Bharris16

My keyboard does not come with a guitar sound preset on it. Can you recommend any software that I can run through my laptop that can allow me to play my keyboard with a guitar sound. On software like garageband, is there any way to record using my keyboard and end up with that same music coming out as a guitar sound?

Plankton

You could just run your keyboard through a physical (real) distortion pedal, or use amp modeling software. GarageBand already has an amp modeler, so check into that.

__________________
See location...

P A N

if your keyboard works as a midi keyboard controller you have lots of options. i'm not even remotely familiar with garage band, but if you want your keyboard to produce a guitar sound before adding effects or post recording architecture, you need to get a VST. there are plenty of free ones available, but quite honestly dropping a few bucks on one will get you a much more dynamic situation, wherein not only the sound of a guitar are replicated but also the way a guitar makes sound. some of them include aspects like fret buzz, looseness of strings in drop tunings, great chord definition and strumming, the sound of the pick hitting the string... all that subtle stuff.

that's if you want to actually mimic a guitar. if you're happy with the sound of a distorted piano or horn or something all the power to you. just keep in mind that the more effects plugins you use the more your cpu has to deal with and the muddier the sound will be upon the finalization of your track. if you're going this route, i recommend finding the sound you're going to use as the base (by "base" i mean the foundation of this guitar sound you're looking for, not bass guitar), coming up with an arrangement of effects, writing down what you did or saving it as a template, then writing and recording the song without the effects.

it also depends what kind of guitar sound you're looking for. if you're after just a big, crunchy or otherwise distorted sound, plankton's suggestion will certainly work. but if you're after a classical or acoustic sound than you need to find a vst (vst stands for "virtual studio technology" or "virtual synthesizer technology", depending on who you talk to. it basically means a virtual - software-based - instrument or effect).

Bharris16

What VST would you recommend? I don't mind spending a little.

Afro Blue

what part of the keyboard playing will you want to sound like a guitar?... unlike a keyboard on the guitar the sound comes from your hands and theres lots of diference in how it will end up sounding.

but i once heard some karaoke cds that did covers and one can know all the instruments where played on the keyboard.. it was the right notes but everything sounded a little dry.. but experiment and see how it goes.

stevesonthebay

this is where im am up to with my setup. i have a lexicon alpha interface and i am running cubase. i play the guitar so that's no problem but want to add other instruments into the mix. Ive been reading up about the vst and i am in the process of getting a keyboard. in my cubase and i would say its the same for most recording software i have a certain amount of vst instruments i can use. you can also download some for free over the net.
im not 100% sure yet as i am still finding my way but i can connect a midi device in this case my keyboard to my interface and then add it into my cubase under devices. then i can use the vst instruments in cubase say horns or any synths sounds and my keyboard will play that sound.
im hoping to add some subtle synth or base or even wind effects to my songs over my guitar and vocals. im not sure but i think you can download free daws like fl studio that has vst to try. when you buy an interface it will normally come with the software anyway.

__________________
Most of us go to our grave with our music still inside of us.

P A N

I personally don't have enough experience with specifically with a guitar vst, but i'm sure there are lots of options. When i'm looking for a sound or vst i usually spend some time googling products, reading reviews, getting a little list going, and then hitting up youtube to see it in action. I wish i could be of more help to your specific need, but in the end you will familiarize yourself with the tech to a more in-depth degree by researching products.