苹果(Apple)电脑传统上与创意领域的用户联系在一起，尽管如今它们也具有更多的主流吸引力。
深受艺术家、电影制作人和音乐家的喜爱，Apple多年来一直在完善其创意软件。Apple的Garageband应用程序是一个非常强大的音乐创作工具。它不仅适合表达音乐创意。Garageband上已经有不少大热门(mega-hits)作为成品制作。所以你不应该低估这个勇敢的小应用程序！
在这个简短的指南中，我们将为您提供有关如何使用GarageBand的基本知识，并引导您完成基本歌曲的创作。
我在哪里可以获得 Garageband？
Garageband的一大优点是Apple在 macOS 和 iOS 上都提供了它。您可以在iOS和 macOS 版本之间移动项目文件。因此，您可以在 iPhone 上开始您的想法，然后通过 iCloud 将项目转移到您的Mac上，以便在您回家后继续处理它。
但是，这两个平台上的GarageBand之间的功能集存在显着差异。macOS 版本的GarageBand适合使用现场乐器或麦克风进行家庭录音和表演。iOS 版本旨在仅使用触摸屏创建全新的歌曲或歌曲创意。
在很多方面，iOS 版本比 macOS 版本更先进、更直观。最终，如果您可以访问这两个版本，您将充分利用GarageBand 。
对于本文，我们使用的是MacBook Pro，但一般概念确实适用于这两个版本。
智能仪器（仅限 iOS）
GarageBand有一套很棒的虚拟乐器。您可以手动演奏其中的许多，但Apple还为其乐器提供了智能自动化模式。遗憾的是，这是目前仅在 iOS 上可用的功能。
如果您精通特定乐器，则可以在GarageBand中使用该乐器的虚拟版本进行一些非常实用的工作。Apple 的虚拟鼓手使用起来特别有用且直观，稍后您会看到。虚拟鼓手是软件的 macOS 版本中的一项功能。
实时循环(Loops)乐段（iOS Garageband和Logic Pro X）
GarageBand for iOS 还提供了一项称为“Live Loops”的功能。这些是预先录制的音乐片段，您可以混合和匹配以创建新的声音和歌曲。
我们不会在本教程中介绍实时循环(Live Loops)乐段，因为它本身需要整篇文章，但您应该知道，您可以将您的实时循环(Live Loops)乐段和乐器创作放在同一首歌曲中。实时循环乐段在 macOS 版本的(Live Loops)GarageBand中不可用，但它们最近出现在Logic Pro X中，这是一个完整的专业软件包，与(Logic Pro X)GarageBand共享相同的基本引擎。
连接现场音频源
您不仅可以访问 Garageband 的内置循环和乐器。您可以使用设备的内置麦克风或连接现场音频源，为您的歌曲添加真实的乐器和人声表演。我们不建议使用内置麦克风，除非您只是在做粗略的占位符工作。
GarageBand可让您选择连接到设备的任何音频源，该设备可以是通过(GarageBand)Mac上的线路输入插孔连接的模拟设备，也可以是USB 设备。是的，它甚至可以在 iPad 上运行。我们使用Rocksmith Real Tone Cable将吉他连接到 GarageBand(connecting a guitar to GarageBand)取得了巨大成功。
创作你的第一首歌
当您第一次打开GarageBand时，您会看到一个项目列表。如果这是您的第一个项目，您将看到像这样创建一个空项目的选项。
继续并选择空项目(empty project)，这样我们就可以开始我们的歌曲了！
我们需要以曲目开始我们的歌曲。你可以放下任何你喜欢开始的曲目。例如，如果您已经对旋律、即兴演奏或歌曲的任何组成部分有了一些想法，您可以从这些开始并从那里构建音轨。启动该过程的方式没有对错之分。
添加鼓轨道
既然我们没有具体的想法，为什么不先打一个鼓槽呢？单击(Click)鼓手轨道，然后单击创建(create)。
我们将使用其中一位自动鼓手，在本例中，Zak是车库摇滚鼓手，但您可以选择任何您喜欢的风格。如果您想要的鼓手是灰色的，只需单击名称右侧的小下载图标。
选择您的鼓手并且不触碰其他任何东西，单击播放按钮以听听他们默认的声音。您可以通过拖动其右边缘来扩展起始循环。在您的鼓手演奏时，您可以修改声音。节拍预设可让您选择节拍风格。在右侧，您可以拖动圆点将鼓手的风格微调为响亮、柔和、复杂或简单。您还可以设置每个部分应涉及套件的哪些部分。
要添加具有自己设置的新部分，只需单击现有鼓件右侧的“+”图标。通过这种方式，您可以为您的歌曲构建一个复杂而逼真的鼓律动，具有不同的部分和动态的演奏。现在我们有了一个基本的鼓槽，是时候添加另一个乐器了。
用一些贝斯(Bass)和吉他(Guitar)踢它
让我们添加一条漂亮的贝司线来配合我们的击鼓。单击(Click) 轨道(Track)>新轨道(New Track)
现在，和以前一样，选择一种轨道类型。但是，这次我们选择的是软件仪器(software instrument)。
选择低音(Bass)，然后选择您选择的低音。在我们的例子中，我们选择了挑选的贝司。在录制贝司线之前，您可以通过旋转虚拟吉他机身上的各种旋钮来调整贝司的声音。
那么，我们究竟要如何演奏乐器呢？在 macOS 版本上演奏软件乐器的标准方法是使用某种MIDI 控制器(MIDI controller)。在 iOS 版本上，您可以使用直接触控。你(MIDI)现在没有MIDI(Don)控制器吗？不用担心！
