I'll be the first to admit I am terrible at creating patches. I simply havn't gotten very good at it yet. My questions are fairly simple. I thought we could each discuss how we make specific types of sounds, and in particular talk about the process. (Waveform, filter automation, envelopes) - I'm wanting to keep this thread as simple as can be, so please try to refrain from using modulation matrix's and other styles of synthesis in particular. I'm looking more along the lines of oscillators, filters, automation, envelopes, and effects processing if required. I think people here do things differently, and if we pool our ideas we can teach other some things and learn some of our own. (it's kind of a "tricks and tips" idea, but its basically a question of how you personally recreate these sounds) - Finally, feel free to mention plug ins, but let's PLEASE try to keep this on the technical side and not dwift away into software conversation and unrelated topics. Some PCM synthesis will probably be needed.

With that being said, here is what I have to offer, and it isn't much.

Guitars - A pain - No clue, period.

Plucks - Usually a delay but sometimes a pain. Just depends on the instrument.

Piano - Reverb and stereo imaging position is obviously key here, but does anyone else have anything to add? I picked up PSP PianoVerb (it is free) and absolutely LOVE it.

Kicks - One that is strong and slices through a mix - A huge, huge pain. (which is a thread of its own, but do tell.)

Drums / Percs - I use one shots and just load them in Ableton drum pack. I add a small amount of reverb to give it more of a "real sounding" effect and compression if needed. I also always transpose my percussion and drums so that they fit as harmonically as possible in the mix. I see a lot of producers not doing this, and it really does help. I highly recommend it.

Basslines (Saw, Square, etc) - For my basslines, I just take the bottom note of the chord progression being played, flip it over to a deep bass and go. I would love to get some new ideas towards bass. line theory. I am a harmonic freak and a classical wannabe stuck inside an unsuccessful EDM body, so "go with what sounds right" doesn't cut it for me. Saw Bass is by far my favorite. I really like Saw waveforms. I always side chain my bass to a short kick and I have moved away from velocity side chaining and have been focusing on EQ side chaining and I must say it is MUCH better. It allows you to have so much more autonomy over your frequencies, thus you get a cleaner mix down.

Sub Bass - I just take the notes where the kick isn't hitting, for instance, Kxxx-Kxxx-Kxxx-Kxxx X=Sub Bass (as a whole note, not single) I drop it a few octaves below the lowest chord note until I'm pleased, side chain it to the kick and sometimes even the bass to try to avoid muddling but it can be very tricky. (EQing compression is really good here when mixing sub bass and bass)

Supersaws - Detuning (I can't give settings, perhaps you can), effective harmonic enrichment is great, using FX, etc. EQing is very important here. What's your .02 cents?

Triangles / Bells - I know triangles are usually most effective, but that's all I know. Use mostly FX here, so not too big an issue but feel free to contribute. Remember, subtractive only.

Atmospheres / Pads - For the most part, I layer 3 octaves and have sometimes multiple pads starting and ending at different times. It gives it a "swelling" effect. I also like to side chain pans to give them that pumping feeling, although this is badly over-used. Lots of reverb and delay of course. I'm also a huge fan of backing vocals with a very low velocity. It seems to add a warmth and calming presence to the track.

Chords - How do you make yours? What is your usual approach? Do you pay attention to the tonal scale part or just go with what feels write? Do you even care about music theory when you're writing chords? Do you just pull up a chord library and see what notes are fair game?

Melodies - Very difficult to talk technically about because quite frankly there isn't much technicality involved. This is where an artist makes or breaks himself, nuff said.

Leads - I actually struggle a lot with leads. They're whole concept kinda confuses me even though they are as straight forward as can be. I know what they are, and I know they are simple as pie when looking at MIDI, but for some reason I just can't "get it" to where I'm happy - Maybe somebody here can help.

I'd include FX, but it's not really relevant to this thread. Most of us use samples, and you don't make FX in subtractive synths very often. Please keep in mind the topic title when responding.

Finally, please remember to keep this on the topic of subtractive synthesis. I know FM & PCM may need a mention or two here, but please for the sake of this topic stick to subtractive. We will do an FM thread later and more styles in the future.

The goal of this is to learn from each other. We all have good knowledge, that when shared, will make us all better.

Look forward to reading some responses.