Session Log - The Angelheaded Hipster - Part 7: Recording Guitars

When making a record that pays homage to Marc Bolan—one of the most influential guitar players and singers of all time, it certainly makes you think twice about how to approach the guitars. No amp simulation plugins were used during the sessions, all the guitars were recorded live, with the band, through an amp, and the only engineering “precaution” I took was to have the guitar amp in a separate booth.

I have been quite fortunate to record more than a few guitar legends throughout my career. For example, in 2005, I recorded and mixed the Les Paul & Friends album featuring Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Keith Richards, Buddy Guy, Joe Perry, and many others, and the emphasis on that record was definitely on guitars and amps. But on this album, the focus was the lyrics, the performances, and the songs, more so than the instruments or guitar solos—such is the legacy of Marc Bolan.

Producer Hal Willner imparted this vibe from the get-go, starting with the excellent Nick Cave session that set the tone for the whole album. As a matter of fact, that first track we recorded didn’t even have an electric guitar. Doug Pettibone, being the consummate professional that he is, prepped a Marshall head, an electric guitar, and two acoustic guitars but ended up playing only acoustic, which I miked with a Neumann SM 2 stereo condenser microphone. Remember, Marc Bolan formed Tyrannosaurus Rex in 1967 with just an acoustic guitar and bongos!