Uploaded March 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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I'm no big-time producer, but I've tracked enough singles and albums with locals to know what brings down a session and what keeps things on pace. This is, in my opinion, a brief exploration of some of the pitfalls that live performers may not be aware of until they get into the studio. Hopefully, by reviewing this list, you'll be better prepared for your own studio sessions, either as a player or producer!

A few notes-
When double tracking guitars, there is sometimes a good reason to NOT do the identical part. This is to create interest and variance in the stereo field. However, these elements are usually crafted with intention, not just randomly thrown in. Although the accidental mistake in a double-track can sometimes result in some very cool effects, the skill of accurately recreating your playing is one that is pretty much required as a modern day rock guitarist looking to record.

In my examples on bass, you won't hear ANYTHING if you're just listening through your phone/tablet! Also, my example of arrangement isn't the best, mixing it in a way that allows you to hear it and also not hear it at the same time was difficult. A good concrete example would be the bass part in Metropolis Pt 1 by Dream Theater, which has a bass-tapping section that is nearly inaudible and therefore I transcribed incorrectly in my video on the song. The producer himself for that album complained often about the young and inexperienced band's ability to properly arrange parts (and Mike Portnoy's dynamics!) so it's not just a personal gripe.

Thanks to my Patreon supporters for sponsoring these vids :) I don't do often do advice-style videos but this one I do think can save people a lot of time, energy, and money. patreon.com/signalsmusicstudio

Table of Contents:
00:00 Intro
00:42 General Advice for ALL Musicians
04:26 Advice for Guitarists
07:03 Advice for Bassists
09:03 Advice for Drummers
10:12 Advice for Vocalists
12:24 Advice for Key Players