make a mistake recording, it lasts for a lifetime If you try to be too perfect, you get too tense and lose the groove of the song. I had to teach myself to just relax and let it flow.

I guess I need to start teaching myself that. I know it's only demos but we are going to record our full length album in Febuary so I know I need to get better at recording. I know my chops, don't get me wrong but damn it is totally different recording vs playing live. Live and learn I guess.

[Jamo2000]

If possible, take a sec to congratulate yourself on having the courage to record. You've put the time in the shed, know the parts and can execute WITH soul. The red light judges us all, but it's not the boss. The "undo" or "new take" buttons trump it every time. Try not to be so hard on yourself...that's the guitarists' job! Trust your instincts & punch in if you have to- there's little honor in spending days on minutes. Your project will be a roaring success, if dedication to craft is an indicator. If your band is hip enough, they'll cut you some slack. Let us know how it turns out.

[tedcrop]

its a vibe thing. if everyone is tense and uptight about things being perfect it can be rough.

I have been playing bass for a long time and recrded on serveral projects and it can be tough to get the timing exact especially when tracking over already recorded music.

Its always easiest to me to play live with the drummer for the the main track

[Mayers]

What I hate about recording is you ear every flaw you do that you can't ear otherwise. So it leads to frustration to overdo the same thing over and over.

But in the end I really like it. To help with that I record our jam session.

[kai_ski]

What's wrong with a few takes? Were you recording to tape? That's the only case where I would feel pressure to perform absolutely perfect the entire take. I'm totally at ease recording into pro-tools. I always do 2+ takes. You never know when that moment of genius is going to hit. It usually takes once or twice, even playing songs you know like the back of your hand.

[bThumper38]

If you got what you wanted out of the session, that's all that counts.

[thomasthecat]

I remember the first time I recorded bro, you're ok. haha.. The first time i recorded it took like 60 minutes to record a 3 minute song because I was super nervous and I kept messin up. Then I got super frustrated and it just got worse. So next time you're recording just take a deep breath and chill. You can always re-record parts I promise

[T Bassman]

You should pick up the new book 'Soul Mining' by Daniel Lanois. Even he talks about these challenges in the studio, and this from the guy who recorded 'The Joshua Tree'! Definately inspired me to chill a bit in my studio approach.

[tangentmusic]

Most players rarely get it on the first take.
Don't be so hard on yourself. Relax & have fun with it

[Eater_of_Birds]

dont worry man, for me recording = bad day

id sooner play in front of a hundred people anytime, much less stressful in a band situation. recording is like playing under a microscope :/ you will make mistakes and rerecord stuff, it happens.

im recording in about a month, nervous already. and like you i could play the songs with my eyes closed mostly, but its still a difficult thing when youre not used to it.

[Art Araya]

dude, i'm pretty sure this is the universal experience of most of us who have recorded professionally for the first time. it's definitely a learning opportunity. like everything else in life, you'll get more comfortable and better as you do it more.

don't beat yourself up too bad. you can usually lay the parts down again later or punch in corrections.

[Roy Vogt]

The good news is that the more you practice doing this, the better you'll get at it.
If you have a Mac you can easily practice by recording into Garage Band.
PC there are many options, here's two cheap ones:
www.ntrack.com
www.pgmusic.com
I know there are some free ones like Audacity, but these are inexpensive and I've had good results with them.
Keep at it!

[jakehooker]

Take your time doing it, but drink 2 beers first. That's my dosage anyway. I may or may not have to do a couple of takes, but definitely fewer takes than if my nerves are working overtime.

My problem with recording is that I have wicked gear, but the situation always leads to me plugging in and using f*cking software! It sounds good for what it is, but I paid for tube warmth!!!

[fingerbun]

1. Play with recording at home and get used to it. It will also improve your live playing to listen back to what you do and knock off the rough edges.

2. In the studio, either be very conservative (if you are laying a foundation) or really wild (if bass is to feature). Being wild will get more mistakes but also more moments of magic, and that's what will make a recording sparkle. Unlike live you can always redo something if you blow it so it's actually safer to push the boundaries.

[Gecko 5]

Went into the studio 15 years ago.
On the way there I stopped at a local shop where I had a new Badass bridge installed on my FrankenP.
Halfway through the session the engineer asked if I was in tune.
I was.....but the bridge was in the wrong place....throwing off the intonation.