Double tracking is an audio recording technique in which a performer sings or plays along with their own prerecorded performance, usually to produce a stronger or bigger sound than can be obtained with a single voice or instrument. In the context of guitar playing, double tracking is a common technique used to create a thicker, fuller sound. It can also be used to add depth and width to a guitar track. Here in our own studio, we often double track every rhythm guitar for most genres. In modern music productions, this is a very common practice that you will have to learn in order to produce industry standard recordings for yourself or your clients.

How Double Tracking Works

First and foremost, you must always strive to capture the best performance from yourself or the musicians you are working with. When working with guitarists, make sure to learn the importance of tuning, intonation and string care. A great performance can always be ruined by a sh*tty guitar that is not properly setup. keep that in mind.

• To double track a guitar, the guitarist will first take the time to record his performance to the best of their abilities. Be sure to pay attention to all the issues listed above.

• They will focus on playing the same part again, trying to match the timing and dynamics of the first take as closely as possible. The closer the takes, the more amazing the outcome will be on the final product. The second track is then panned to the opposite side of the stereo spectrum as the first track. One take will be panned hard left, while the other will be panned hard right. This will create a wide, open sound that will open up the stereo field in your recording giving the appearance of space and width. Remember, most recordings, unless you are working in surround sound, live in the LCR domain (Left, Center, Right). It can be hard to create the illusion of clarity, space and width if you do not understand the basic concept of panning.

What Are The Benefits of Double Tracking Guitar?

There are many benefits to double tracking guitar. Here are a few of the most important ones:

• Increased thickness and fullness: Double tracking can add thickness and fullness to a guitar track. This is because the two tracks blend together, creating a richer sound. Because you will have a  natural build up of similar frequencies, it will give the illusion of a fuller, thicker sounding guitar.

• Added depth and width: Double tracking can also add depth and width to a guitar track. This is because the two tracks are panned to opposite sides of the stereo spectrum. This creates a more spacious sound. When both guitar tracks are panned, one to the left and one to the right, they no longer share the center sound field (often times referred to as MID, for midfield), making them appear open and wide. Panning is essential to creating a professional sounding mix! Keep that in mind!

• Improved clarity: Double tracking can also improve the clarity of a guitar track. This is because the two tracks blend together, masking any imperfections in the original track. It is impossible to play the same thing twice exactly the same. This slight imperfection is what makes double tracking guitars such an amazing and useful recording technique. When played together in MONO, all tracks panned center, you may hear a slight chorusing or flanger effect that is pleasing to hear. However, keep in mind, in our mixes, we almost never double track a guitar and pan them in the Center. We always pan them hard left and hard right. You will too when you begin learning on how to create space in your mixes.

• More creative possibilities: Double tracking can open up a world of creative possibilities for guitarists. For example, guitarists can double track their guitars with different effects to create different sounds. This is something we actively strive to do when we are recording guitars in our studio. Although the double track guitars will be an almost identical performance by the musicians, we will often use:

• • • • • Different Guitars
        • Different Amplifiers
        • Different effects pedal like Chorus, Delay, Reverb & Flanger
        • Record the same amp and guitar but in a different room 

All these variations in sounds and recording techniques, often lead to new and inspiring textures and soundscapes that we would have never dreamt of in our recordings. Remember, there are no rules in audio production! You can do whatever you want, whenever you want! If it sounds cool, use it!

When to Double Track Guitar?

Not all guitar parts need to be double tracked. Keep this in mind. In modern audio production, things can get our of hand really quick because they are truly no limits on what you can do in the field anymore. If your computer can handle it, you could possibly add 1 million tracks. Not that this is a good idea but you always have to understand when too much is too much. However, there are a few situations where double tracking is especially beneficial:

• Rhythm guitar parts: Double tracking is often used for rhythm guitar parts. This is because it can help to create a thicker, fuller sound that helps to drive the song. This is primarily where most double-tracked guitars will be used for. It just adds bulk and weight to guitars that are playing the rhythm section of a song. You really need to try this technique when creating metal production! Those brutal breakdowns sound like that because the guitars are double-tracked! Trust us!

• Lead guitar parts: Double tracking can also be used for lead guitar parts. This can help to create a more powerful and soaring sound if done correctly. Be careful when double tracking guitars, however. If too many notes are not played in time or of the guitarist is not 100% sure what they are playing for the lead guitar part, things can begin to sound sloppy and out of time. We recommend that the guitarist know exactly what they are playing  when double-tracking rhythms and leads. The production of the song will sound so much better in the end for the listener.

• Arpeggios: Double tracking can also be used for arpeggios. This can help to create a more intricate and complex sound especially if you introduce harmonies to the rhythm/lead guitar. When a guitarist can nail those complicated progressions over and over again, this almost guarantees that the two double-tracked guitars are going to sound amazing! Remember to always strive for the best when recording. Push yourself or the artists you are recording to strive to perform at their highest caliber. It will translate unto the final product.

• Solos: Double tracking can also be used for solos. This can help to create a more dramatic and emotional sound. Remember to make sure the guitarist stay in time and is complimenting his solo with his double track. From what we have found over the years, sometimes double tracking solos does work. It can lead to clutter and confusion in the final product. Experiment and do what aids the songs.

How to Double Track Guitar?

There are two main ways to double track guitar:

• Physically double track: This involves recording the same part twice, using two different guitars or amps. This is the traditional way to double track guitar, but it can be time-consuming and expensive. This method is what most audio engineers are referring to when they are talking about double tracking guitars. This method is the one we use on alost every recording we do in the studio. We just love the space it creates in our mixes.

• Virtually double track: This involves using a plugin like a Chorus or Doubler in your digital audio workstation (DAW) to mimic the technique of double tracking guitars. Although, this is a more modern approach to double tracking, we do not often us it here in our studio. We prefer the sound of two actual takes played at separate times. However, this may not always be the case and you may not have the time or option to double track a guitar. Remember to experiment and go with what makes you feel something in your bones!

Double tracking is a versatile and effective technique that can be used to improve the sound of your guitar playing. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, double tracking is a skill that is worth learning.

Quick Tips Guide:

• Strive for exact performances of each take to improve quality.
• Use a high-quality microphone to capture the best possible sound.
• Use a compressor to even out the volume of the two tracks.
• Add a touch of reverb to create a more spacious sound.
• Experiment with different effects to create different sounds.
• Using different guitars and amps can yield cool results

With a little practice, you can learn to double track guitar like a pro. This is a technique that we use often here in our studio. We have found that it can add that layer of space and clarity that takes our productions into the sphere of professional and listenable to our audiences. We cannot stress enough though that there are now rules in this game! Do whatever you want that makes you feel special as an artist or engineer!