This is a really great technique for diving in to a new (or old) synth and really raising up your understanding of it, quickly. It also helps you to learn general synthesis techniques. The idea is very simple. Make a beat or song, using only one synth. Yes, for the drums too. ;) (OK so the drums probably won't be the best they can be, but that's cool... it's the practice of "learning by using" that matters here. Go as far as you can get!
I believe thatĀ learning things by immersion really does work.Ā IMO there is no better way to learn the ins and outs of a synth than immersing yourself in it, and there is no better way to immerse yourself in a synth than using only that synth to (try) and make a song.
I've gotten pretty good... fairly decent... completely average at this by now.
Here are 3 examples, using rack extensions:
One synth Song | Parsec
One Synth Song | Antidote
One Synth Song | Viking
Ā
Easy to do
You already have what you need. Pick a synth and go.Ā Thor, one of the RE below, any of the vast number of VST's available..
Great for a 30 day trial...
It seems I do this without thinking now. Every time IĀ get a new RE or synth it seems that I go right back to this exercise. Try this the next time you demo or trial or buy a synth.
So what do you guys think? Do you ever practice this method? Leave a link in the comments and share!