1. Create a Track to Follow The first step is creating some kind of guide for the other instruments to follow along with.
Most people use a simple click/metronome to set a tempo. But since not all musicians can follow clicks, you could also use a pre-recorded drum loop instead.
And since not all songs have steady tempos, a third method is to create a scratch track.
Where an instrument or group of instruments are recorded as the guide, then “over-dubbed” one at a time, until the original can be deleted or “scratched“.

  2. Record the Rhythm Section As any musician knows, the rhythm section is the foundation of any song. When bands play together, everyone follows the drums/bass.
It makes sense then, that these be the first instruments you normally record.
In songs that lack drums/bass, another rhythmic instrument (such as acoustic guitar), can be used instead.

  3. Record the Harmonies Once you’ve built a good foundation, next it’s time to add to it by creating a chord structure.
Depending on the song, that could mean adding rhythm guitar, piano, synths, horns, etc.

  4. With a basic chord progressions now in place, next it’s time to "Record the Melodies." Since most songs use a combination of instruments to form the melody.
It makes sense that whichever ones are most dominant (usually lead vocals/lead guitar) be the ones you record first.
Then afterwards, you can fill in the gaps with all the supporting melodies.

  5. All that’s left is to "Add Color" To put the finishing touches on your song, you add all those little nuances that add color and flare to the main tracks.
Common examples might include:
Background vocals.
Percussion fills.
Piano fills.
Sampled sound effects.