Guitar Tech: Guitar synthesis

Are guitarists not invited to the synthesis party? Of course you are. Ben Gerrold looks at how your guitar might just be the MIDI controller you’ve always dreamed of.

Come on, admit it; sometimes, when nobody’s looking, you can’t help getting excited about all those nifty software synthesizers coming out, listening to all the crazy sounds coming from some of the excellent keyboards, and wishing you could make those sorts of noises from your fretboard. You love the sound of your guitar screaming through a wall of valves, but you’d also like to make some of those cutting-edge electronic sounds. Guess what? You can! Keyboards are the most common MIDI controllers, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only option – there are MIDI wind controllers, drum triggers, and yes, MIDI guitar options as well. If you’ve ever wondered how to use your favourite six-string to play a synth, here we’re going to show you how it’s done, what you need and what to watch out for.

This feature first appeared in Music Tech Magazine issue 04
Filed under General Features, Guitar Tech

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