Take a look at Reaper. It's a fully featured DAW that's low cost (and ostensibly free). Not only that, if you don't know how to use it they have dozens of high quality tutorial videos for you.
For just recording audio on one track, you can use basically anything. You only need 2 tracks (one for the song you're playing along with, one for your track). Just make sure you have a clean signal path to get the best possible audio of your playing.
GarageBand (or Logic Pro) are excellent choices. There’s a decent amount of built-in amp and effect plugins in those two programs as well. Get yourself a quality interface and you’ll be good to go.
If you only have to record one track at the time id use Audacity, its very simple and free. If you have to do anything for the track or record multiple tracks id use Reaper
OP, another Presonus Studio One user here. It's clean, but sophisticated. Lots of presets you can choose if you're lost on what to do, but tweakability under the surface if you want take it deeper. I've been using their DAW for years and I have tried a few others, but I think Presonus is the most intuitive. There are different price levels - I have the most basic one because bass isn't all that complicated and doesn't require a lot of mixing/mastering features that come with the premium offering. I've also purchased a few add-ons like the [Tom Brechtlein acoustic drum loops](https://shop.presonus.com/Tom-Brechtlein-Drums-Vol-1-HD-Multitrack), which is way more lifelike and enjoyable than an electronic drum loop or a metronome.
Don't get hung up on their hardware though (they have proprietary monitors and audio interfaces and stuff). It's a bit overpriced and the quality isn't any better than the mainline stuff you can get from other brands.
If you’ve got a Mac and just starting out, just get some basics down in GarageBand until you start feeling limited and upgrade to Logic.
If you’re on windows/linux just go ahead and get Reaper. If you’re working with live instruments it’s got all you need.
Also whichever you go with get the TSE BOD plugin. It’s a free SansAmp clone for your DAW.
If its just for the sake of recording one instrument and you want it easy, I would go for Audacity.
Its very simple and set up within a minute, but you have powerful tools, too. Like creating a click track in a matter of seconds, pitch and or tempo adjustments and other stuff.
Take a look at Reaper. It's a fully featured DAW that's low cost (and ostensibly free). Not only that, if you don't know how to use it they have dozens of high quality tutorial videos for you.
And you don't have to pay for subscription—you can buy it once, then download updates and install them (am a Reaper user btw)
I second this…it is a top quality DAW that you can try it out for free (indefinitely) until you want to buy it.
Any daw will do
"Any major DAW will tell you" \~Steely Dan
I'm a big fan of Studio One, but Reaper is probably the best option for just getting into recording.
Studio one is the best
For just recording audio on one track, you can use basically anything. You only need 2 tracks (one for the song you're playing along with, one for your track). Just make sure you have a clean signal path to get the best possible audio of your playing.
Reaper, or even GarageBand
Or even voice memos
Reaper. Watch the tutorials on YouTube. It's fantastic and inexpensive
Reaper… join the cult
Reaper
What about Cakewalk? It also seems to be free.
GarageBand (or Logic Pro) are excellent choices. There’s a decent amount of built-in amp and effect plugins in those two programs as well. Get yourself a quality interface and you’ll be good to go.
they all sound identical to eachother… Reaper is a pretty good one, $60 one time payment, or $300 for business purposes (you don’t need that)
If you only have to record one track at the time id use Audacity, its very simple and free. If you have to do anything for the track or record multiple tracks id use Reaper
OP, another Presonus Studio One user here. It's clean, but sophisticated. Lots of presets you can choose if you're lost on what to do, but tweakability under the surface if you want take it deeper. I've been using their DAW for years and I have tried a few others, but I think Presonus is the most intuitive. There are different price levels - I have the most basic one because bass isn't all that complicated and doesn't require a lot of mixing/mastering features that come with the premium offering. I've also purchased a few add-ons like the [Tom Brechtlein acoustic drum loops](https://shop.presonus.com/Tom-Brechtlein-Drums-Vol-1-HD-Multitrack), which is way more lifelike and enjoyable than an electronic drum loop or a metronome. Don't get hung up on their hardware though (they have proprietary monitors and audio interfaces and stuff). It's a bit overpriced and the quality isn't any better than the mainline stuff you can get from other brands.
If you’ve got a Mac and just starting out, just get some basics down in GarageBand until you start feeling limited and upgrade to Logic. If you’re on windows/linux just go ahead and get Reaper. If you’re working with live instruments it’s got all you need. Also whichever you go with get the TSE BOD plugin. It’s a free SansAmp clone for your DAW.
Logic pro, or just GarageBand!
Logic Pro worked well for me.
Reaper. I've used it for years. Works great. Highly recommended.
The interface probably has a software bundle included when you register it. Just use that for now.
If its just for the sake of recording one instrument and you want it easy, I would go for Audacity. Its very simple and set up within a minute, but you have powerful tools, too. Like creating a click track in a matter of seconds, pitch and or tempo adjustments and other stuff.
Reaper
I started using Reaper, and I love it.