I always put a set of good headphones up near the output and that way that does not get to my mixer. The audio track is just that, your voice or axe. You listen, sing and play along, and adjust the volume so you get a good level. I usually start with a 6 or 8 bar example and ensure that all is well. Why sing and play for 6 minutes only to find you got squat.

Then once all is well, I do the dirty deed. Works ok for me, and for lots of others, just remember, Learning Curve, it's an issue.

And even at my young age of ~60 I need to write down how the heck I did it. I often don't do much recording, so I need notes man. Good notes.

The trick to play just a bit and fiddle saves a whack of time.

John Conley
Musica est vita