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9. Playing a monophonic synth

1 Here are a few special techniques you can bring to bear while playing monophonic synth sounds, to achieve specific effects. In this example piece, we’re using SynthMaster CM’s LED 80s Rock Saw preset to solo over a backing track, using notes from the C minor blues scale ( C, Eb, F, F#, G, Bb, C).

2 Here, our notes are played distinctly, separated out so that each has its own attack portion – each note retriggers the synth’s amplitude envelope. There are gaps between each note, and none overlap. This means that portamento won’t have any effect, as the notes must overlap to work.

3 If you play the part legato, by running the note lengths together so that the end of each note overlaps the start of the note that follows, the synth’s amplitude envelope is only triggered at the start of the first note. This results in a smoother sequence – great when you dial in portamento (or glide) for extra ‘slidiness’.

4 This means that, rather than playing short notes on the C each time, you can make things easier by simply holding down the C key and playing all the other notes in the part. When you release each note, the C resumes. This is great for playing fast trills more easily, as you only need to move one finger instead of two.