Connect a 1/4-inch jack instrument cable to the output jack on your guitar. Connect the other end of the cable to the input jack on the distortion pedal.
Connect a second instrument cable to the output jack on the distortion pedal. Connect the other end of this cable to the input jack on the audio interface. The audio interface converts the audio signal from the guitar to a data signal, so the digital audio workstation can interpret it. Typical audio interfaces are phantom-powered, meaning they draw current from the connected device via the USB or Firewire cable. This means you don't need to connect a DC adapter.
Connect the digital audio workstation to your computer. The method of connection varies according to make and model, but it typically requires a USB or Firewire connection.
Double-click the desktop icon for your preferred digital audio workstation. It may take a few seconds for the workstation to fully launch. Depending on the workstation and your specific configuration, either a new session or the last saved session opens automatically. To access a different session, click "File" and select "Open New," or "Open Recent," according to your requirements. In the case of the latter, select the recent work-in-progress from the drop-down menu.
Click "File" and select "New Audio" or "Audio Track," according to the specific commands of the workstation. By opening an audio track, you assign the audio interface as the primary input device. When prompted, name the file.
Click "R" to arm the channel for recording. This makes the channel live, so you can hear the guitar.
Set your tone. Play the guitar and tweak the dials on your distortion pedal to get the desired tone. For a warm crunch, set the "Gain" and "Level" to halfway and adjust the tone dials to enhance your guitar's natural tone. For a screaming, high-octane distortion, set the "Gain" to full and the "Level" to about 25 percent full.
Strum the guitar as loud as you intend to record and observe the volume units meter on the digital audio workstation interface. If the red meter light is flashing, turn down the "Gain" dial on the audio interface. The red light is a sign that the signal is too strong.
Click "Record" and play your guitar.