Guide · Demos

How to pick the best take of a song

Put every take in one place, compare two at a time at the same point in the song, and judge them on a few clear things: the performance, the feel and the words. Listen again the next day, and pick the one you still want to hear.

Updated 20 Oct 2026

1. Get every take together

You cannot choose between takes spread across fifty memos called New Recording. Put them in one place, in order. See how to organise voice memos.

2. Compare two at a time

Pick two takes and play the same section of each. Do not try to rank twelve at once. Keep the winner and compare it with the next.

3. Use clear criteria

• Performance: is it in time, in tune and committed?
• Feel: does it sound like the song?
• Words: can you hear every line, and is it the latest version?
• Sound: is the recording good enough to hear what is going on?

4. Listen the next day

Opinions about takes change after sleep. Listen again fresh and note which one you still reach for.

5. Name the keeper

Mark the best take clearly, in the file name or a note, so you do not have to choose again.

Common questions

How do I choose between several takes?

Compare two at a time on the same section, judge on performance, feel and words, and listen again the next day.

Should I keep the other takes?

Keep them while the song is active, then archive them.

How do I compare takes fairly?

Play the same section of each, at the same volume, without looking at the names.

What if no take is perfect?

Pick the best feel and fix the rest, or record a new one with what you learned.

Can I combine parts of different takes?

Yes, in recording software. Note which parts you want.