您可以改用Mac或Mac Book 的键盘。只需按(Just)Command+K ，就会出现这个键盘。
现在单击录制，在计数结束后，与鼓一起演奏您的作品。顺便说一句，您只需按R即可停止和开始录制。现在，要完成这首曲子，重复贝斯的过程，但这次创建一个额外的吉他音轨。
好的！你已经用鼓、贝斯和吉他创作了歌曲的基本内容。好的，我们承认我们不想与任何人分享这首粗略的小曲子，但只要付出时间和努力，就可以做出一些令人惊叹的曲子。
还有更多探索
本指南的目的是让您可以学习如何使用GarageBand并开始使用歌曲的最基本内容。如果你已经遵循了这一点，这意味着你知道的足够多，可以开始构建真正的歌曲创意的大纲。然而，尽管GarageBand是针对业余用户的免费程序，但它的深度却很大。
使用真实的乐器录音，它的工作原理与软件乐器的基本方式相同，您可以快速将您的音乐才能放在“磁带”上。这里唯一的区别是您在选择轨道类型时必须做出一些选择。例如，您需要选择音频源，并且您必须决定是否要在演奏时听到乐器。
在GarageBand中总会有更多的发现，希望现在已经破冰，让您踏上音乐成就之路！
How To Use Apple’s GarageBand
Apple computers are traditionally associated with users in thе creative field, although these days they have much more mainstream appeаl aѕ wеll.
Beloved by artists, filmmakers, and musicians, Apple has had many years to perfect its creativity software. Apple’s Garageband application is a surprisingly powerful music creation tool. It’s not just great for laying down musical ideas. There have been quite a few mega-hits that were created as finished products on Garageband. So you shouldn’t underestimate this plucky little app!
In this short guide, we’re going to give you the basic knowledge on how to use GarageBand and walk you through the creation of a basic song.
Where Can I Get Garageband?
One great thing about Garageband is that Apple offers it on both macOS and iOS. You can move your project files between the iOS and macOS versions. So you can start your idea on your iPhone and then transfer the project over to your Mac via iCloud to keep working on it when you get back home.
However, there are significant differences in the feature sets between GarageBand on these two platforms. The macOS version of GarageBand is geared towards home recording and performance with live instruments or microphones. The iOS version is geared towards creating completely new songs or song ideas using just the touch screen.
In many ways, the iOS version is more advanced and intuitive than the macOS version. Ultimately, you’ll get the most out of GarageBand if you have access to both versions.
For this article, we’re using a MacBook Pro, but the general concepts do apply to both versions.
Smart Instruments (iOS Only)
GarageBand has a fantastic set of virtual instruments. You can play many of these manually, but Apple has also provided smart automated modes for its instruments. Sadly, this is a feature that’s currently only available on iOS.
