Menu
Carvin Audio
0
  • Audio
    • TRx5000 Line Array
    • TRC Column Array Systems
    • Subwoofers
    • Loudspeakers
    • Power Amplifiers
    • In-Ear Monitor Systems
    • Wireless Microphone Systems
    • Wireless Guitar/Bass Systems
    • Direct Box
    • Speaker Parts
  • Guitar
    • KOA Acoustic Guitar Preamp
    • X1
    • Legacy Drive- VLD1
    • MACH100 100W Pedal Amplifier
    • V112E Guitar Extension Cabinet
    • WG5 Wireless Guitar System
  • Bass
  • Blog
    • Audio Info & Education
    • Guitar/Bass Amp Info & Education
    • News and Events
  • SALE
    • On Sale Now
    • Gift Cards
  • Financing
  • Support
  • SINCE 1946
  • Sign in
  • Your Cart is Empty
Carvin Audio
Carvin Audio
  • Audio
    • TRx5000 Line Array
    • TRC Column Array Systems
    • Subwoofers
    • Loudspeakers
    • Power Amplifiers
    • In-Ear Monitor Systems
    • Wireless Microphone Systems
    • Wireless Guitar/Bass Systems
    • Direct Box
    • Speaker Parts
  • Guitar
    • KOA Acoustic Guitar Preamp
    • X1
    • Legacy Drive- VLD1
    • MACH100 100W Pedal Amplifier
    • V112E Guitar Extension Cabinet
    • WG5 Wireless Guitar System
  • Bass
  • Blog
    • Audio Info & Education
    • Guitar/Bass Amp Info & Education
    • News and Events
  • SALE
    • On Sale Now
    • Gift Cards
  • Financing
  • Support
  • SINCE 1946
  • 0 0

How to Prepare for a Session Gig on Guitar

September 19, 2017

Congratulations! You just landed your first session gig. Since you are getting paid (even if you’re doing it as a favor to a friend and being paid in pizza), it’s important to come prepared to lay down some awesome guitar tracks and be as professional as possible. Though it may seem intimidating, preparing for a session gig isn’t all too different than getting ready for a live performance. Here are some tips to help make sure that your recording session goes smoothly.


1. Change your strings. While some players prefer the sound of old strings, new strings tend to stay in tune better, so long as you allow them some time to settle in. Change your strings a few days before the session and your tone on the day of the recording will be bright and lively.

2. Tune up. This means adjusting your guitar's intonation to make sure that it plays in tune all the way up and down the neck. Make sure you complete this step after changing your strings. Your guitar recording is going to be immortalized on tape; that one note high on the neck that is slightly out of tune might drive you crazy forever (and anger the producer!)

While you’re at it, be sure to check your string height to make sure there are not any strings that are noticeably buzzing because of action set too low. It’s not so much of a big deal if you can hear fret buzz when the guitar is unplugged, but more important to address if you can hear it through the amp.

3. Get there on time, and preferably early. Musicians are not generally known for their punctuality. Be the exception to the rule and plan to get there early, so by the time the session starts your amp is already set up and your tubes (and hands) are warmed up. You do not want to be rushing to haul your gear from your car to the studio when the engineer and other band members are ready to go.

4. Be prepared. If you are given material to learn before the session, be sure to take the time to thoroughly learn the parts and song structure. This will minimize the number of takes you’ll need to do to nail your parts. Feel free to take notes or charts and bring them with you to the session in case you need a refresher. There’s no shame in bringing a cheat sheet!

If the session is less formal, for instance, if you are sent a rough demo and told you are free to modify the parts, try to at least have a basis or starting point for what you want to play, so you’re not stuck noodling during playback. It pays to rehearse!

5. Make sure all your equipment works. You know the old adage - when nothing can go wrong, it will. Make sure all your instrument, speaker, and pedalboard patch cables are in perfect working order, and if they are not, replace them. If your guitar amp is making some weird noises, have it tuned up by a professional, or rent a replacement if you don’t have time to do so. Even if your amp is in perfect working order, it doesn’t hurt to bring some extra parts, such as spare 12AX7 tubes (if you use a tube amplifier) and fuses. In addition, bringing extra essentials, such as straps, strings, and cables will ensure that any unexpected studio mishaps or bizarre equipment failures (ever had a strap break on you?) will quickly be rectified.

Lastly, don’t forget to bring your picks, preferably a varying selection of them to achieve different tones, and don’t forget to have fun!

Session musicians, what’s your routine before heading into the studio? Let us know in the comments!
  • Share:


Also in Guitar / Bass Amplifier Info & Education

Basic Tools You Should Bring to Every Gig
Basic Tools You Should Bring to Every Gig

March 28, 2025

At any time at any gig, something is bound to go wrong and you may need a tool to get you back up and running. Here are a few basic tools you should bring to every gig. 

Read More

Should You Gig With Your Most Valuable Instrument?
Should You Gig With Your Most Valuable Instrument?

January 09, 2025

I once asked blues legend Walter Trout why he still plays his well-worn vintage Strat. The technology exists to digitally scan the guitar and make very accurate replicas. His response was he could leave it at home, but then it will never be played. Plus, someone could steal it from his home. At least the guitar is with him and he has the pleasure of playing it. But this may not be the same for everyone.

Read More

Achieve 1950s to Current Day Guitar Tones for Gigs
How to Achieve 1950s to Current Day Guitar Tones for Gigs

December 09, 2024

With modern day effects, it is possible to easily replicate guitar tones from early rock and roll in the 1950s to modern hard rock or metal.

Read More

Shop

Loudspeakers

Studio Monitors

Guitar Pedals

In-Ear Monitor Systems

Wireless Microphone Systems

Microphones

Gig Essentials

Speaker Parts

Rack Mount Systems

Gift Cards

TRx5000 Series

Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more…

Contact Us   

Sign Up for SMS Notifications

International Sales

Warranty and Trial Period

Shipping

Manuals

NoFraud Frequently Asked Questions

Thiele/Small Parameters

Schematics

Firmware Download

Become a Dealer

About Us

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all of the earth; make a loud noise and rejoice and sing praises. Sing to the Lord with the harp and the voice of the psalm." - Psalm 98:4-5

© 2025 Carvin Audio. Carvin Corp.
POS and Ecommerce by Shopify

American Express Apple Pay Diners Club Discover Google Pay Mastercard PayPal Shop Pay Visa