How To Get That Shot - Down the Guitar Neck

In this video I’ll go through everything you need to get the ‘down the neck/fretboard’ shot for guitar, bass, or other stringed instruments. This camera shot is seen all over YouTube and in music videos. It’s a great shot that offers a more “active” perspective for the viewer.

What you need:

Some kind of clamp for the headstock of your guitar that will allow you to mount a camera.

A camera that preferably shoots 1080p minimum at 60fps minimum. You won’t always shoot at 60fps, or 120fps, but trust me, you will get bored with having only 30fps.

(Optional) Lighting.

For the clamp, you want something with a ball-head or gooseneck so you can adjust your shot exactly where you need it.

For the camera, GoPro style or cube style cameras are great because they are light, and often have a wide viewing angle. Many of them also shoot at 4K, and offer higher frame rates like, 60fps, 120fps, and 240fps (240fps at 720p). Smartphones/Cellphones also work great for capturing this shot! Many smartphones today offer 60fps and the footage looks professional. You will need an additional mount for a cellphone, which I will link below.

Smaller point-an-shoot camera will also work. Smaller pro-sumer video cameras will work. Lighter DSLM (mirrorless) cameras are able to be used as well. You don’t want a camera that it too heavy though, as it impedes playing the instrument, and makes it more likely that the camera will fall off.

One other thing to consider if you are buying a camera for this shot is you will want it to be WiFi enabled and offer the ability to control it from an app. This way you can setup your shot remotely from your phone and control the recording easily from your phone.