MusicRadar - Tuition

Unison string bending for beginners

Total Guitar (Chris Bird) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:26:00 +0000

Unison string bends are commonly used in classic rock and blues guitar.

In music theory parlance, 'unison' refers to two examples of exactly the same note being played at the same time. So, when you're playing a unison bend, one of the two unison notes will be created with a string bend.

As you bend the string the pitch of the note you're playing gets gradually higher, and this is a good way to add variety and colour to your lead playing. The trickiest part with unison bends is playing a second example of the note you're bending up to. The key is to use the right fingering.

For our example below you'll need to use your first finger on the higher string. This finger needs to stay steady, without moving in sympathy with your second and third fingers as they bend the lower string.

Next page: tab for the video example

(2 pages; go to page: 2)

How to make a filthy electro sound in Reason 4

Computer Music — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:08:00 +0000

Create your own Boys Noize, Justice and SebastiAn-style sound

Round-up: 8 great fuzz pedals

Guitarist — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:07:00 +0000

Issue 322 of Guitarist magazine is a celebration of the glorious, raucous power of the fuzzbox; an effect that has ruled the airwaves for nearly 35 years since The Rolling Stones fuzzed us into Satisfaction.

If you want a slice of the square wave pie, you've come to the right place. What follows is a round-up of eight of the best fuzz stompboxes on the market, all reviewed and all with audio demos so that you can hear them in action.

What are you waiting for?! Click here as we begin with a reissue of one of the archetypes...

Free music software round-up: Week 30

Ben Rogerson — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:57:00 +0000

It's a bit of a filter-fest this week - assuming having two filter plug-ins qualifies as a fest, that is.

There's a noise reduction plug-in, too, plus a drum machine that has an interface that screams 'vintage'.

If you've got a new free music software release, make sure you let us know about it by emailing musicradar.pressreleases@futurenet.com with all the details.

Christian Budde Noise Reduction

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

As its name suggests, this is a noise reduction plug-in; its developer claims that it's notable for the inclusion of a spectral noise gate. As a processor, it's also said to be highly customisable, with the soft knee being fully adjustable.

Acid.milch&honig transistordrums

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

transistordrums has the look of a vintage drum machine and, thanks to its sample-based sound generation, there's no reason why it shouldn't sound like one, too. There are ten slots, and tone-shaping options include tuning/pitch, attack and decay and distortion.

b.serrano AMT-1

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

This is subtitled as a quad multi-filter, which means that it includes four multimode filters working in parallel. These feature low-pass, high-pass band-pass, notch and peak modes, and it's also worth noting that each parameter can be sequenced.

Togu Audio Line TAL-Filter

Platform/format: PC, Mac/VST, AU Download

It may still be in beta, but this multimode filter from freeware specialists TAL is already looking pretty sweet. There are high-pass, band-pass and low-pass modes, an LFO and an envelope follower.

Round-up: 7 iPhone music-making apps

Computer Music/Future Music — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:33:00 +0000

2009 was the year in which Apple's iPhone became a viable music-making platform, with countless tune-crafting apps finding their way into the iTunes Store.

Earlier this year, you nominated your favourites in an Ask MusicRadar poll, but since then, there have been several more notable releases.

You can find reviews of these newer apps below, and we've also included write-ups of several other bits of software that weren't included in our Ask MusicRadar round-up.

Oh, and don't forget that all the titles will run not just on the iPhone, but on the iPod touch, too.

White Noise Audio Software bleep!Box
£5.99

Sticking to the tried and tested step-sequencing formula, bleep!Box is a simple app that can put out some serious grooves. It takes a little while to figure the control system out, but once you've got the hang of it, it's easy to put together loops and patterns, then tweak them in real time.

As well as the main programming pages for composing patterns, you'll also find a couple of live performance options enabling you to loop/ stutter, mute and preview parts. An updated version (which should now be available) will enable you to sequence patterns into songs.

Each pattern is composed using a maximum of ten parts, split into six drum instruments and four synths. The drum sounds are reasonably authentic 808- and 909-style hits (three kick parts, one snare and two hi-hats) all synthesised in real time. This might not sound like much, but the excellent synthesis engine makes it surprisingly effective.

To offer more variety, all the sounds can be triggered at any pitch from C0 to A8, meaning you can create all kinds of zaps, crashes and claps to throw into the mix.

The synthesis engine of bleep!Box is where the software shines, with eight waveforms, frequency/phase/ring modulation and dozens more variables to play with. The results are surprisingly usable and every parameter can be automated, too.

