First thing you want to do is make sure that your guitar is set up correctly, and there is no buzzing or dead notes.
Double check the frets are level, as uneven frets can cause poor intonation and tuning. I suggest asking a guitar luthier to inspect and level the frets if necessary. Additionally, consider a professional setup before recording to optimize playability and sound quality.
Itβs also worth restringing your acoustic guitar, as this will give you a much brighter sound which will be picked up on the microphone. Once your guitar is restrung, make sure that your strings are stretched in and tuned properly. Old strings tend to Intonate poorly, so itβs worth having new strings as it will make the recording process much smoother.
For the recording itself, Iβd recommend having a floor pedal tuner such as the boss TU-3 or the Peterson Strobo stomp. These are industry standard tuners which will help keep your Guitar in tune. When Iβm being recorded by a microphone, I plug my guitars DI output into my tuner so I can tune in between takes if needed. Make sure you tune with the capo on, as it can make the strings go slightly sharp. (Demo with capo)
Your acoustic guitars tuning is also highly sensitive to temperature changes. This can be caused by things such as air conditioning turning on and off, or extended playing over several hours.
To enhance your guitar’s tuning stability, consider upgrading to a graphite nut. This prevents strings from digging into the nut and slipping during recording or tuning.
If a graphite nut isn’t available, you can apply pencil lead (graphite) to the existing nut’s slots to reduce string friction, and prevent sudden string slipping.
Another option is a graphite bridge that can further stabilize tuning.
If using your own condenser microphone, the basic technique is to point the microphone at the 12th fret. As a general rule, I use thumb to pinky to measure the distance.
Make sure you can hear yourself clearly, as recording acoustic guitar with headphones on is completely different to recording electric guitar.
I recommend using closed back headphones, as this will help with sound isolation and help minimise spill during the recording.
To avoid issues with headphone bleed and spill, particularly from loud click tracks being picked up by the microphone. Ensure your headphones fit snugly, and keep your mix at a moderate volume to prevent sound leakage into the mic.
To help prepare for your recording session, practice at home to familiarize yourself with the recording environment. I tend to set the gain so that my input signal on Logic is between 9 and 12. You might have to boost the gain for a finger style part with a quieter signal.
Try not to breathe loudly during takes, as this will be picked up by the microphone.
For maintaining recording quality, use a noise-isolated room to prevent external sounds from being captured by the microphone. An acoustically treated room is even better, as it minimizes unwanted reverb or echo on your guitar track. This allows the producer or engineer to add these effects during mixing.
Think being a session guitarist is just about raw talent? Think again. In 2025, succeeding as a session guitarist requires a blend of technical skills, professionalism, and adaptability. Based on my 20+ years as a professional guitarist, this guide covers the essential skills you need to thrive in the music industry.
Every guitaristβs journey is unique. Some are self-taught, while others hold degrees from top music schools. I started at 13 with a school tutor, formed a band at 14, and later studied at a music college near London.
At 17 I decided I wanted to make a career out of playing. I went to a local music college for a couple of years where I met a guitar tutor who had worked in London in the early 90βs as a professional guitarist. Not only did I learn so much about the instrument, he was also a great mentor which helped point me in the right direction for my future career.
At 19 I went to study at a well know music college near London where I met some great contacts. I also learnt from some of the top guitarists who taught there at that time, I also started putting in some hardcore hours practising on my instrument. When I was 20 years old I would get up at 7AM, practise guitar from 8AM – Midday, go into college for a 2 hour lecture (also playing guitar) then I would come home and practise from around 7 – 10pm. I kept this up for around 3/4 days a week until I left uni 3 years later. Hard work, not talent, made the difference.
Top Tip: Find a mentor whoβs done what you want to do. Email them for advice or a coffee chat. Many pros are happy to share their knowledge.
Playing in time is everything, I mean literally everything. Your technique and tone means nothing if you canβt play in time with a metronome or play with other musicians. Practice with a metronome or drum machine to lock in your groove. Record yourself using a DAW like Logic Pro X and listen as hard as you can.
Listen to the drummerβs hi-hats or kick to find the pocket. Some drummers play straight, others swing. Adapt to their feel and avoid rushingβa common guitarist mistake.
Top Tip: Play with drummers from different genres to sharpen your timing. Record yourself against a metronome to spot weaknesses.
A great tone gets you rehired, even if youβre not the flashiest player. In 2025, you need four core sounds:
I use a Kemper with Michael Britt profiles for reliability and versatility. Start with quality delays and reverbs, and research iconic tones for specific gigs.
Stop hitting the strings so hard, seriously this is something Iβve learned from recording. If you dig in too much you will choke the notes and they will sound thin. Depending on style, you donβt play the notes you βfeel the notesβ and they should sound effortless.
For a working guitarist playing contemporary styles , 99% of the time you will be using strumming, alternate picking, hammer ons and pull offs, string bending and finger style guitar. If you can shred at 200bpm thatβs great and it has its place, however as a session player youβll find yourself primary playing rhythm guitar (more on that later).
