Creating a Rhythm Part

[GAJ52]

Hi

I have been listening to some of the UB Hank backing tracks and many have the rhythm part played using an acoustic guitar, but what I noticed was there appeared to be two slightly different rhythm tracks playing from the left and right speakers as if the rhythm track has been recorded twice.

I then listened to some free backing tracks I downloaded from the internet and these had a similar effect.

As I know nothing about professional recording, can anyone tell me if this is a standard practice, double-tracking the rhythm part especially if its played by an acoustic guitar ?

I'm hoping to do some recording myself using only the bass and drums of midi files, so this knowledge would be useful.

Thanks, Glen

[Charlie Hall]

Hi Glen,
It is a common practise nowadays to record two rhythm parts and pan them left and right. For the authentic old sounds this was not the case, one part was usually only recorded and if in stereo, panned usually to one side. I think in the case of the backing tracks, it was done to make them sound more finished when played alone without lead added.
Regards,
Charlie

[colljaw]

Hi Glen, depending on the mood I'm in, I like to put a full rhythm on one side and an offbeat on the other. Think of a band with 2 guitarists. There's no point in both playing the same rhythm at the same positions. Playing in bands, I have always learned the chord sequence at different positions from the rhythm guitarist who normally plays at the open positions. I then normally play offbeats or arpeggio at times instead of the full rhythm. It makes the piece more interesting. I hope this helps in your decision.

Regards, Jim

[GAJ52]

Hi Charlie, Jim

Thanks for the info, much appreciated

Glen