Let the music happen

There are many approaches to recording.  Some are very methodical and some are more serendipitous.  Obviously if you are recording on someone else's dime the more methodical approach should probably be followed.  There is something to be said for letting your fingers pick the path however.

With many of the rhythm tracks already laid down the structure of the song is already set.  When it comes to the lead lines and fills though, sometimes it’s nice to just do track after track of takes and see what happens.  You may find yourself cringing at some takes while others may inspire you even more.  The pure energy and emotion in a take can forgive any technical shortcoming.  That’s not to say that sloppy playing is always acceptable but sometimes the feel of the take is so good it doesn’t matter that the bend is a little short or the last note of a run is just a hair off.

With the almost limitless tracks available in recording software any musician given the time can afford to do multiple takes. The ability to edit is also a great asset.  You can put together the best parts keeping all of the feeling of the takes without having to redo the whole track because of one bad note.

Sure  perfectionists out there will say that this is just an excuse not to get things right but that is not the case.  Musicians should be aware of the technical and the emotional and hopefully have the ability to combine the two.  Some great albums through the years became great albums because the artists had the time to let the emotion flow and let the music happen.