Editing Take (section)

==Music recording==
In music recording, a '''take''' similarly refers to successive attempts to record a song or part.  Musical takes are also sequentially numbered.  The need to obtain a complete, acceptable take was especially important in the years predating [[multi-track recording]] and [[overdub]]bing techniques.

Failed attempts are called "false starts" if, for example, not even a complete chorus or verse is recorded; longer almost-complete attempts are called "long false starts".

Different versions of the same song from a single recording session are sometimes eventually released as '''alternate takes''' (or '''alternative takes''') or "playback masters" of the recording. Notable examples of releases of alternate takes include [[The Beatles]] ''[[The Beatles Anthology|Anthology]]'' box set, [[Johnny Cash]]'s [[Bear Family Records|Bear Family]] box sets and ''Johnny Cash:The Outtakes'' and a series of alternate takes of recordings by [[Elvis Presley]] released by [[RCA Victor]] beginning in 1974 with ''[[Elvis: A Legendary Performer Volume 1]]''.

A fine example of the musical implications of multiple recorded performances and how they differ can be found on the posthumous 1969 LP compilation "To Know a Man" (Blue Horizon 7-66230) which comprises the complete last two early 1960s sessions by legendary slide guitarist Elmore James with backing musicians. These are unedited studio tapes which include multiple live complete and part takes of several tracks. There are also adlib band reminiscences and talkback chat with the producer which give a superb insight into the creative energy of the performing and recording process.