If it makes you feel any better, you're not alone, I see it happen all the time.

The only known cure for the dreaded Red Light Fever is repetition.

It sounds like you're well prepared and can play your instrument, which is the first step.

Next you have to come to grips with the fact that mistakes will happen, and it's going to take practice - not harmonica practice - recording practice. It can be distracting being the engineer and the artist at the same time. Eventually through repetition you will get more comfortable and be able to focus on the task at hand. I know 'don't let it psych you out', is easier said than done. But trust me it will get easier the more you do it, but you've got to let go of the mistakes.

It's not like you're in a $200/hour situation, or have record execs looking at you through the glass, you're in the comfort of your own home. You're not even burning through expensive tape, you're using a computer that can instantly forget that mistake ever happened. You should do the same, if you make a mistake learn what you can from it, and forget about it. If you have to, concentrate on breaking it down into smaller sections. You can always edit the pieces together to get the full length of the song. Just don't overdo it. Unfortunately the trend is to use computer editing technology to achieve a level of perfection the artists couldn't play in real time - which can sound sterile and soul-less. With something as expressive as the harmonica, it would be terrible to lose the soul of the instrument.

Thirdly, let it rip. Some of the best things ever captured on tape are brilliant mistakes. Relax and enjoy the process.

I hope that helps.

record while you practice.

ABR -
Always be recordin'

It has to become second nature. Don't start and stop. Start and keep going - if you have to stop, don't reset the recording, just keep going. You'll know when it worked and can save then.

2 different sides of the brain are engaged when you are artist and engineer. Let go of the critical ear and play...judge later.

Phil

All of the above, on some software you can loop the recording so that it starts and repeats until you turn it off. It records each pass layering the next over the last, but you can bring up any one of the takes. That way without starting or stopping the recording you can make as many passes at the peice as you need. You can edit in something from another take to cover a mistake. Also remember that the mistakes we make and seem so glaring to us the avarage person may not ever notice.

Mic frite

Wow, I didn't expect all that...!
I never thought about running the recorder while practicing, (for what ever reason)
I know the mistakes are made due to thinking of the recorder running, so if I can get it out of my head I may have a chance.

Thanks for the advice.
Walt

Pop open a beer and crank the monitors. Making it feel more like a gig can help ease the jitters a bit.