Hi, I'm a recording newbie, trying to learn some basic principles. I have been using Pro Tools to put down rhythm tracks with an acoustic guitar and then layering more on top. Or just a rhythm, bass, lead; your basic song.

I do use a click track, but I find it rather tricky to still have the beats sync together - it starts sounding off rather quickly. (I have been playing for 15 years, so I can keep a beat).

After 2-3 tracks, the click track becomes distracting and no longer syncs with the music. Even adding further tracks without the click - just playing along, it always sounds a little off.

Is there any rule of thumb regarding recording and timing? Any fundamental techniques I can learn about this? Or is it simply that much harder to record satisfactorily than I already find?