How to Connect a Guitar to a Computer (Easy Steps)

Transform your computer into a powerful music studio, and harness your creativity by utilizing your computer to record and play with your musical abilities. 

Learning how to connect a guitar to a computer allows you not only to record and loop music, but also to use different effects and sound manipulation in order to start producing some tracks. 

Although it may seem daunting at first, connecting your guitar to a computer is not as difficult as it seems. In this article, we’ll outline some key, beginner steps in order to do this with ease. 

Let’s get into it.

What You'll Need 

When it comes to sourcing what you’ll need, it’s likely you only need to grab one or two things if that's the case. A lot of what you’ll need to connect a guitar to your computer you will likely already have or can easily borrow from a friend. 

• Guitar: Any acoustic-electric, electric, or bass guitars that can be plugged into an amp will work for this. Try using a guitar you’re already comfortable with to start off with. 
• Computer: This method will work with virtually any computer. However, newer models of computers may be able to support a wider range of recording software. Generally, any computer or laptop will do. 
• Audio Interface: An audio interface is a small gadget that plugs into your guitar and gives out an aux or USB cable (usually). It is a bridge between the guitar and the computer. Some affordable options include the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, Behringer UMC22, and the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96. 
• Instrument Cable: You’ll also need an instrument cable that connects your guitar to the audio interface. This is usually a standard ¼” cable that you will already be using if you use an amp with your guitar. 
• Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Software: Digital audio workstation software allows you to record, edit, and produce different sounds using your guitar and other tools within the software. Some great software includes GarageBand, Audacity, Reaper and Ableton Live. 

Step-by-Step Connection Guide 

Now that you have gathered all the equipment, it's time to start the setup process. For the most part, it's all about plugging the cables into the right places. The only part that some people may find challenging is to configure the software. However, we’ll run you through this as well. 

1. Connect the Audio Interface 

• The first step is to connect the audio interface to your computer, or laptop. The audio interface is usually a small, box shaped device, with a guitar port, and parts where other plugs can go in. 
• Plug the interface into your computer using the USB port
• Some audio interfaces require you to install a driver, it should state in the instructions if this is necessary, although not all interfaces require it. 

2. Connect Your Guitar 

• The next step is to connect your guitar to the audio interface, which should already be plugged into your computer. Do this using your normal guitar cable (which you use for the amp) and plug one end into your guitar, and the other into the audio interface. 

3. Configure Your DAW 

• One of the last steps to take is to configure your digital audio workstation software, whichever you may have chosen 
• To do this, it is important to select the correct input source, and to match it to your interface input. This should become quite apparent when you open the application you have chosen 
• When you choose the input level, make sure to avoid clipping. Clipping occurs when the audio signals are too loud for the recording system. You’ll notice clipping if the sounds produced are harsh, or unpleasant. Make sure you stay away from the ‘red zone’ when playing. 

Testing the Connection 

Now that you have hooked your guitar up to your computer, you should be ready to go. When you play, you should now be able to hear your guitar playing through your computer speakers, or, if you have plugged in headphones, you’ll hear it play through there. 

However, if you do not hear your guitar through your computer speakers, fear not. There are some simple steps you can take to troubleshoot, and fix the potential issue. 

Troubleshooting tips: 

• Check cable connections: This is the simplest way to fix any potential issues coming from connectivity issues. If you’re unsure if the cable connecting your guitar to your audio interface is working, try plugging your guitar into an amp. If this works, then your cable is fine and it is likely another issue. 
• Ensure the correct input source is selected: Once you have opened your DAW software, it may ask you to select the audio source. This will look different on each software, but a quick Google should show you the right buttons to press in order to select your guitar as the right input source. 
• Adjust volume levels on your guitar and the interface: At times, if you are not hearing the guitar through your computer, it may be as simple as turning the volume up both on your guitar, and your laptop. An easy mistake that is even easier to fix. 

Alternative Connection Methods 

If you do not have access to an audio interface, or are looking for another way to connect your guitar to your computer, there are some other ways to connect a guitar to a computer. 

• Multi-effects pedals: Many modern multi-effects pedals have USB outputs that can be used to connect your guitar to your computer directly. 
• Amplifiers with USB: Some modern guitar amps offer direct USB connection for recording and playing, check the model of your amp to see if you are able to do this. 
• USB guitar cables: These cables have built-in converters. However, it is important to note that it may not offer the same audio quality as dedicated interfaces. This is best for people who are just starting out on their recording journey, or are playing around with new software. 

Tips for Better Results 

Once you’re all set up, there are a few simple tricks that can help you get the most out of your playing. 

• Use ASIO drivers on Windows: Using ASIO (Audio Stream Input/Output) drivers on Windows can help you to minimize latency and response times when playing through your laptop. 
• Experiment with amp simulator software: There are many amp simulator pieces of software that you can use in conjunction with your existing software, that can be used to expand your tonal possibilities with virtual amps and effects.
• Monitor input levels: A mistake you should always avoid is to monitor for distortion or weak signals by checking your levels. On most software, you’ll see this visually as green and red signals that show when you are in, and out of range, respectively. 
• Consider using headphones: This is especially helpful for monitoring the sounds while recording. Using headphones helps to minimize background noise and experience the true sounds of your recording. 

Exploring Further Possibilities 

Learning how to connect a guitar to a computer opens up a world of new possibilities. 

A great tool to use when hooking your guitar up to your computer is using a virtual amp effect that is usually within the DAW. 

This helps you play around with the sounds your guitar can make, mimicking an amp, with further opportunities to explore new styles. They allow you to play with a range of effects such as reverbs, delays, and modulation that add extra depth and texture to your playing. 

When it comes to recording music, there are some great tools within the DAW that help you record new music. There are many different ways to record new music using your guitar. If this is something you’re interested in, check out our guide on how to do this here to learn more about home recording. 

Conclusion

Hooking your guitar up to your computer opens up a world of possibilities. From playing around with virtual amps, to recording new songs, setting up your computer as an amp/recording device/ production tool allows you to access a wide range of musical possibilities. 

Connecting your guitar to your computer is relatively simple, and can be done in a few simple steps. It’ll help you hit your guitar playing goals and explore a whole new side to music-making. 

And most importantly, it allows you to have fun. 

That's what music is all about, isn’t it? 

If you’ve had luck recording some songs, or have questions about connecting your guitar to your computer, drop a comment down below and let me know.