How to Record Music in Garageband

Do you want to record your own music, but don't want to pay for expensive studio time and audio equipment? Apple's iLife suite comes with Garageband, a fairly simple tool that can help aspiring musicians record. The software isn't as versatile as professional recording equipment, but with the right tools and talent, it can suffice as a cheaper alternative.

Things You'll Need

• Garageband
• Instrument
• Microphone
• Headphones

Instructions

1. Open Garageband.

2. Click on "Create a New Project."

3. Enter the name of your recording. If you are planning on using the built-in metronome, adjust the tempo and time signature accordingly. Click "Create."

4. Select "Track" on the main toolbar and click on "Delete Track" to delete the grand piano track Garageband automatically provides.

5. Select "Track" again and click on "New Track."

6. Select "Real Instrument" at the top of the menu.

7. Select the instrument you will be recording. You can also select an effect to layer on the instrument if you wish. Click "Create."

8. Ensure your microphone is set up so that it will accurately pick up your instrument. You don't want it to be too close, or you may get unwanted distortion or feedback.

9. Put on your headphones. Ensure they are plugged into your computer. This will allow you to record multiple tracks later on without picking up the sound of previously recorded tracks.

10. Click on the little red dot near the bottom of the main screen. This is the record button.

11. Begin playing your instrument. When you are finished, continue to the next step.

12. Click the record button again to stop your recording. You've successfully recorded a track in Garageband.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with multiple effects on your tracks to see what each one sounds like.

• You can use Garageband's built-in instruments to record music; however, it's likely the result won't sound as natural as the real thing.