Learn to Play the Guitar or Buy Guitar Simulation Software

[Mixnow3]

Hi All,

I am a newer Taxi member. I play keyboards and can play by ear but I'm flirting with the idea of learning to play the guitar. Just some basic strumming and basic, sparse monophonic melodies for texture. Years ago I taught myself to play a few chords but did not take the time to learn much more. Much of the current music has at least some guitar, whether it be acoustic or electric. My goal is to give my music a missing, natural component. With some work, I'm confident I could learn some basic chords but would it be a better alternative to buy some of the new guitar simulation software out there? Not sure how realistic the guitar simulation software is as far as strumming, etc.

Thanks

[andygabrys]

there is no substitute for real guitar, either electric or acoustic.

and the good news is, its not hard to play. If you want to do anything remotely country, americana, rock, indie, surf, kitsch its immediately noticeable when the guitars are fake.

the only guitar stuff that I have heard that isn't laughable:

the Scarbee funk guitar loops that come with Komplete.
a strumming acoustic guitar simulator that one of my collabs uses from time to time.

that's it.

There are a number of productions that have got forwards, and in fact signed by various libraries that various forum members have done and used nylon string guitars and steel string guitars played on keyboards and these productions have usually been signed because the overall production has been really strong.

good luck if you use VI guitars. If you program them skillfully, hide them well in your mix, double them with other textures (esp real stuff) you can pull the wool over a lot of people's eyes.

but its probably easier to just play the guitar.

just an opinion.

[Russell Landwehr]

good luck if you use VI guitars. If you program them skillfully, hide them well in your mix, double them with other textures (esp real stuff) you can pull the wool over a lot of people's eyes.

but its probably easier to just play the guitar.

just an opinion.

One of the most interesting things I filed in my memory banks is a statement someone made that: VI/sampled stuff doesn't draw as much attention to itself if it is skillfully blended with the real thing.

So I vote for both... learn guitar AND learn to use VIs.

[andygabrys]

good luck if you use VI guitars. If you program them skillfully, hide them well in your mix, double them with other textures (esp real stuff) you can pull the wool over a lot of people's eyes.

but its probably easier to just play the guitar.

just an opinion.

One of the most interesting things I filed in my memory banks is a statement someone made that: VI/sampled stuff doesn't draw as much attention to itself if it is skillfully blended with the real thing.

So I vote for both... learn guitar AND learn to use VIs.

and this was the collaborator I was referring to

[Russell Landwehr]

and this was the collaborator I was referring to

hehe
(thought so )

[Russell Landwehr]

Some time back a TAXI forum member turned me on to the Ample Sound guitars. Their virtual strummer on the acoustic guitars is pretty darn good. I'm not as impressed with the strummer and sounds in the electrics, though.

I got a forward for this song using the Ample acoustic guitars (not strummer mode in this, just played on the keyboard) https://soundcloud.com/russell-landwehr/i-fall (both guitars are VIs)

I'm pretty sure the strummed acoustic in this one is Ample Sounds. https://soundcloud.com/russell-landwehr ... ndy-gabrys

Russell

[Kolstad]

I've been really impressed with guitar software, especially when played by piano players with killer skills. So, I guess everything has it's place and it doesn't have to be an either-or proposition.

I think most use gtrs to liven up otherwise steril sounding midi tracks, though, so even if you can just manage a few basic chords, I believe it's well worth drilling through the learning curve.

Second instrument is always easier, as you already know a lot of theory and how to apply it ect.

[Mixnow3]

Thanks for the great info. My son has a Fender electric guitar and amp he rarely has used. I'll pick it up and start by learning the chords for a song I'm working on just to give it a bit of rhythm and texture.

[TimWalter]

def learn to play guitar. Its not that hard. But, one thing different than a keyboard (although if you have good ears you know this immediately) is that the player of a keyboard is not responsible for the intonation of the notes, unless you're using a pitch shifter. Its gonna be on pitch (unless its a rarely used anymore acoustic piano, still usually not the job of the player to make it in tune.. that would be the piano tuner/technician.) On guitar, intonation is in your hands to some extent, and a good set up is vital, whether you do learn how to do it yourself or have a pro do it. A well set up guitar is so much more pleasurable to play than one that isnt. Thats my two cents. Tim

[Tore]

Pretty impressive work Russel. As a keyboard player i will give this Amp acoustic a try. I would really help me in some cases and when it sound so good its almost unbeliveable:)
I also listened to some other VST's for acoustic guitar, but they can not change as much as necessary to get a natural rhythm and sound. AMP's is the next VST for me

Tore Thomassen