Audacity is an entry level multitrack recording program for all musicians. For those on a budget it is FREE, it is easy to download, easy to use, and with reasonable care produces good results. However, if you want to produce the next number one selling album on the Top 40 then you had better look at other options like Pro Tools, but this software really is the deal for those wanting to just lay down some backing tracks to jam to, or play some tracks to organise your new songs, etc. My students use it to send me assignments, jam to, write songs, and generally have a lot of fun.

All you need to get started is a microphone for acoustic guitars and vocals, and/or a 1/4 to 1/8th inch jack plug converter for your electric guitar lead. Both can be purchased cheaply from any audio or computer store. In New Zealand Dick Smith Electronics have both.

To learn more about Audacity click here

To download Audacity click here and you will have an entry level recording studio on your computer.

Unfortunately the tutorials that come with the program are not all that helpful but here are some Audacity tutorials or Audacity lessons to get you started.

For a slide show on how to download and install Audacity click here

Although this tutorial is written for the Cakewalk program the first half of the tutorial on how to use the Windows mixer is important to know before you begin recording. The second half on using microphones, etc is also handy to know, but you will need to remember the writer is talking about another program. Click here for the Windows mixer tutorial.

For a very good Wiki tutorial click here

For a users forum in many languages click here

For another tutorial click here

Some of the lessons on this website were done using this software like
Spiced Up Blues and Put Some Shape Into Your Solos.

More tips for using Audacity

1/ Always use a click track for a count in. You can do this by going to "generate" on the task bar, then "click track", then type in what you want and press "okay".
2/ Make sure you tune up before recording begins.