Synth Programming for beginners! A Tutorial from a pro!

It can be daunting when you are new to synthesis to work out what does what. Here I talk you through the basic techniques of subtractive synthesis.
By the end of this video you will be able to get hands on with your synth/plug ins with confidence!
I have been a recording touring musician for over 30 years, played the biggest shows and recorded million selling albums. Get the benefit of my knowledge, slowly acquired over the years!
All rights reserved.

[@keyboardbw]

There are very few rock stars like you, that share their music and instrument knowledge so selflessly. We are learning from the best. Well appreciated and inspirational!

[@Liszkalaw]

this.

[@woodyharleyson5352]

“I’m quite enjoying that.” So am I, Matthew, so am I.

[@batlin]

Yes, I really like that "wide" synth sound!

[@nonamenuisance9950]

This is brilliant, my father left me the prophet 12 when he passed this year. as this is my first synth. all the parameters have been overwhelming and ive been feeling really lost, this has helped alot with understanding how to shape some of the synth sounds i heard artists use in their productions. Thank you so much for uploading this!

[@nikolaivdb]

Having Matt Johnson do a tutorial on synthesis, what a time to be alive! Much appreciated Matt, you rock! love from Holland ❤

[@SuperSkrublol]

Watching this makes me want to get a synth! Awesome sounds on that synth

[@retrophonics6265]

Not often a pro keyboard player from a well known band does synth tutorials. Really enjoyed this and learnt a lot. Look forward to more, maybe moving onto more advanced synthesis..

[@DomSigalas]

Amazing video Matt! Thank you!

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

Thanks a lot Dom!

[@kyleoffenburg8207]

A lot of what your talking about here I've managed to figure on my own after few years turning knobs and pressing buttons at random. Still learned something new though and that's why I'm super appreciative of a video like this. Its fantastic you taking this opportunity to give some serious knowledge to people who might never have seen it otherwise. Your tone and manner is so relaxed that when that first transition came I jumped in my chair. An absolute pleasure going on this walk with you and I'd be super excited to see you dive deeper in future videos. Especially if I get to listen to synthesizers that are too expensive for me to even look at ;)

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

Many thanks for this video and sharing your experience Matt. As a bass player, I am brand new to the world of synths and sound design and it looks so intimidating trying to understand what knobs do what, however I am enjoying the rabbit hole. I went the route of buying vsts from Arturia and am starting with the Jupiter 8 as I have heard it is one of the easier synths for beginners although I could have been ill advised, so I do not know. This video was as clear and concise as it gets with no fluff or trying to sell me a product especially from someone of your calibre. I thoroughly enjoy your videos and musical content as they are astoundingly moving and inspirational. Please never quit.

[@outdatedgear5036]

Seriously underrated. I’ve been messing with synths for about 6 years now and a lot of it I had to figure out on my own. Thank you for this

[@junglsmor]

your chords always make me happy

[@yophosy5419]

Thank you very much - the key learning point for me was the interaction of the filters and envelopes to get a rich sound - now I know why my synths never get there ...

[@ELEKTROGOWK]

I know how to tweak my synth, but it is a joy to watch you.

[@Timecop1983]

Awesome you are doing this!!! Keep it up!

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

Thanks a lot!

[@bjamiork]

That clay analogy was amazing! Also, 5:59 reminded me of the way those intros to old 70s/80s science videos in school used to sound.

[@uniqueflowsnake]

been going thru a few of your videos and I gotta say, I absolutely love that you are doing these. This is what i calal quality content. Su much respect to you!

[@stephenstrang590]

Your explanation of filter envelopes blew my mind. This format is like a lesson when I was a kid. All the gaps get filled in.

[@squoblat]

I've worked 54 hours this week, it's Thursday morning and I wake up thinking "I really need a career change" and behold, the master of keys is dishing out knowledge. Soon I too will be sailing through time and space on a tidal wave of funky jazz bliss. Though I'll need the overtime to afford a Vintage Vibe and some DSI gear, so maybe that career change will have to wait...

