Guitar Technology for Practice, Performance, and Production

Shaun Michaud John Scotti

Authored by Shaun Michaud, John Scotti

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Course Code: OGUIT-111

Learn to integrate guitar technology into practice, live performance, and music production. This undergraduate guitar course covers DAWs, amp modeling, MIDI, effects processing, and recording workflows, helping you create professional guitar tones, produce polished tracks, and deliver performance-ready audio and video content.

Level 1
Foundational
Modality
Online
Duration
12 Weeks
3-Credit Tuition
$1,575
Semester Starts
Sept enrollment extended to Oct 8! Jan 11
Accreditation
NECHE

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Integrate modern guitar technology into practice, live performance, and recording workflows
  • Design and produce professional-quality guitar tones using amp modeling, effects processing, and signal routing
  • Record, edit, mix, and master guitar-based productions using industry-standard DAW techniques
  • Configure and optimize live performance setups using MIDI, pedalboards, and real-time control systems
Overview Syllabus Requirements Instructors Related Music Career Roles
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Course Description

Technology is an essential tool for every guitarist navigating today's rapidly evolving music landscape. This course equips developing guitarists like you with the skills and knowledge to integrate cutting-edge technology into your practice, performance, and recording workflow, empowering you to shape your unique musical journey.

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You will explore a wide range of digital tools, from digital audio workstations (DAWs) and amp modeling software to multi-effects processors, MIDI controllers, and wireless systems. Through hands-on projects, you will learn how to craft professional-quality tones, record and mix your own music, and synchronize high-quality audio with video.

The course also introduces AI-driven music software, guitar-related applications, and advanced techniques for both electric and acoustic guitar. Whether you are looking to refine your live sound, streamline your recording process, or harness emerging music technology, this course provides the foundation to elevate your playing and creative potential.

Over 12 weeks, you'll move from configuring a DAW and shaping tones through amp modeling to working with live performance setups, studio production workflows, and MIDI integration. The course culminates in a comprehensive final project in which you produce, mix, and present a fully realized original guitar recording synchronized with video.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Integrate modern digital tools into guitar practice, live performance, and recording workflows to enhance efficiency, creativity, and sound quality
  • Set up and configure a digital audio workstation (DAW) for guitar-focused production by applying signal flow concepts, gain staging, and session organization techniques
  • Develop and refine professional-quality electric and acoustic guitar tones using amp modeling software, effects processing, and signal routing strategies
  • Record, edit, mix, and master guitar-based productions by applying industry-standard techniques for tracking, processing, and finalizing audio
  • Synchronize high-fidelity guitar recordings with video content for promotional, educational, and artistic applications
  • Utilize MIDI, AI-driven tools, and digital effects to enhance guitar performance and production, expanding creative possibilities in various musical contexts
  • Optimize live performance setups through MIDI integration, pedalboard configuration, and real-time effect control for performances
  • Prepare and deliver professional-quality guitar recordings for collaboration, distribution, and performance, ensuring compatibility with industry standards
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Syllabus

Lesson 1: Configuring a DAW for Guitarists

  • T3 Integration Framework
  • Recording Rig and DAW Connectivity
  • The Evolution of Studio and Guitar Technology
  • Guitar and Recording History Highlights Timeline
  • Studio Signal Flow
  • Audio Levels
  • Digital Audio Basics
  • Guitarist's Template
  • Essential DAW Functions
  • Audio Importing, Monitoring, Basic Mix, and Exporting

Lesson 2: Tone Shaping and Amp Modeling

  • Roots of Tone: Tone Color and Acoustic Guitars
  • Roots of Tone: Electric Guitars
  • The Tonal Shape of 14 Electric Guitar Models
  • Guitar Amplifier Basics
  • Roots of Tone: Gain
  • Case Study: Gain and Tone with the ENGL E201
  • Roots of Tone: Amplifier EQ and Graphic EQ
  • Amp Simulation: The Evolution of Sound Shaping

Lesson 3: Creating Motion, Space, and Sound: Tremolo, Reverb, Amps and Virtual Meeting Audio

  • Tremolo Sets the Electric Guitar in Motion
  • Sonic Reflections: The Rise of Echoed Guitar Tones
  • Reverb as a Production Tool
  • From Amplifier to Microphone: Shaping the Final Guitar Sound
  • Picture-Perfect Sound: Delivering Guitar Online with Logic and Zoom

Lesson 4: Tech Tools for Guitar Practice

  • Building a Goal-Based Practice Workflow
  • Moises AI Core Features and Interface
  • Moises-Assisted Song Analysis
  • Audio-to-MIDI as a Practice Support Tool
  • Using Flex Pitch to Create a MIDI Sketch from Audio
  • Using the DAW as a Guitar Practice Tool

Lesson 5: Live Performance Technology for Guitarists

  • Performance Sound Design with Guitar Effects
  • Modulation Effects
  • Filter-Based Effects
  • Building a Guitar Signal Chain
  • Buffers, True Bypass, and Impedance-Sensitive Pedals
  • Pedalboard Design in Practice
  • Getting the Guitar Sound to the Audience
  • The Progression of the Guitar Rig
  • Virtual Switching and Automated Performance Systems
  • Designing a Guitar Performance System

Lesson 6: The Guitarist as Producer: Studio Workflow and Collaboration

  • Stages of Music Production
  • Session Preparation and Collaboration
  • Collaborative MIDI and Audio Workflow Demonstration
  • Monitoring and Optimizing the Recording Environment
  • Recording and Shaping Acoustic Guitar
  • Recording Electric Guitar
  • Guitar Layering, Production Roles, and Collaboration

