![]() ![]() Rather than getting frustrated by the inherent quirks of using guitar as a MIDI controller, perhaps one can have a more Zen-like attitude. And imagine the rewards if you could make MIDI work: You’d be able to tap into the vast galaxy of software synths and plug-in effects, create unique sounds, and input MIDI signals into sequencing software with ease. We live in an incredible age of music software and synthesis, so it seems well worth taking a fresh look at MIDI guitar, especially in light of new ways to convert guitar notes to MIDI signals. ![]() Sure, MIDI is commonly used on floor controllers to change patches on multi-effect units or true-bypass pedal loopers, but this is different from using the guitar itself to play a synthesizer or control effect parameters. So for sequencing or software-based notation, being able to just play guitar rather than hunt and peck on a keyboard would sure be nice.Īfter 30 years of MIDI guitar development, most guitarists now stay clear of using the guitar as a controller. And though I can kind of get around on the keyboard, I have much greater facility on the guitar. I like trying to push sonic limits, especially since I get bored with stock guitar pretty easily. In the past, I figured this technology was best left to YouTube noodle-nerds.īut on the other hand, I like effects. When you factor in tracking delays (the lag time between plucking a note on a guitar string and when a synth sound actually comes out of a speaker), note misfires, extra cables, special pickups, interfaces, extra floor pedals, and patching into a PA, the sonic promise of MIDI guitar seems musically questionable. I guess what I don’t actually like is the accepted notion of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) guitar, which is to turn our beloved 6-string into a controller to trigger cheesy synth sounds like pan flute, digital piano, or sampled sax. ![]()
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