[@JayTheLane]

If you have an ipad Moog's Model D is an excellent place to start. You can connect a midi keyboard using a camera connection kit and use headphones. It's a cheap way to get into synthesis. Beyond that Arturia's Mini V and Prophet V for Mac and PC are great software synths on which to learn synthesis on. Also, Roland's System 8 software plugin is a great place to start. As is Synthmaster One and Synthmaster 2.9. Things don't have to be limited to hardware if your on a budget 👍🏼

[@KirklandWilliamsWorkout3000]

Thank You! I could Listen to you sound design all day

[@FourTetTrack]

Thanks for the video Matt! I'm really looking forward for your new Album!

[@twiglet2214]

Thanks that's removed some obscurations to clear vision using my synths rather than random knob twiddling.It's a bit like going on a long journey with no map - you might arrive eventually - but you are the cartographer of dreams that can be fulfilled or a sonic sat nav, in the modern idiom, helping lost travellers find their way home.

[@DrummerMiles]

god damn those buttery chords at 8:32 what a great series from an absolute funk god. Much appreciated king.

[@danewav1]

Thanks Matt now i want a Prophet 6 love it’s vintage sound

[@nigelworwood8530]

Fascinating. I love the way you play a chord and tweak the pot to change the sound in the direction you want ... Then play left hand and adjust the osc. with the same hand.

[@LionelLints]

I love the side tip about how the mixer affects the filter! Never thought about how that plays a role, but I am really liking the results now that I am listening to it, thanks so much!!!

[@Area32Audio]

Great Video . You have a new Fan of the Channel. I'm looking forward to watching more videos specific to various synths I own to pick up a few tips

[@neuronist]

Thank you for all the awesome help with your videos!

[@MrSunnyBra]

Thanks Matt! As someone else said, for you to take the time to do this is so dope. I tip my 🎩 sir 👌🏾

[@choktmusic]

Possibly the best beginner to synths video I’ve found. Straight to it no random dialogue

[@aptudo]

Superb. Not just for beginners! I like seeing the subtly different ways that people approach sound design on a subtractive synth. Those pitch wobbles are kind of a signature sound of your patches that I love.

[@jamesmoon9768]

Thanks for the tutorial Matt I have 7 keyboards two are synthesizers and need to get better at programming. I'm loving this

[@nalaeel219]

Such a beautiful sounding synth. Thank you for a proper sound shaping tutorial. Fantastic job mate 👍

[@JMLRecording]

Great intro on the Prophet 6 as well homie thanks!

[@maumunita396]

Thanks, thanks, thanks it's pure gold and you explain it so cool!! Cheers to you from Arg!!

[@Andrew-ys1ue]

Loved this! Can't wait for episode 2.

[@orpheuscreativeco9236]

Matt is the Bob Ross of keys. =) So grateful for your wisdom. Thanks man! ✌️

[@larrylee9007]

Such a great tutorial. Everyone can know more deeper about.👍

[@rossconran2333]

Matt. What a great primer for someone new to synthesis and from one of the best sound designers i know of. Im always impressed and filled with joy at the generosity of time and passion you put into all your videos. I never fail to learn something or get an idea from each and every one. Once again thanks for you gift.

[@tonyandriamanana4876]

Thaaaaaaaaank youuu ! love from Madagascar. Lucky me to find your YT channel. I can learn about synths.

[@martinlubitz3171]

Hi Matt, thanks for this video. Very helpful. Keep on doing such good videos for us👍🏻

[@mwl5]

Please do more videos like this, especially for the Prophet 😏, talking about the thought process as you build patches. There is a lack of good content like that on KZbin.

[@JayKay0245]

Great video! More please.

[@stringsnare]

man, these chords @ 7:39 -> CMaj7+9 to Fmin9. someone else said this, ditto: Very helpful for someone of your calibre to be doing tutorials like this. Thanks man! Have a great day.

[@LockStoppageSandwich]

Really good stuff Matt 👍

[@fromcodex]

im gunna work my ass off to get this Prophet 6 ! please do more of these brother !

[@bradleytucker4176]

I really hope you make some more of these videos! I really want to learn more about synthesis to get more out of my synths.

[@moogdome2562]

Excellent Matt. Thank you so much.

[@cwelchgrapes]

Thank you good brother..... very helpful....I appreciate your knowledge.....well explained

[@riccardopizzuti2571]

Very nice video! It was very easy to follow and accessible even for someone who doesn't know much about synth. It would be great if you could make more of this tutorials.

