Before recording software instruments

Before recording software instruments

You can connect a USB or MIDI music keyboard to your computer to play and record the software instruments built in to GarageBand. You also need to add a software instrument track and choose a sound.

Connect a music keyboard to your computer

Do one of the following:

  • If the keyboard is a USB music keyboard, connect the USB cable from the keyboard to your computer.

  • If the keyboard is a standard MIDI keyboard, connect the keyboard to a MIDI interface using standard MIDI cables, then connect the MIDI interface to your computer.

Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the keyboard, which may include installing the correct driver on your computer. Check the manufacturer’s website for the latest driver software. If you’re using a MIDI interface, be sure to follow the instructions that came with the interface.

Add a software instrument track and choose a patch

  1. Do one of the following:

    • Choose Track > New Track.

    • Click the Add Tracks button Add Tracks button above the track headers.

  2. In the New Track dialog, select Software Instrument.

  3. Click Create.

  4. In the Library, select a patch category from the list on the left, then select the patch you want to use from the list on the right.