If you’re proficient with a particular instrument, you can do some pretty serviceable work with the virtual version of that instrument in GarageBand. Apple’s virtual drummer is particularly useful and intuitive to use, as you’ll see a little later. The virtual drummer is one feature that did make it over to the macOS version of the software.
Live Loops (iOS Garageband and Logic Pro X)
GarageBand for iOS also offers a feature known as “Live Loops”. These are pre-recorded snippets of music that you can mix and match to create new sounds and songs.
We won’t be covering Live Loops in this tutorial, since it would require an entire article in itself, but you should know that you can bring your Live Loops and instrument creations together in the same song. Live Loops are not available in the macOS version of GarageBand, but they have recently come to Logic Pro X, which is the full, professional package that shares the same basic engine as GarageBand.
Connecting Live Audio Sources
You don’t just have access to Garageband’s built-in loops and instruments. You can add real instruments and vocal performances to your song by using the device’s built-in microphone or by connecting a live audio source. We don’t recommend using built-in mics unless you’re only doing rough placeholder work.
GarageBand lets you choose any audio source that’s connected to the device, which can either be an analog device connected through the line-in jack on a Mac or a USB device. Yes, that even works on iPad. We’ve had great success connecting a guitar to GarageBand using a Rocksmith Real Tone Cable.
Creating Your First Song
When you first open up GarageBand, you’ll see a list of projects. If this is your first project, you’ll see the option to create an empty project like this.
Go ahead and choose empty project so we can get started on our song!
We need to start our song with a track. You can put down any sort of track you like to begin with. For example, if you’ve already got some ideas for melodies, riffs, or any component of your song, you can start with those and build the track from there. There is no right or wrong way to start the process.
Adding A Drum Track
Since we don’t have any specific ideas, why not start by laying down a drum groove? Click on the drummer track and then click create.
We’re going to use one of the automated drummers, in this case, Zak the garage rock drummer, but you can choose whatever style you like. If the drummer you want is greyed out, just click the little download icon to the right of the name.
With your drummer selected and without touching anything else, click the play button to hear what they sound like by default. You can extend the starting loop by dragging its right edge. While your drummer is playing, you can modify the sound. The beat preset lets you select a beat style. On the right, you can drag the dot to fine-tune the drummer’s style to loud, soft, complex, or simple. You can also set which parts of the kit should be involved with each section.
To add a new section, with its own settings, simply click the “+” icon to the right of an existing drum piece. In this way, you can build a complex and realistic drum groove for your song, with distinct sections and dynamic play. Now that we have a basic drum groove, it’s time to add another instrument.
Kicking It With Some Bass and Guitar
Let’s add a nice bass line to go with our drumming. Click Track>New Track
Now, as before, choose a track type. However, this time we are choosing software instrument.
Select Bass and then select the bass of your choice. In our case, we’ve chosen the picked bass. You can tune the sound of the bass before recording your bass line by twiddling the various knobs on the virtual guitar body.
So, how exactly are we going to play the instrument? The standard way to play a software instrument on the macOS version is with some sort of MIDI controller. On the iOS version, you can use direct touch controls. Don’t have a MIDI controller with you right now? No worries!
You can use your Mac or MacBook’s keyboard instead. Just hit Command+K and this keyboard will appear.
Now click record and after the count-in ends, play your piece along with the drums. By the way, you can simply press R to stop and start recording. Now, to finish off this piece, repeat the process for the bass, but this time create an additional guitar track.
All right! You’ve created the bare bones of a song, with drums, bass, and guitar. OK, we’ll admit we wouldn’t want to share this rough little ditty with anyone, but with time and effort, it’s possible to make some amazing tunes.
There’s More To Explore
The purpose of this guide is so you can learn how to use GarageBand and get started with the very bare bones of a song. If you’ve followed along to this point, it means you know enough to start building the outlines of real song ideas. However, GarageBand has a lot of depth, despite being a free program aimed at amateur users.
Using real instrument recording, which works in the same basic way as software instruments, you can quickly put your musical talent on “tape”. The only difference here is that you have to make a few choices when choosing the track type. For example, you need to choose the audio source and you have to decide whether you want to hear the instrument as you play.
There’s always more to discover in GarageBand, hopefully, the ice has now been broken to set you on the path to musical greatness!
