For keyboard players venturing into the world of guitar VSTs (Virtual Studio Technology), a unique aspect of guitar playing can often be overlooked: voicing. Unlike a keyboard where each key corresponds to a single, specific note, the guitar fretboard offers multiple positions to play the same note within the same octave. This distinction is crucial for guitarists aiming to capture a specific sonic texture and is a key consideration when using guitar VSTs, especially if you’re aiming for a “strum that doesn’t make sound” approach, relying solely on MIDI input.
The Nuance of Guitar Voicing: Beyond Pitch
Imagine playing a G note. On a keyboard, there’s one G at any given octave. Play another G, and you’re simply shifting octaves. However, on a guitar, that same G can be played in various positions: the open third string, the 5th fret of the D string, the 10th fret of the A string, and even the 15th fret of the low E string. All these are the same octave G, but each has a subtly different timbre. This tonal variation arises from the different string gauges and fret positions used.
This concept of voicing is essential for guitarists. The specific positioning of notes within a chord shape on the fretboard dramatically impacts the overall sound and feel. A guitarist might choose a particular voicing to achieve a brighter or warmer tone, or to make transitions between chords smoother. Recreating this nuanced timbre is vital when using guitar VSTs to ensure realistic and expressive virtual guitar performances.
How VSTs Tackle Guitar Voicing Complexity
Guitar VST developers have adopted various strategies to address this voicing complexity, ranging from simplified to highly detailed approaches.
Simplified Sampling: The Limited Fretboard Approach
Some VSTs take a simpler route. They might only sample the first few frets of each string before moving to the next string. Essentially, they map the notes chromatically across the strings, often up to around the 4th fret, and then continue up the fretboard on the high E string. This method is less resource-intensive but sacrifices the detailed voicing options guitarists expect. While convenient for basic MIDI input, it may not fully capture the authentic sound of varied guitar voicings.
Full Fretboard Sampling and Capo Identifiers
More advanced VSTs sample the entire fretboard, providing a much richer sonic palette. To manage the vast array of samples and offer voicing control, many utilize a “capo identifier.” This feature, often visually represented as a line on the virtual fretboard, allows you to define a fret range (typically 4-5 frets). The VST then intelligently selects notes for your chords from within that specified range. For instance, setting a low capo position encourages the VST to use open strings and lower fret positions, while a higher capo position shifts the voicing up the neck. This is particularly useful for players aiming for a “strum that doesn’t make sound guitar” approach, as they can control the virtual fretboard position directly from their MIDI input to shape the tone without physically strumming.
Keyswitches for Granular Control
For ultimate precision, some VSTs incorporate keyswitches. These allow you to directly select specific string and fret positions using MIDI notes outside the playable range. While incredibly powerful, this method can be complex and time-consuming to program, especially for real-time playing. However, for meticulous studio work and crafting very specific guitar parts, keyswitches offer unparalleled control over virtual guitar voicing.
Hybrid Approaches
Often, VSTs employ a blend of these methods. Capo identifiers provide a user-friendly way to manage voicing in most situations, while keyswitches are available for those moments demanding pinpoint accuracy. This balance aims to provide both ease of use and deep control, catering to a range of users from keyboardists exploring guitar sounds to experienced guitarists working in a virtual environment.
Practical Application: Voicing in Your DAW
When writing in a piano roll, capo identifiers prove highly effective. If you want an open string G when you input a G note, ensure the capo is disabled or set low. The VST will prioritize that open G. Conversely, if you desire that same G voiced on the A string, setting the capo to cover the 10th fret of the A string will guide the VST to select that voicing.
For live performance, controlling voicing in real-time requires familiarity with your VST’s keyswitch assignments. You would need to use your free hand to trigger capo or voicing keyswitches while playing chords with the other. This can be a challenging but rewarding technique for expressive live virtual guitar performances, especially when aiming for a dynamic “strum that doesn’t make sound guitar” style where articulation and voicing are paramount.
Conclusion: Voicing – The Key to Authentic Guitar VST Performances
Understanding guitar voicing is paramount for anyone seeking realistic and nuanced performances from guitar VSTs. Whether you are a keyboard player exploring guitar sounds or a guitarist working in the digital realm, grasping how VSTs handle voicing and utilizing features like capo identifiers and keyswitches will significantly enhance your virtual guitar playing and allow you to truly master the “strum that doesn’t make sound guitar” within your digital audio workstation.
