Acoustic guitar is one of the most rewarding – and revealing – instruments to record. Get the mic placement right and you’ll capture a rich, natural sound without fighting it in the mix.
Choose the right mic
A small-diaphragm condenser captures the detail and string definition acoustic guitar needs; a large-diaphragm condenser works well too. See the best microphones guide for options.
Placement: avoid the soundhole
Pointing the mic straight at the soundhole captures a boomy, bass-heavy sound. Instead, aim at the 12th fret (where the neck meets the body) from about 20-30 cm away for a balanced tone. Move toward the bridge for more body, toward the neck for more brightness and finger detail.
Mono vs stereo
- Mono: one mic at the 12th fret – simple and mix-friendly.
- Stereo: a second mic (e.g. near the bridge or over the shoulder) adds width – watch for phase issues.
Tame the room and noise
Acoustic guitar exposes room reflections, so record in a treated or soft space – see acoustic treatment. Keep finger squeaks down with fresh-ish strings and a light touch, and set levels with headroom.
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