Take 1

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Take 1

NOTE

Track 1: Nylonstr. Guitar 1

Sequence Parameters box: Qua 1/8 note

Instrument Parameter box: Cha 1, Prg 24

Transport Bar: (L) 1.1.1 (R) 5.1.1

NOTE

When loading example files containing MIDI settings, it's quite likely that you will initially hear the wrong sounds (very likely those from a previous project or song). Use [Options > Song Settings > Used Instrument MIDI Settings] to correct them. A faster way quickly cursor up or down the tracks using the arrow keys on your computer keyboard.

Guitar parts are usually written an octave higher than they sound, even on a Concert score. In this case, as we are playing a keyboard, it has been left at concert pitch. Play exactly as written.

1. Record the guitar ostinato (Figures P5.1 and P5.2). Although it's only a one bar repeated figure, it is better to play it four times in succession. This is better than recording it once and duplicating it because the velocities will be more varied and the result more realistic. I have used a tempo of 105 bpm. You may prefer a lower speed for recording. Depending on your playing style, the result may sound a little stilted if there is too much of a gap between notes. As we know, plucked guitar strings have a resonant quality and are slow to decay. If this is the case, Select the sequence and open the Matrix Edit window [Window > Open Matrix Edit]. If it looks anything like Figure P5.3 the notes do not quite meet each other select all the notes and apply Legato [Functions >

   Figure Figures P5.1 and P5.2. Guitar ostinato, Score and Matrix view

   

   
   MIDI > Note Events > Note Force Legato (selected/any)] to lengthen them. The notes are now placed end to end and should appear like those in Figure P5.2.

2. Save Song compare with project5/5.1.

OK we've made a start. What next ? It's nighttime and it's misty. How about

Figure Figure P5.3. Note the gaps between notes

some minor chords over that riff? Simple triads (three note chords) will do. 'But a guitar has six strings,' I hear you say. True, but this is not a real guitar and six notes will prove too dense for the simple effect needed to create our moody atmosphere. However, if we use open spacing, the triads will produce the depth we need.

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