How to add an auto-tune effect

1 Project start

For the purpose of this exercise, launch Garageband and create a new project. When the new project opens, pick the ‘Record using a microphone’ audio option.

2 Natural patch

We only require one vocal track so we’ve deleted any extra ones from the new project and switched the vocal patch in the Library (Y) to Natural, or Classic will do too.

3 Adding vocals

Ordinarily we’d record some singing here – instead, we’ll add vocal loops from the Loops browser (O) by dragging in some of Christy’s lyric and background samples.

4 Toggling time

Click its header to select the track and show the Editor (E) panel. Within the track inspector here, toggle on the ‘Limit to Key’ checkbox below the Pitch Correction slider.

5 Slide away

Next, to achieve the most pronounced auto-tune effect within our chosen project key we lay it on thickest by dragging the Pitch Correction slider up to its maximum (100).

6 Auto-tune adjust

Press the play button to preview the result. You should now hear that auto-tune inflection applied to the track vocals, using the Pitch slider to reduce where desired.