Specialised techniques like hybrid and chicken picking are great for niche genres.
In 2025, tabs are easy to find, but session work demands learning songs by earβfast. Start by finding the songβs key and working out the bassline (often the root or chord tones).
Try these ear training tools:
Top Tip: Ear training can land you last-minute gigs. Ditch tabs and start transcribing by ear today!
Rhythm guitar is everything. Itβs 95% of session work. Master it to always have a gig. When adding lead lines, ensure they complement the vocal melody, not overpower it.
Struggling to lock in with a drummer? Focus on their feel and adjust your strumming. Practice with varied grooves to stay versatile.
Writing basic chord charts is essential. Use software like Sibelius or the Nashville Number System for flexibility with key changes.
Sight reading is a bonus, but not mandatoryβ90% of pros donβt do it. Clear, simple charts help you and others nail gigs with short prep time.
Gear fails. Be ready. Always carry spares: strings, cables, and a backup amp. Troubleshoot fast by bypassing pedals or checking cables.
My go-to guitars include:
Boost your hireability with these skills:
Top Tip: Play with musicians better than you. Itβs tough but worth it.
Modern session work requires tech know-how:
These skills make you a one-stop shop for artists and producers.
Be on time, play in time, and be kind. Professionalism means delivering your best, even on tough days. Communicate clearly, respect the team, and avoid drama.
The music industry thrives on relationships. Treat everyoneβartists, producers, crewβwith respect. The song is the star, not your ego.
Session guitarists need excellent timing, tone, ear training, rhythm guitar skills, and people skills to succeed in 2025.
Begin with training, practice regularly, network with musicians, and build a social media presence.
To succeed as a session guitarist in 2025, master timing, tone, ear training, and professionalism. Every gig is a chance to grow. Ready to start? Contact me for mentoring or book a session.
Remember: Itβs a marathon, not a sprint. And itβs supposed to be fun!
Quote to Remember: “Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise” – Arnold Schwarzenegger.
P.S. – Keep the joy in your music. Rock on! ππ€
Joe Badger is a Session guitarist based near London.
For the last 20 years Joe has been performing and recording with 100’s of signed and unsigned artists as well as Musical Directing Corporate Band Xcaliber
Joe is Available For Live & Remote Recording Sessions In the UK and Europe.
BOOK A GUITAR SESSION
β β β β β
βI recently had the pleasure of working with Joe on a remote recording project, and I cannot speak highly enough of the experience! Joe was incredibly helpful and kind, guiding me through the process every step of the way. His professionalism and skill made the entire experience smooth and enjoyable. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Joe to anyone in need of a talented and reliable guitarist. I look forward to working with him again in the future!β
Carlie
(Singer/Songwriter)
β β β β β
“Joe recorded some tracks for a theatre show I am producingβhe provided us with exactly what we needed on a short turnaround, following a really helpful, multiple draft process with feedback from different team members. I’d definitely recommend working with Joe!”
Gabriele
(Theatre Producer)
Hello Everyone
I’m currently offering guitar lessons in the Ottershaw & Woking area and also online via Zoom.
I’m a professional working guitarist with over 15 years of teaching experience, teaching students from all ages on electric and acoustic guitar. I cover all the main contemporary styles and focus on technique, repertoire, theory, guitar tone & music technology.
I try to make teaching and music as fun as possible whist trying to get the best out of my students by keeping them inspired.
I also offer Gift Vouchers which are perfect for Christmas and Birthday presents π
If you’re interested in learning electric or acoustic guitar feel free to Contact Me.
Joe
BOOK A LESSON WITH JOE
βIβm an intermediate rock/blues guitar player who was looking for some tailored tuition to help me improve my overall playing ability and iron out some of my weaknesses. Iβve had a number of tutors on and off over the years and one thing Iβve found most important is that the tutor is someone you get on with and who understands your needs and is prepared to adapt their lessons to get the best out of you. Joe meets this criteria and has structured our weekly lessons accordingly. His style is very supportive and encouraging while still making sure Iβm playing (or at least approaching) things properly and is always happy to share his pro tips to help me improve.β
Ian
(Guitar Student)
β β β β β
“Joe is an excellent guitar teacher. He’s helped me understand my gear and how to get some great tones. He’s always giving clear and practical solutions, either through learning songs or drills. He’s a really nice guy with a wealth of musical knowledge. 6 Stars!”
Nathan
(Guitar Student)
β β β β β
“Like many young lads, I dreamt of playing guitar as a teenager. I finally got round to buying one (a red strat – of course) when I retired and started to learn by myself. Progress was slow until I started regular lessons with Joe. His passion for music and the guitar shine through and he has the gift of picking the kind of music that both challenges but keeps me motivated. I really look forward to every lesson.”
Stephen
(Guitar Student)
β β β β β
Social Media and Networking
Your Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are your digital business card. Keep them updated with clips of your playing or studio work.
Say yes to opportunities early in your career. Ask yourself:
Learn business basicsβmarketing, invoicing, taxesβto sustain a long career.