How to record acoustic guitar on your iPhone

By Con, founder of Music Wide Selfie · Updated 22 October 2026

Short answerPoint the phone’s microphone at the guitar neck where it meets the body, about 20–40 cm away, in a room with some soft furnishings. Play a test passage, check levels, and avoid the sound hole up close, which sounds boomy.

Placement

Aim at the 12th to 14th fret area, not straight into the sound hole.

Room

A little room sound is nice; hard, empty rooms echo too much.

Which mic?

The iPhone mic is usually at the bottom edge. Know where it is and point it at the guitar.

Video

Frame your hands and face; a stand to the side at chest height works well.

Questions

Singing and playing?

Place the phone between your mouth and the guitar, slightly further back.

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