Plug in headphones using the unit's designated headphone jack and attach monitor speakers using the connectors marked "Master Out" on the rear of the unit. Doing this will give you the option of using headphones to monitor your recording, switching to speakers when playing back and mixing your audio.
Connect your instrument of choice to the recorder. If it's a guitar, plug in one end of the guitar cable to the guitar and insert the other end into the 1/4-inch jack assigned to track 1 of the recorder. If it's a microphone, then you'll likely use the XLR microphone input, which will be located next to the guitar-input jack.
Lower the master volume fader and the headphone volume level to "0," then turn on the power to any connected instrument or microphone. Doing this will prevent damage to your speakers and headphones when powering up. Turn on the power to your recorder in order to display the "Start-Up" screen.
Create a new song template on the recorder. You'll do this by accessing the recorder's menu and using cursors to scroll through and select the desired function. Displays on recorders vary by brand, but there'll either be a master "Menu" button or a designated "Song" button, which will allow you to perform song functions such as song creation, deletion or edit. With the song created, you can now begin to add audio.
Assign the first instrument to a track. This will be done in the "Track menu," which can be accessed in the same manner as previously. If your guitar is plugged into the first input jack, then it should be assigned to track 1 by default. If you record a second guitar track, you'll have to assign it to another track, otherwise the second track will simply overwrite the first.
Adjust the input level while monitoring the LED display. This is done by turning the "Level" button (sometimes labeled "Gain") as high as it will go without the LED meter flashing red. You want a strong signal, but not one that digitally distorts, so pay close attention to the meter. With the level set, you can then bring up the master fader and turn the "Headphone level" button, so you can monitor your performance.
Record your first track. Do this by arming the track for recording by pressing the "Record" key. This will blink, signifying that it's in a record-ready mode. When you're ready to begin recording, press the "Play" key and begin playing your instrument. The "Record" and "Play" keys should stay lit when in record mode. When you finish performing, simply press the "Stop" key and then the "Rewind" key to return to the beginning of the song.
Hit "Play" to listen to a playback of your performance. If you're satisfied with it, you can move on to the next track. Continue this overdubbing process, adding instruments and vocals to additional tracks until your song is complete.