Mr Jackson has already brought us a couple of apps of note in moodscaper and pianoscaper, and now adds to this distinctive generative theme with a new app called guitarscaper. According to Mr Jackson Guitarscaper is a generative music app and virtual instrument “that’s easy on the ears and fun to play”. guitarscaper creates evolving and ambient guitar-based soundscapes that are unique every time.
In terms of sounds, all of the guitarscaper sounds originated from a single electric guitar, many have been extensively processed to create an “impossible guitar” that can morph between orchestral-type swells and ethereal choir-like sounds.
Guitarscaper in auto-play mode is the perfect companion for relaxing, studying or providing non-intrusive headphone music at work or on your commute. You can even set a timer so you can fall asleep to its gentle and soothing tones.
You can also play guitarscaper as a virtual instrument using the dedicated keypads and performance loop recorders, and tailor the sounds with built-in reverb, delay and “character” effects parameters. And while you’re playing, guitarscaper can lend a hand by adding auto-accompaniment parts and even provides hints for notes it thinks might sound good depending on which notes you play!
As a sample-based instrument, guitarscaper currently supports two “moods” – a light mood, based on the E major / pentatonic Yo scale, and a sad mood, based on the Em pentatonic scale.
Please note that guitarscaper is not a chromatic or MIDI-compatible instrument, and it is unlikely to become one.
You can also record and process the audio output of guitarscaper using any Inter-App Audio host that supports IAA Generators.
You are free to use guitarscaper in your own recordings or live events and installations on a royalty-free basis. All I would ask for is a simple credit that includes the name of the app – “guitarscaper”.
I hope you will agree the guitarscaper interface, while minimalist and a perhaps a little cryptic initially, will eventually become very easy to use. Please do take the time to read the quick-start guide which can be found on the guitarscaper.com website. This is also the best place to ask questions, get technical support or report any issues.
Happy guitarscaping!
Guitarscaper is available on the app store for $2.99: