I want to add some metal grinding to some of my tracks but I can't play guitar. Does anyone know whether its possible to do it without a live instrument? Are there any virtual synths out there for some heavy metal thrashing? -Aidin Ashoori www.aidinashoori.com

FLStudio has the 'Slayer' plugin which tries to simulate guitars. But you can probably do just as well by taking a simple plucked instrument sample and running it through distortion plugins, especially those designed for guitar distortion.

it might be a little pricey, but you could use guitar samplers (dimension pro, sampletank) over an amp modeler (guitar rig, amplitube)
with all the distortion around, it's impossible to tell that it's not a real guitar playing.

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I've come across Guitar FX which is a FREE guitar effects processor (including distortion, overdrive, tube, etc.).

Also Native Instruments Guitar Rig may be good, but I've never tried it, so I don't know.

I've also been wondering the same thing as you, Aidin. I'm a composer, as well as a classically trained pianist, and I've always wondered how I could get some realistic guitar thrashing in my productions! I have recently taken up learning the guitar, and have even ended up buying a Fender Squier Strat in order to eventually do live recordings :) Even if simulated effects sound good, nothing really beats a good live recording.

JvK

Quote: Original post by Aidin
I want to add some metal grinding to some of my tracks but I can't play guitar. Does anyone know whether its possible to do it without a live instrument? Are there any virtual synths out there for some heavy metal thrashing?

-Aidin Ashoori
www.aidinashoori.com

Yes! I have a plugin from the always awsome company NativeInstruments, called Guitar Rig 2. Its GREAT for guitar sounds..

http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=guitarrig2_us&ftu=eaa1e10ba607fb3&flash=9 Has a flash sample player on the right, just click the power button. You can search around to find the best place to buy it if you want it. I just linked you to here for the sample player. I don't own the pedal, I just use the VST exclusivly and patch synth instruments through it. Great stuff!

Check out Steinberg's Virtual Guitarist 2 or EWQL Ministry of Rock. Then, when you decide it's not trashy enough you may always add some extra distortion or NI Guitar Rig.

BTW, there are some interesting sales of NI products now.

- Piotr