While you can add Apple Loops and import samples to use in your GarageBand creations, you can also use an onscreen keyboard to make music. On Mac, you can use the keyboard as it appears on a piano or organ in addition to musical typing with your computer keyboard. And on iOS, you can tap to open the keyboard and adjust its settings easily.
For making music in GarageBand your way, here’s how to show the keyboard on Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
The keyboard in GarageBand
While each is a bit different than the others, here’s how to show the keyboard on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Click a link to jump to the instructions for the device you’re using.
Show the keyboard on Mac
Open your musical creation inGarageBand on Mac. Then clickWindow>Show KeyboardorWindow>Show Musical Typing.
If you choose toShow Keyboard, you’ll see those ivory keys pop up in a window for you to play.
If you choose toShow Musical Typing, you’ll see computer keyboard keys open in that window instead. This lets you type as you normally would but create music with your typing skills.
With either one of these options displayed, you’re able to switch between them easily using the buttons on the top left of that keyboard window.
Adjust the key range
You can also select the range of keys used for each keyboard. At the top of the keyboard window,click and dragthe blue box oruse the arrowson the left and right of it to select the range you want to use.
Adjust the keyboard sensitivity
If you want to adjust the velocity level of the notes you’re going to play on the keyboard, click theSmart Controls buttonon the top left of the GarageBand window.
When you see theKeyboard Sensitivitysetting displayed on the bottom left, justmove the sliderto make your adjustment.
Show the keyboard on iPhone
If you’re usingGarageBand on your iPhone, you can pop open the keyboard easily. Open your song and then do the following.
1)Tap theregionfor the instrument.
2)Select theKeyboard iconon the top left.
To change the key range, tap the center button forGlissandoand change it toScroll. You can then slide the keys left or right to select a different range.
Adjust the velocity sensitivity
To change the velocity sensitivity, follow these simple steps.
1)Select theSettingsbuttonon the top left.
2)TapTrack Settingswhen the controls open on the left.
3)Tap to expandVelocity Sensitivityand choose from high, medium, low, or off.
4)Tap theControls buttonin blue on the top right to close the settings and return to your keyboard.
Show the keyboard on iPad
If you’re usingGarageBand on your iPad, you can show the keyboard just as easily. Open your song and then do the following.
1)Choose theregionfor the instrument.
To change the velocity sensitivity, do the following.
1)Tap theKeyboard buttonon the keyboard.
2)Turn on the toggle forVelocityand close the settings by tapping elsewhere on the screen.
3)Move the sliderto the left of the instrument name on the keyboard forVelocity.
Using the onscreen keyboard for creating different sounds inGarageBandmight be just what your song needs. Are you going to give it a try on your device? Let us know!
