This article explains the basic techniques for programming guitar solos with the Electri6ity guitar instrument plug-in. You will learn how to change the Fretboard Position, choose between the POLY, SOLO, and LEGATO play modes, and understand how velocity affects the LEGATO mode. These settings can help even beginners create realistic, convincing guitar solos that sound closer to a live guitar.
Programming Guitar Solos and Lead Guitar
The previous article introduced sound design in Electri6ity.
In this two-part tutorial, we will explain tips for programming guitar solos.
Electri6ity Tutorial Videos
- 1Trigger Keys and Power Chords
- 2Sound Design and Programming Strums
- 3Programming a Guitar Solo, Part 1 (This article)
- 4Programming a Guitar Solo, Part 2
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Questions and Answers from the YouTube Video
Q: Thank you for your help. After opening a second instance of the free Kontakt 5 Player, selecting a guitar, and finishing loading it, I see the message “Looks like there is no memory left. I’m afraid we are about to crash, soldier.” When I dismiss it, I get a message saying the connection has been lost. What could cause this? My computer has 8 GB of RAM, so I thought there would be plenty available.
A: Even with 8 GB of RAM, memory can run short depending on the other instruments and applications running on your computer. If you use Electri6ity alongside memory-intensive instruments such as realistic drum and bass libraries, we recommend at least 16 GB of RAM. Also try closing unrelated applications while using your DAW.
Fretboard | Position
Click the Settings tab, then navigate to Strings → Fretboard.
Fretboard | Position lets you choose the fret region around which the instrument plays.
For backing parts, leaving this on Auto is generally fine.
For a guitar solo, try changing it to a position between 9 and 15.
(In the video, we set it to Position 12.)
Play Modes
Electri6ity has three main play modes:
- POLY (keyswitch: F#): for playing chords
- SOLO (keyswitch: G#): for playing single notes
- LEGATO (keyswitch: A#): for playing smooth single-note lines
A Note About LEGATO Mode
When using the LEGATO play mode,
if the velocity of the A# keyswitch is 90 or below,
it activates LEGATO Mute, so take care when setting it.
- A# velocity 91 or higher: LEGATO
- A# velocity 90 or lower: LEGATO Mute
The tutorial continues in Part 2.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How should I set Fretboard Position when programming a guitar solo in Electri6ity?
For guitar solos, try a higher fret position such as Position 9–15. Auto generally works for backing parts, while manually adjusting the position can help make solos more expressive.
Q2. How do the Electri6ity play modes differ?
POLY is for chords, SOLO is for single notes, and LEGATO is for smooth single-note lines. You can switch between them using keyswitches; LEGATO or SOLO is suitable for guitar solos.
Q3. What triggers LEGATO Mute in LEGATO mode?
When the A# keyswitch velocity is 90 or below, LEGATO Mute is activated. Set its velocity to 91 or higher for normal LEGATO.
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