To receive the most helpful feedback possible, follow these best practices when recording and submitting your video.
Best practices for recording
Ensure a clear view of your hands – Position the camera so both your fretting and picking hands are visible.
Make sure your guitar is clearly audible – If using a backing track, keep your guitar slightly louder but not overpowering.
Don’t aim for perfection – The goal is progress, not a flawless performance.
Film a test first – A quick test run helps identify audio, lighting, or angle issues before recording your final take.
Method 1: The phone method (easy & reliable)
Using a smartphone is the simplest way to record your performance.
Set up your phone – Position it to clearly show your hands and capture both your guitar and backing track. A tripod can help with stability.
Check audio balance – The phone mic will pick up both your guitar and the backing track. Do a test recording to ensure proper levels.
Review and adjust – Make changes if needed to improve clarity before recording your final take.
Record your performance – Capture a version you’re happy with.
Transfer your recording to your computer – Options include:
AirDrop (for Apple users)
Google Drive or Dropbox
Email
Upload your video to Pickup Music – Need help? See our video submission guide.
Method 2: The DAW method (for superior sound quality)
For higher audio quality and a more professional recording, consider using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) setup.
What you’ll need:
A DAW (GarageBand, Logic, Pro Tools, Ableton, etc.)
A preamp/audio interface (e.g., Focusrite Scarlett series)
Microphone + XLR cable (for amps/acoustic guitars) or instrument cable (for direct input recording)
Steps to record using a DAW:
Download the backing track (if applicable).
Open a new project in your DAW and import the backing track.
Set up a new track to record your guitar:
Use a microphone + XLR cable for amps/acoustic guitars.
Use a direct input (DI) method for electric guitar and apply a virtual amp if needed.
Record your performance while playing along with the backing track.
Adjust the audio balance – Refinements can be made after recording.
Use cycle recording – Capture multiple takes and choose the best one.
Film your performance separately using your phone or camera. Count the take number aloud so syncing is easier.
Sync audio and video:
Transfer the video to your computer.
Align the audio from your DAW with the video using a DAW or video editing software (Premiere Pro, iMovie, DaVinci Resolve).
Export your final video with synced audio.
Upload your video to Pickup Music.
Need help?
If you run into any recording or uploading issues, contact support at [email protected].