how hard is it to learn how to play a synthesizer?

Question

also, which is better; a digital or an analog synth?

Answer 1

The basics for playing a synthesizer are the same for any other keyboard instrument, musical ability , with the added understanding of what is being explained in the operating instructions.(basic reading comprehension) However, it can be learned by experimenting with how each control effects the sound. Digital synths. come with many preprogramed traditional instrument voices, and a variety of effects to manipulate those sounds. Some models come with on board recording devices and are virtually a complete composing/ recording studio.
An analog synth. would be used if you require complete freedom to create sounds other than traditional synthesizer and instrument voices. These synthesizers are known as Moog or modular synthesizer. These synths. utilize voltage-controlled oscillators, filters amplifiers, and ring modulators. They are used to control the sound of electricity, and can be used to create some very interesting customized sounds and noises.

Answer 2

How To Play Synthesizer

Answer 3

If you look up VST plugins and go to like KVR and download a free freeware vst host and a few synthesizer immitators, you can at least get the idea and the feel of how one works. I found it is much more enjoyable to self teach yourself the sounds you can get from one than to waste days with technical terms, and the VST plugins will give you a good idea what you would like to have with an actual synthesizer when you buy one - features and all. There are plenty of free VSThosts and synths to use in the hosts so they don't cost you anything and you won't have to go into buying the real thing blindly.

Answer 4

First of all learning to use a synth:
This depends on you style, if you use it for dance, techno or pop sort of tunes then learning how to use the Arpeggiator as the most important thing to you which won't take long if you have the instructions, plus the synth should come with a lot of pre programmed sounds meaning you shouldn't have to create any patches by scratch; something witch usually has a large learning curve on a digital synth. However if you want to play leads such as Dream theater solos then you will need to learn how to use effects like after touch (which is easy, just press on the key after you have already played the note) pitch bend which only takes a bit to get used to, and a midi pedal (to add effects or change patches etc.)

Now whats better: Analog is good for if you are producing dance, techno, trance etc sort of sounds. Mainy artists use Moog synths for this sort of thing.
However if you want to quickly change patches, set up complex master modes, imitate things such as string sections or play complex music on a large keyboard digital is the way to go;
First of all Digital keys usually have alot more polyphony (basically if you get a moog analog synth it is monophonic meaning you can only play one key at a time)
It is faster to select modes and preset stuff, and generally more features unless you have a lot of money to buy a moog voyager or a Alesis Andromeda.

If you tell us what sort of music you want to play it will be easier to inform you of the better choice.

Answer 5

Learning to play a synth is serious business.
Piano lessons are a start. When you play a synth, you try to emulate the sound you are trying to reproduce.
In other words, if you have a flute sound, you try to play it as if you were mimicking a flute.
Of course the synth allows you to create and expand on sounds that exist as well as programming your own.
Me personally, I grew up with the analog. Warmer and easier to understand. The digital will give you some awesome sounds except the parameters may be harder to comprehend.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

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A synth has a keyboard(which is the hard part)...the rest you can learn youtube(all the mixers, oscillators, etc).