Originally Posted by: SuperhumanHey FingerSpasm, try a different approach - play with a tone that you like (helps you to play better) and forget about how it sits in the mix. Record the solo, THEN tweak it to sit in the mix using EQ and dynamics.

I use a really great dynamics VST called Cyanide that you can download for free:
http://www.kvraudio.com/get/1374.html

I use the generic EQ in Cubase SX3 but you should be able to find a load of free VST's online that could help. You can also add serious punch to solos using compression...
Here are some more excellent free plugins -
http://www.kjaerhusaudio.com/classic-series.php

Hope that helps!

I will check it out. I had read that compression can help but have not really tried to apply it yet. I think am going to need to do some reading and start learning the science of mixing and recording. I just have a hard time doing anything with my free time other than practicing my actual guitar playing. But it would probably be a good idea at this point to learn more about recording. Plus I am using an old program. Cool edit pro 2.0 I know that you have recommended Reaper and I have looked into it and it looks pretty good so maybe I will give that a try also. This laptop is doing pretty good so far. But I have my eyes on an Apple Pro. I know that would help things out. But its just the 5 to 6 grand that I will have to spend that has me second guessing that decision. Anyways thanks for the input. Who knows maybe I will get an entry in. If not I will keep after it until I get something together should be a good learning experience and thats what this is really all about. Thats what I keep telling myself anyway when I start to get the urge to toss my guitar out the window and start playing piano. :rolleyes: