How to Double Track a Guitar

Double tracking a guitar is like giving your riffs a second layer of muscle. It's that technique used by so many metal bands to achieve a bigger, fuller sound. If you're playing metal, heavy metal, or any of its intense subgenres, double tracking isn't just an option—it's practically a necessity. So let's break down how to double track a guitar and make your recordings sound massive.

What Exactly is Double Tracking?

So, what's double tracking all about? It's pretty straightforward: you record the same guitar part twice and then layer those recordings together. This creates a wide stereo effect that makes your guitar sound more powerful and immersive. Imagine hearing your guitar in surround sound—it's like that, only better.

Most metal albums you love are likely double-tracked. It's a technique that adds depth and texture to your sound, and it's a staple in genres where every ounce of volume and clarity matters. From the crushing riffs of thrash metal to the intricate layers of progressive metal, double tracking can significantly enhance your sound.

But here's the kicker: it’s not just about recording twice. The magic lies in how you play those takes. Consistency is key, but slight variations between takes can add a unique character to the sound. It’s those tiny differences that give each take its own personality, contributing to a richer and more complex final product.

The Gear You Need

First things first, let's talk gear. You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment to double track effectively, but having the right tools can make a difference. Here's a quick rundown of what you'll need:

• A Decent Audio Interface: Make sure it has low latency and good preamps. This will ensure your recordings are clean and your timing is spot on.
• DAW (Digital Audio Workstation): Software like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, or Reaper will do the trick. These platforms let you easily record, layer, and manipulate your tracks.
• Quality Guitar and Amp: It goes without saying that your sound starts with your instrument. A reliable guitar and amp setup is crucial.
• Monitors or Headphones: You need to hear what you're playing clearly. Good studio monitors or a solid pair of headphones can make a world of difference.

Of course, if you’re working with amp sims or plugins, make sure they’re set up to replicate the tone you’re aiming for. The better your initial tone, the less work you’ll need to do in post-production.

Setting Up Your Session

Before you hit record, you need to have your session set up correctly. Proper planning can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Here are some steps to make sure everything is in place:

• Create Two Separate Tracks: You'll need one track for each take. Label them clearly to avoid confusion.
• Pan Your Tracks: Once recorded, pan one track hard left and the other hard right. This is what creates that wide stereo image.
• Click Track: Use a click track to keep your timing consistent across both recordings. Consistency is crucial for a tight double-tracked sound.

At this point, it's worth mentioning that our team at Riffhard can help you with this. We have lessons from some of the best metal guitarists that cover everything from setting up your session to nailing those perfect takes.

Nailing the First Take

Now that everything is set up, it's time to record your first take. This is where precision matters. Your first take is the foundation, and it needs to be solid. Here’s how you can ensure a great first recording:

• Warm-Up: Make sure you're warmed up and ready to play. Cold hands can lead to sloppy playing.
• Focus on Timing: Play along with the click track, and focus on staying in time. A tight rhythm is essential for double tracking.
• Play with Feel: Even though precision is important, don’t lose the feel of the riff. Keep it energetic and engaging.

Remember, this take sets the tone for the entire track. Spend the time to get it right, even if it means doing a few extra takes.

Recording the Second Take

With your first take in the bag, it’s time to tackle the second one. This is where you can introduce subtle differences that make double tracking so effective. Here are a few tips:

• Consistency is Key: Try to play the second take as consistently as possible with the first. This means matching your timing, dynamics, and feel.
• Embrace Imperfections: Minor variations in timing and attack can add texture to your sound. Don’t stress over tiny discrepancies.
• Listen to the First Take: Use the first take as a guide to help you stay in sync. But don’t get too rigid—let the take breathe and evolve naturally.

If you’re finding it tough to get both takes to match perfectly, Riffhard offers lessons that focus on rhythm techniques, helping you tighten your playing for double tracking.

Editing and Comping Your Tracks

After recording, it's time for a bit of editing. While you want to keep the natural feel, some light editing can polish your tracks:

• Comping: If needed, you can comp together the best parts of multiple takes. This allows you to create a perfect composite take.
• Tighten Up Timing: Use your DAW’s editing tools to nudge any off-beat notes into place. Just don’t overdo it—you want to maintain a natural sound.
• Clean Up Noise: Remove any unwanted noise or artifacts that might have crept into the recording.

Editing can be as intensive as you need it to be, but remember, the goal is to enhance, not fix. Your playing should do most of the talking.

Mixing for Maximum Impact

Mixing is where your double-tracked guitars come to life. Here’s how to make them sound massive:

• EQ: Use EQ to find each track’s sweet spot. Cut any unnecessary low end that might muddy the mix, and boost frequencies that enhance clarity.
• Compression: Apply compression to control dynamics and keep both tracks consistent in volume.
• Reverb and Delay: Add reverb or delay sparingly to create depth without losing punch. Too much can wash out the sound.

It’s all about creating a balanced mix where each track complements the other. Experiment with different settings until you find what works best for your sound.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Double tracking can be tricky, and there are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Over-editing: Over-processing can make the tracks sound robotic. Keep editing to a minimum and let the natural playing shine through.
• Phase Issues: Ensure both tracks are perfectly in phase to avoid any hollow or thin sounds.
• Rushing the Process: Take your time to get each step right. Rushing can lead to sloppy playing and poor-quality recordings.

Learning from mistakes is part of the process. If you want more guidance, check out Riffhard. Our lessons cover everything from common pitfalls to advanced mixing techniques.

Final Touches and Mastering

Once you’ve mixed your tracks, it’s time for the final touches. This is where mastering comes into play:

• Final EQ: Apply a master EQ to balance the overall sound. This ensures your mix sounds good on all playback systems.
• Limiting: Use a limiter to increase the overall volume without introducing distortion.
• Stereo Imaging: Enhance the stereo width slightly to make the double-tracked guitars stand out even more.

Mastering is the icing on the cake. It’s the final step to ensure your double-tracked guitars sound polished and professional.

Final Thoughts

Double tracking a guitar can elevate your recordings from good to great, giving your sound the depth and power that metal demands. With the right techniques and a bit of practice, you can achieve that massive wall of sound you've always wanted. If you're looking to refine your skills and learn from the best, check out Riffhard. We offer lessons from top-tier metal guitarists, helping you nail every note with precision and intensity.