How to Play an Analog Synth

The first synths created and used by popular musicians were comprised of analog circuits. Analog signals run continuously, while digital technology changes the original components into a binary code and then puts them back together. Many musicians like the older analog synths for the warm, unfiltered sound they produce. Moogs, the most famous analog synths, were used on the Beatles' "Abbey Road."

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Learn about the different types of analog synths. Moog, ARP and Electronic Music Studios manufactured the first widely-used synths. The vocoder, a component which allowed the musician to make an instrument make a sound similar to human speech, was one of the first well-known synth-generated sounds.

2. Buy an analog synth. Real analog synths can be purchased online at sites like Musician's Friend or Sam Ash. Most of the analog synths currently produced are compact models that look like digital keyboards, but have analog circuitry. The first analog synths were large and resembled something out of a sci-fi movie with dozens of wires and knobs on a bulky apparatus.

3. Test an analog synth in person at your local music store. The salesperson will give you tips about the best way to practice and play a particular synth.

4. Find a keyboard or synth teacher. There are only a handful of teachers who specialize in synth, so contact local keyboard teachers. A synth is a glorified keyboard, and any good keyboard teacher can show you the basics.

5. Coax unusual sounds out of your analog synth. All those knobs and buttons are there for a reason. Try different sound combinations. Add synth snippets to your favorite pieces or compose original material.

6. Master the art of controlling pitch, mixing and using an envelope filter on an analog synth. Learn about low frequency oscillators. This feature creates a squiggly, pulsing rhythm.

Resources

• Get Synth information here.
• Get analog synth lessons online from Expert Village.