Lesson 7: Integrating Guitar Tech for Practice

  • Planning Your Practice Time
  • Setting Up Your Practice Space
  • Building a Technology-Supported Practice Routine
  • Rhythm Practice with Technology
  • Melody Practice with Technology
  • Harmony Practice with Technology
  • Tone Color Practice with Technology

Lesson 8: Integrating Guitar Tech for Live Performance

  • Navigating the Live Music Venue
  • What is a Quality Performance?
  • Wireless Guitar Systems and In-Ear Monitoring
  • Modulation, Stereo, and Spatial Effects
  • Programming and Editing MIDI Backing Tracks in Logic

Lesson 9: Integrating Guitar Tech for Studio Production and Final Project Preparation

  • Preproduction: Setting the Direction
  • Guitarist's Template II: Technology Meets the Track
  • Track First: Hearing the 'Mirror' Arrangement
  • Locking the Track to the Grid: Organizing and Synchronizing the Session
  • MIDI In Preproduction: Correct, Prepare, Verify
  • T3: From Track to Guitar Part
  • Auditioning Your Guitar Sounds in "Mirror"

Lesson 10: Building the Guitar Production: Tone, Texture, and Layering

  • From Preproduction to Production
  • Layering and Contrast in Production
  • Shape the Tones Around the Parts
  • 'Circles' Building Contrast Across the Form
  • Build and Record the Guitar Production
  • Step Back, Listen, and Revise
  • Collaboration and the Guitarist's Role

Lesson 11: Shaping the Guitar Production: Mixing, Automation, and Session Handoff

  • From Production to the Final Mix
  • Shape Guitar Tone and Space in the Mix
  • Automation: Make the Guitar Production Move
  • Stereo Out: Level, Loudness, and Reference Mix Readiness
  • Prepare a Collaboration-Ready Session
  • Write the Handoff Note

Lesson 12: Finalizing the Project and Looking Ahead

  • From Feedback to a Musical Decision
  • Final Mix Check
  • From Pre-Master to Final Master
  • Deliver the Project
  • Bringing Practice, Performance, and Production Together
  • The Future of Guitar Technology

Requirements

Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements 

Prerequisite Courses, Knowledge, and/or Skills
Completion of Music Theory 101, or equivalent knowledge and experience, is required. Students should be able to:

  • Play and manipulate electric guitar tones through an amplifier
  • Demonstrate basic electric guitar tones and techniques
  • Have the basic ability to read music and/or tablature in common time signatures
  • Have experience recording in a digital audio workstation (DAW) such as Pro Tools, Logic, or GarageBand

Recording

  • Students are required to record video while performing with a backing track for their assignments. Options for recording video include:
    • Smartphone
    • Digital camera
    • Webcam (using either video recording software, or the video recording tool that is built into the learning environment)

Software

  • Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
    • Logic Pro 11 is highly recommended since the course demonstrations are shown within Logic Pro 11.
    • If opting not to use Logic, a Full-featured Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), such as Pro Tools (Studio or Ultimate), Cubase Pro, Ableton Live (Suite or Standard), Reaper, Reason, or FL Studio (Producer or Signature) is acceptable. Note that GarageBand is not acceptable.
  • Amp Modeler
    • AmpliTube 5 or Max is highly recommended since most course examples are shown using AmpliTube 5.
      • Student discount available after enrolling
    • Students may use other modelers such as Axe FX, Kemper, Helix, or AmpliTube 4 Deluxe.
  • Moises AI (Premium or higher) 
    • Note: Once the course begins, students will have access to a free trial for the duration of the course.

Instrument

  • Electric guitar
  • Guitar amplifier
  • Instrument cable
  • Recommended: Acoustic guitar

Hardware

Important Technical/System Considerations

  • Note: Logic Pro and AmpliTube are strongly recommended. If you choose to use a different DAW or amp modeling software, you will be responsible for consulting the appropriate documentation and adapting your setup to match the template standards we use in Logic Pro and AmpliTube.

Student Deals
After enrolling, be sure to check out our Student Deals page for various offers on software, hardware, and more. Please contact support@online.berklee.edu with any questions.

General Course Requirements

Below are the minimum requirements to access the course environment and participate in Live Classes. Please make sure to also check the Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements section above, and ensure your computer meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements for all software needed for your course. 

Mac Users

  • macOS Monterey 12.0 or later

PC Users

All Users

  • Latest version of Google Chrome
  • Zoom meeting software
  • Webcam
  • Speakers or headphones
  • External or internal microphone
  • Broadband Internet connection

Instructors

Shaun Michaud
Shaun Michaud

Author & Instructor

Shaun Michaud is a Berklee graduate who has been teaching at the school for more than 25 years. The music he has written has appeared on TV on The History Channel, and in films such as Movie 43 and November Criminals. He has written, recorded, and produced five albums, two of which were released on the Inside Out label. Working as a recording engineer for more than a decade, he has hundreds of recording and mastering credits in the classical music genre for Parma Recordings.

John Scotti
John Scotti

Author

John Scotti boasts extensive experience as a guitarist in both tribute and original bands across New York, Colorado, and Massachusetts. Having toured nationally and internationally, John is a versatile performer and a skilled recording engineer and producer. Currently, Scotti holds a key role as an educator at Berklee College of Music, actively shaping curriculum for Berklee Online. His dual career underscores a commitment to both music performance and education.

What's Next?

When taken for credit, Guitar Technology for Practice, Performance, and Production can be applied towards the completion of these related programs:

Related Certificate Programs

Related Degree Major

Related Music Career Roles

Employers look for skills learned in this course, when hiring for the following music career roles:

Digital Content Producer

General Business Musician (Freelance Musician)

Recording Artist (or Group)

Session Musician

Songwriter-Producer

Questions?

Contact our Academic Advisors by phone at 1-866-BERKLEE (U.S.), 1-617-747-2146 (INT'L), or by email at advisors@online.berklee.edu.

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