How to Prepare for the Studio

musical group rehearsing in studio

Being prepared for a studio session is key to making the most of your time and investment. Whether it’s laying down a single track or working on a full album, being prepared ensures your studio time is efficient and productive.

If you are unsure how to prepare, discuss it with your recording engineer or producer.

If you prefer to experiment and be creative in the studio, or leave it to chance, that is a valid approach. We offer rehearsal time right in the studio to work on music in the actual recording space. We can even record the rehearsals for your later review.

Give yourself enough time to get into a creative mindset and avoid interruption of your creative process.

If you prefer to have every note and nuance ready in advance of your recoring session, you can maximize your studio time in the following ways.

Finish Writing Your Songs

Are you still finishing your lyrics? Are you unsure how to end the song? Don't how many bars the chorus is? Then your songs aren't finished and you're at risk of wasting time in the studio.

Practice To Perfection

Rehearse your material until you're confident with every part. This helps avoid wasting time on repeated takes.

Document Your Amp & Pedal Settings

You can take pictures of your settings for each tone for each song and solo. Take some time to organize the photos so they are easy to find when you're recording in the studio.

Plan Your Gear

Make a list of all the necessary gear for each song:

  • instruments
  • amps
  • guitar pedals
  • cords and cables
  • sticks
  • strings
  • straps
  • picks
  • sheet music
  • ear plugs
  • other specific equipment

Plan Your Recording Sessions

Plan your goals for each day at the studio. Talk to us about using our Session Planning Form and our Recording Grid Checklist. These work great for getting organized before your session and to avoid forgetting elements of each song.

Prepare Your Gear

Do your instrument need new strings or heads? Is there a bad connection on your amp or a broken knob on you pedal? Does your guitar cord crackle? Are your drums out of tune? These are minor annoyances at band practice, but in the studio, they can ruin a take or even end a session. Take time to prepare your gear for the studio.

Capos, heads, strings, sticks, straps, picks, cables, batteries, power adapters

Enough said.

Don't Overpractice Right Before Your Session

You can wear out your voice or get blisters on your fingers if you overdo it right before a recording session. Don't come to the studio worn out.

Awesome Recordings

Your music is ready and your sessions are scheduled. By being prepared for you recording sessions, you'll make the most of your time in the studio.

Just ask and we will send our Session Planning Form and Recording Grid for you to organize your sessions.