Although the app itself is stable during use, there are a couple of minor graphical glitches that make it look slightly less slick than it otherwise would - hopefully these will be ironed out in the update. Overall, though, bleep!Box is a simple but surprisingly versatile step sequencer that could also make a great performance tool. At this price, it's a bargain.

Buy now from the App Store

NEXT: Xewton Music Studio

(6 pages; go to page: 2 3 4 5 6)

10 kitbag essentials for drummers

Rhythm Magazine — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:35:00 +0000

A drummer's toolbox (NOTE: the hammer is a bit excessive) © Tetra Images/Corbis

Whether you're rehearsing, gigging, recording or simply rocking up for a jam, there are a few essential bits of kit no drummer should be without. Here are the top 10, courtesy of Rhythm Magazine…

10 kitbag essentials

1. Turning keys

At least two turning keys, preferably more, secreted about your person and in stick bags, cymbal bags, gig bags etc. You could need it at any point to tune up, adjust your pedal, a memory lock on a stand...

2. Gaffer tape

A roll of Gaffer's tape - it truly has a thousand uses, many of them to do with music.

3. Spare heads

You'll need at least a snare batter and bass batter. Keep a spare head in each drum case.

4. Spare snare

If you can afford to have a spare, take an extra snare drum - on a stand and ready for action.

5. Dampeners

Head-damping materials - a tub of Moongel or a selection of 'O' rings will work. Cut the latter into quarter circles. If all else fails, head back to point number one on this list.

Next page: tool box vs Swiss Army Knife

(2 pages; go to page: 2)

Preston Reed: How to play percussive acoustic guitar

Total Guitar (Preston Reed/Richard Barrett) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:26:00 +0000

Preston's first improvised piece for us demonstrates how he adds chords to a simple bass and snare drum style groove.

He establishes this basic groove in the first four bars and keeps it running as the piece becomes more complex. Preston adds some offbeat percussive strikes to his groove in bar 5 (played over the neck with his fret hand) but follow the bass and snare groove to help you keep in time.

At the end of bar 8, Preston adds a chordal pull-off/hammer-on idea. It's tricky to fit these chords into the groove so listen out for the initial percussion groove.

Finally, Preston's tuning from low to high is CGDGGD. This means the second and third strings are in unison with each other. They're exactly the same pitch! Preston detunes a further semitone too, but we've notated this in C for your convenience. You could even just play in drop D because all the notes are on the fifth and sixth strings, tuned a 5th apart.

Next page: tab for the video example

(2 pages; go to page: 2)

The 10 greatest synths of all time… in software!

Ben Rogerson — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:03:00 +0000

...

How to play guitar like John Frusciante

Total Guitar (Richard Barrett) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:05:00 +0000

World famous as guitarist with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Frusciante is also a prolific solo artist. His angular, funky style comes from influences as diverse as Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Marr and Siouxsie Sioux guitarist John McGeoch, as well as electronica and new wave such as Kraftwerk.

Our examples here are inspired primarily by John's most recent work with RHCP. They showcase his clean, precise chord work interspersed with deliberately 'naïve' sounding melodies, contrasting with full-blown Hendrix style lead workouts.

Get the tone

John mainly uses old Strats through Marshalls to get his tone. Use a neck pickup with a clean tone and a touch of compression for added smoothness. Elsewhere, a 'Fuzz Face'-type distortion and slapback echo (set to repeat at around 100ms) will prove handy, as will a fantastically solid drummer and mad bass player!

Next page: tab for the video examples

(3 pages; go to page: 2 3)

26 essential synth tutorials

The MusicRadar Team — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:45:00 +0000

Thanks to today's über-powerful, super-affordable software instruments, making synth-based music has never been easier. However, while it's possible to buy, download and install a plug-in in seconds (there are many that you don't even have to pay for), the fundamentals of synth programming still apply.

Happily, MusicRadar is here to help you master them: we have an abundance of step-by-step guides, videos, tips and other tutorials that will get you to the sound you're looking for in no time. Whether you want to emulate a synth patch that you've heard on record or create something completely original, there's a lesson for you.

Below, you'll find a directory of MusicRadar's very finest synth tutorials. Find one that grabs you, click through to it and get busy.