[@nickkablokje]

Yes! Very clear and usefull, please go on....and thanks for doing this.👍

[@nim10107]

Excellento Great video and a Great tutorial

[@dskevington2]

Dude, all your tutorials are amazing, thanks man!

[@christopherhammell9904]

I very much enjoyed that. You make me feel like I could do that.

[@blkrbbt]

I have the Prophet 6, and I always get confused by the filter section. Its nice seeing you go over it in a practical way. Going between the filter section and the filter envelope reminds me of charcoal drawing, where you push and pull tones. Also, funny aside, I picked up your prophet 6 presets, and was confused as to why my presets didnt sound like the examples in the video on your website... then I looked and i had the mod wheel dialed up... I put it to zero, and all you wonderful patches came through perfectly.

[@natemayorga]

great video. I love hearing the prophet 6 played and programmed on the fly like this. It makes me wish I hadn't sold the one I had!

[@aslegu]

Great video, Matt! I particularly enjoyed you explaining the envelope effect on the filter. Thanks! 🤗 Would be nice to have a crash course on how make the traditional sounds like bell, brazz, epiano, organ etc. as I assume knowing how they are build can be of great use when designing own stuff.

[@cooooob]

Really been enjoying your latest activity on the channel!

[@yield5634]

Great tutorial, love to learn from you!

[@menacerisamir198]

hi MATT, great video for starting the day , the prophet synth are one of the best ever made , a classic

[@vubear]

Brilliant lesson. I've been trying to learn this stuff for my guitar synths for ages but this video has REALLY helped. Thanks a lot. Subbed.

[@paultorbert6929]

I have the Roland Vg/gr system, and that got me into actual hardware synths..... MicroBrute, Neutron, Venom, Streichfett.... Great that Matt is willing to do Mentoring !!!!!!!!!!!

[@chinidadian]

Thank you! Thoroughly enjoyed that! That bit showing the relationship between the release controls of the amp and filter envelopes was especially useful. Would like to see a video with more depth on cross-modulation.

[@ianwynne764]

Hello Matt: The video has helped me more than I can express. I've been struggling with sound design for several years and produced absolute rubbish. Now, after watching this video, I can produce sounds which I like and which are very interesting. Thank you again.

[@netyoda]

Hi Matt, It really gave me encouragement, watching you twiddling dials, seemingly at random, but explaining your thoughts behind it. I'm not doings things too far wrong then, but I don't have your gut-feel for it yet. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge, I'm off now to see what other wonderful insights you've shared. Mafs. Novation SL61 MkIII controlling far too many VSTs incl. Arturia Collection.

[@JanSchultink]

Great! Thank you. Idea for a next video: building a classic string patch, then morph it to brass, then back (maybe a harmonica deviation). I always have to make these sounds by trial and error, but there must be a fundamental logic to it.

[@lukasj1212]

soundonsound has this huge collection of "synth secrets" online. I guess you can find it all there (including excellent explanations) if you have the time to read it: soundonsound.com/synthesizers/synth-secrets to be honest I also stick to trial and error :D

[@alex_deejay]

I recently got my first synth and this is exactly the type of video I needed. Thank you! I'd love to see more videos on synth techniques in the future!

[@izrefael6522]

I enjoyed watching u thanks

[@gazcbm]

Can’t wait to get stuck in to this. Thanks Matt

[@maplewoods1986]

Thanks for ur knowledge to us 🙏

[@JayTheLane]

So very helpful mate. I mostly stick with presets but this opens the door on most of my virtual synths. Thanks so much 👍🏼

[@MikeLindup42]

Great basic tutorial on a great synth. I just recently got back from gigs in Japan-they couldn’t supply me with a Sequential Rev 2, do I used a P6 for the first time, and I liked the way it sounds, especially in the smoothness and low end, and love the built in FX, which are really handy in a live situation (and something I also appreciate on the Rev 2). Shame it’s only four octaves, but then it makes it light and compact, I guess.

