Select the dropdown next to the microphone icon to bring up the different input options: This is where you can select the input from your audio interface and what speakers to play the output through. On the top right of the screen, you’ll see these options to set up the audio input and output: The first thing to do before you start recording is to set up the audio input and output. You’ll see a screen similar to this (may look different depending on the version and the color theme you choose): Once you have your microphone or audio interface connected to your computer, open Audacity. You can plug any microphone or multiple microphones into an audio interface.

A USB microphone like this provides a simple setup.īut for most people, I highly recommend using an audio interface as it gives you far more flexibility. When I’m recording vocals, instead of using an audio interface, I simply plug in my iRig Mic Studio (link to review). To record guitar using a Focusrite audio interface, simply plug it into your USB port before you open Audacity.Īn audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlett is the ideal option if you want to record an acoustic guitar using a microphone.Īlternatively, if you want to record your guitar (or guitar amp) with a microphone, you can buy a USB microphone like this one. One of the most popular audio interfaces I recommend if you want to record acoustic or electric guitar (or vocals and other instruments) is the Focusrite Scarlett range (link to Amazon for details and different options). In this example, I’m using an iRig HD 2 (check out my review to see why I highly recommend it for electric guitar) and plugging it into my PC’s USB port. If you don’t have a microphone or audio interface, learn about the different recording options in this guide. You can use an audio interface or a microphone. You have two ways to record a guitar in Audacity. Step 2: Connect Audio Interface or Microphone

Once Audacity is installed and you have the latest version, you can continue to the next step. If you have an older version, you’ll need to download the latest version from the Audacity website to update. Then go Help > Check for Updates to see what the current version is on the Audacity website. If you already have Audacity, check to make sure it is the latest version (version 2.3.3 as at April 2020).Ĭheck your current Audacity version by going Help > About Audacity.

Start by downloading and installing Audacity here. 9.10 Related Guides and Lessons: Step 1: Install or Update Audacity

Beginners guide to audacity