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Channel:
the standard MIDI system allows 16 separate channels, each of which can have a different voice or sound and
other settings unique to that channel.
Continuous Controllers:
Also called “MIDI CC”. In its basic form, it refers to physical knobs, wheels, sliders, and any device that can change,
modulate, or affect the sound of musical notes. For instance, Pitch-bending, Volume or Tone changes, distortion, etc.
are accomplished with MIDI Continuous Controller hardware and the “CC” software messages that the hardware
controls.
MIDI: Musical Instrument Digital Interface.
A communication standard developed by a group of music manufacturers
for digitally controlling sounds. Its common usage is for playing musical notes and modifying their sound from a musical
instrument such as an electronic keyboard. Also, refers to the physical interface which can be the 5-pin connector ,
USB-MIDI , or a number of other popular wired and wireless communication links. A single MIDI setup is a 16 channel
system that allows 16 different voices to be played.
Mod Wheel:
A common MIDI ContinuousController that is used to modify the sound for various effects such as vibrato.
Note On:
A MIDI software message that turns ON the sound for a musical note. Usually triggered by a musical
instrument or a software sequencing program.
Note Off:
A MIDI software message that turns OFF, or silences a musical note.
Patch:
the specific voice, or sound selection for a given MIDI channel, formally known as MIDI ProgramChange.
PitchBend:
A MIDI function that changes the frequency of a note such as when a guitarist “bends” a string.
ProgramChange number:
Also referred to informally as Patch-number. A MIDI function used to select the various sounds in a synthesizer.
Strum (Pick):
The act of pressing notes on a guitar fingerboard and using your other hand to stroke across the strings to play the
sound. With the GoTar all-electronic fingerboard strumming is accomplished by touching the Strumming Keys set up on
Frets 21-24.
[Alternately referred to as “picking”. “Strum” usually refers to playing chords and “pick” usually refers to
playing single notes.]
Tuning:
A set of musical pitches assigned to the open (unfretted) strings of a guitar.
Voice:
a given sound type that is created by a music synthesizer, such as piano, guitar, trumpet, dog-bark, space-harp,
any of a billion different sounds that you can play as a musical instrument.