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

Thanks Mike, hope you had a great time in Japan I'm very jealous! :)

[@MLDGM]

Just bought myself a synth, this couldn't come at a better time! Really helpful, very clear and easy to understand, thanks :)

[@SparklesofGold]

been learning myself. Appreciate the tutorial. Love the simplicity of the video. Keep it up! thx

[@endless_arps]

This is very very nice of you , thank you looking forward to much more of this ❤

[@thejamifan-os4oh]

Thanks Matt, great insight I need to watch this a few times to ram it home, trouble is I need a Dave Smith now ! 😆 chomping at the bit for the Album, love the single so much , as u know 🙏🏻👍🏻😎

[@Stu-Vino]

Such an informative video, thank you!

[@ChromaticReflection]

Great starter. Just following along with the flow sparked some ideas. Really enjoyed it Matt! Thank you for the time to make this for us. I can only dream about how you might approach making strings, bass, lead, keys, pads, brass, plucks, bells and other instrument parts one might want to create.

[@samprock]

Wish to see it earlier in life, though finding “that’s what this knob does” are precious too :) joy either way and more to come!

[@Fallingoverbackwards]

Ok, this was sorely needed on KZbin. Subscribed

[@giggs102]

more sound design lessons please!

[@simaojoseph]

This is not sound design.

[@simaojoseph]

Jamie Vorne in your head maybe.

[@simaojoseph]

Jamie Vorne well if it is considered sound design it’s a misconception. And because your heard it or read it here it does not mean it has ever been considered (as in, it makes total sense to call it design) anything resembling sound design. At most a sound designer makes use of synths to create sounds to a given object (video games; cars; movie sound effects; buildings; audio books; etc...) people creating patches on synths are just that, patch creators, although they more or less need to know their way around. But that’s just my opinion, right?

[@saheltaja]

@@simaojoseph Words can have two meanings, you know. Nobody argues that sound design in film/theater/other narrative forms is the same thing as sound design when it comes to synthesizers, yet the word is widely used to mean both. I do agree that the latter can be a bit of a misnomer, but that’s language for you; it’s ever evolving.

[@simaojoseph]

@@saheltaja A Nut has two (or more) meanings, not design. Not in the sense it's been mentioned, for the least.

[@Veranek]

Amazing. When i have the time, I'll try this on a VST emulation of a Prophet synth. Thanks.

[@pauldrumstimelessmusic1069]

Hi Matt. Been loving your videos. Long time fan of your playing and your innovative synth parts with Jamiroquai. Would love to see a video of a live performance from you with Jamiroquai from your point of view or cam view. Cheers

[@magicknight8412]

This is exactly what I have needed recently, nicely explained. not too technical, but not too simple. I can play with my Crave , Volca Bass and others now with a much better idea of what everything does now. Thanks !

[@Greenplastics]

Thank you so much man, very educationale and easy to digest!

[@pbartmess]

Thanks for making this feel so easy to learn with your knowledgable insights and approachable presentation.

[@nicotravaini]

Thank you for all this videos Matt! they're so inspiring!

[@DroneShots_UK]

Hi Matt, please do more of these if you get the time. I found it very useful

[@corey.s.]

Great and simple to understand tutorial :D

[@Stevali1966]

Nice tutorial. Hope there more to follow.

[@louierubio]

This would be a great series. Sound designing different sounds

[@blueblueblue7154]

Incredible!

[@thefool2007]

Great video! Quite helpful thanks.

[@WimRijksen]

Matt, I haven't even begun to begin to plan to think about beginning, but thanks anyway! I do appreciate it!

[@Markrspooner]

This was very useful, I have a few plugin synths that I was a bit intimidated by and this has really helped, thank you!

[@synthdude7664]

Nice man!!!! This is heavily appreciated

[@ARBB1]

You're a great teacher.

[@jochemscharenborg]

Really good stuff, big fan of yours!

[@mkiemkie]

Thanks a lot for this introduction. I like the way you approach shaping and tweaking the sound. The only thing I missed (and which is always difficult for me to unterstand) was an explanation of the envelope settings (ADSR) - some graphics would help here, I think.

[@acidjames]

Thanks Matt for another quality video, that is very straight to the point : making good sounding sounds with nice chords. Im happy to see i tend to enjoy the same type of sounds you liked during this tutorial. As i have a prophet8, it was also very easy to follow. I also hope you and your close ones are fine during lockdown, peace.

[@mh22xv]

Hey Matt, great vid and tutorial. /Mack

[@uraharamitchell7250]

You're a godsend Mr Matt, thank you so much for this!