What Happens When You Hire a Remote Session Guitarist?

Hiring a guitarist to record remotely is fairly straightforward once you know what the process looks like. You can be working on a song at home, in a studio, or with people in different countries. The important part is making sure we're both clear on what needs recording before anyone starts tracking.

I've already written a separate guide to what you can send me when enquiring about a guitar part. This article is about what happens after that first conversation.

1. We work out what guitar the track actually needs

A request for a solo is different from a request for rhythm guitars across an entire song. You might have a part written already and just need it performed and recorded. Or you might have a section with room for guitar and want me to come up with some ideas.

I'll want to understand which parts are needed, whether you're after electric or acoustic guitar, how closely I should follow any references, and whether there's a deadline. For intricate rhythms or technically demanding solos, it's worth discussing the detail up front rather than assuming every job takes the same amount of time.

2. We agree on the scope and price

Before recording, we'll agree on what I'm tracking, what files you'll receive, the timing and the price. My remote recording starting prices are A$95 for custom solos, A$120 for rhythm guitar parts and A$225 for full guitar arrangements. Those are starting points, not automatic quotes for every song: the final cost depends on the actual work involved.

If you need multiple rhythm takes, a very particular recorded tone, or other specific deliverables, it's better to mention that at this stage. That way you know what is and isn't part of the job.

3. I record the parts and you hear them in context

Once we've agreed on the music, I record the guitar and provide a preview so you can hear how the part works with the track. A solo might sound great by itself but still need a different approach to sit with the vocal or the rest of the arrangement. That's why listening in context matters.

For remote recording, I normally include up to three rounds of reasonable revisions within the agreed brief. If the song changes substantially or you decide to add new parts, we can discuss the extra work separately rather than quietly changing the original scope.

4. You receive the agreed recording files

The usual handover is separate WAV recordings for the agreed guitar parts, aligned so they're straightforward to bring into your recording session. If you need a specific format, dry guitar signals for reamping, or something else for your producer's workflow, let me know when we discuss the job so those requirements can be included.

Recording the part and owning every possible use of it aren't automatically the same thing. If your release has particular licensing, credit or commercial-use requirements, we should make sure they're covered in our agreement.

Remote or in the studio?

Remote recording works well when you've already got a track or project session underway and want parts delivered digitally. I also offer in-studio guitar recording across Victoria if you'd rather work together in the room. Attended sessions are quoted individually because the location, preparation and session time can vary.

The aim in either case is the same: understand the music, record the right part and make the handover useful for whoever is finishing the track.

Want to talk through a song?

You don't need to decide which package fits before getting in touch. Tell me what you're making and what you'd like me to record, and we can work out an approach. You can hear my playing and enquire through my Session Guitar page: https://www.davidwymanmusic.com/session-guitar