Step-by-step guides

How to make a Prodigy Breathe-style bassline
Six steps to a Liam Howlett-esque growl

How to make a massive synth bass sound
A house/trance bassline using a virtual Minimoog

How to make a Justice-style bass sound
A free route to their mighty low-end

How to make a massive lead synth sound
Craft a beefy high-end patch using Sylenth1

How to make a Giorgio Moroder-style bassline
Feel the love using Reason's Thor synth

How to make a Kanye West Stronger-style synth sound
Create a polysynth patch for chords and leads

How to make a Prodigy Voodoo People-style lead sound
Get ready to wreak some distorted havoc

How to make a Tiësto-style Dance 4 Life stab sound
Get some detuned dirt going on in Albino 3

How to make a dubstep bass sound
Program one today in Albino 3

How to make a Dr Dre Gin & Juice-style lead sound
Recreate a classic G-Funk synth

How to make a Deadmau5 Faxing Berlin-style synth sound
Tweak your way to a progressive house patch

NEXT: More essential synth tutorials

(2 pages; go to page: 2)

10 more quick tips for rehearsing drummers

Rhythm Magazine — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:38:00 +0000

Following 10 quick tips for rehearsing drummers, here are 10 more: how to get the most out of the rehearsal once you're set up and ready to go (courtesy of the drumming experts at Rhythm Magazine).

10 quick tips: rehearsals (part 2)

1. Have a plan

Instinctively you might not want to organise rehearsal too strictly, but a plan of action is still a good idea.

2. Avoid noodling

Practising your instrument is something you do alone. Rehearsals are where you only make a noise together.

3. Take a break

Suggest the guitarist and singer go off for a half hour, while you and your bass player get your grooves sorted.

4. Turn it down

Can you groove at low volumes? Play it softly, get it tight, then turn up the volume and it will sound fantastic.

5. Change your sticks

Try using brushes, Hot Rods or Blasticks for a change - give yourself and everyone else a (noise) break.

Next page: metronomes, recording and scrutinising

(2 pages; go to page: 2)

Free music software round-up: Week 29

Ben Rogerson — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:34:00 +0000

We kick off week 29 of our free music software fiesta with a virtual Mellotron, though this one's based on a slightly different model to many of its rivals.

Elsewhere, electric guitarists have the opportunity to run their instruments through yet more amp sims, and if you're after an acoustic guitar simulator, we can help you out there, too.

And yes, there are the obligatory new synths for you to download as well.

If you've got a new free music software release, make sure you let us know about it by emailing musicradar.pressreleases@futurenet.com with all the details.

Artifake_Labs RedTron_MKV v3.0

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

Mellotron emulations are nothing new, but this one is based on the MKV model, which is essentially a 'double M400' (and, apparently, one of the rarest Mellotrons ever made). This third version of RedTron_MKV comes with six sound types and can also be used as a SoundFont player.

Justin Robert Mothman 1966

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

Another Mothman synth from Mr Robert, who admits that its 2-oscillator design is "pretty simple". However, it benefits from three custom waveforms (diamond, 8-bit saw and woodwind), which should help to make it stand out from the crowd. The sound is reported to be "gritty yet warm and vintage sounding".

LePou Plugins LE456

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

The latest guitar-orientated plug-in from LePou is this preamp sim, which is said to be based on a famous piece of German gear. It has two channels (and two modes per channel), while bottom and bright switches can be used to boost the low and high frequencies.

(2 pages; go to page: 2)

MusicRadar - Tuition

Unison string bending for beginners

Next page: tab for the video example

How to make a filthy electro sound in Reason 4

Round-up: 8 great fuzz pedals

What are you waiting for?! Click here as we begin with a reissue of one of the archetypes...

Free music software round-up: Week 30

Christian Budde Noise Reduction

Acid.milch&honig transistordrums

b.serrano AMT-1

Togu Audio Line TAL-Filter

Round-up: 7 iPhone music-making apps

White Noise Audio Software bleep!Box £5.99

NEXT: Xewton Music Studio

10 kitbag essentials for drummers

10 kitbag essentials

1. Turning keys

2. Gaffer tape

3. Spare heads

4. Spare snare

5. Dampeners

Next page: tool box vs Swiss Army Knife

Preston Reed: How to play percussive acoustic guitar

Next page: tab for the video example

The 10 greatest synths of all time… in software!

How to play guitar like John Frusciante

Get the tone

Next page: tab for the video examples

26 essential synth tutorials

Step-by-step guides

NEXT: More essential synth tutorials

10 more quick tips for rehearsing drummers

10 quick tips: rehearsals (part 2)

1. Have a plan

2. Avoid noodling

3. Take a break

4. Turn it down

5. Change your sticks

Next page: metronomes, recording and scrutinising

Free music software round-up: Week 29

Artifake_Labs RedTron_MKV v3.0

Justin Robert Mothman 1966

LePou Plugins LE456

White Noise Audio Software bleep!Box
£5.99