Want to make electronic music, but play guitar instead of piano? With a MIDI guitar, you can directly convert your guitar skills into digital music—without ever learning keys. Here's how it works.
What is a MIDI Guitar?
MIDI is not sound, but data: instructions like "play this note, at this volume". A MIDI guitar reads what you play and sends that data to your computer. This allows your guitar to control any imaginable sound—piano, strings, or synth. You use the guitar as a controller.
Why a Guitar instead of a Keyboard?
Simple: familiarity. As a guitarist, you already know the fretboard; switching to piano feels like starting over. Moreover, a MIDI guitar captures typical guitar techniques—bending, vibrato, and slides—making your music sound more human than notes programmed on a grid.
Two types of MIDI Guitars
Add-on Pickups (Hexaphonic)
A pickup with a separate sensor per string, which you attach to your own guitar. Advantage: you keep your favorite guitar. Disadvantage: more difficult to set up and sometimes some delay (latency).
Special Digital Guitars
Instruments built only for MIDI, often compact and without real strings. Almost no delay and perfect for on the go, but they feel different from real strings.
Connecting and Recording
Most controllers connect to your computer via USB. In a DAW like GarageBand, Logic Pro, or Ableton, you choose an instrument and play immediately. Adjust the sensitivity to your playing style, so a light touch doesn't trigger a loud note.
What to look for when buying?
- Latency: the less delay, the better. Special digital guitars often perform better here.
- Tracking: can the device track chords well? Check if it supports polyphonic detection.
- Compatibility: does it work with your computer or tablet (Mac, Windows, iOS)?
Endless Sounds
Because you're sending data, you don't just sound like a guitar. Play a chord as a grand piano, or link your strings to drum sounds: the low E-string becomes your kick, the A-string your snare. One guitarist can sound like an entire band.
Finally
MIDI technology makes music production accessible for guitarists. You don't have to be a pianist to compose orchestral pieces or beats—your guitar skills are enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special amplifier? No. MIDI is data, not audio. The sound comes from your software or synth, which you send to speakers or headphones.
Can I play regular guitar sounds? Yes, via a "virtual guitar" plug-in. But for a true guitar tone, a real guitar is better. MIDI is primarily used for sounds a guitar cannot make.
Is it difficult if I already play guitar? No. Your fretboard knowledge remains 100% usable. You just need to play a bit cleaner to avoid unwanted notes.
Does a MIDI guitar work with an iPad? Usually, yes, via a standard USB adapter. This turns it into a powerful mobile studio with apps like GarageBand.
Curious what makes a MIDI guitar versatile in practice? Read all about learning guitar with the AeroBand Guitar or check out the AeroBand Guitar.