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What students are saying. 😊
I made a preset just like you imagined from taking the course. You Miyagied me just like from Karate Kid. Meaning, I learned more then I understood I was learning... I could have never imagined I could do this just a few months ago. I am patting myself on the back.
Michael C.
Your channel is a big mentor for me. And going through your Think Like A Synth course has been amazing!
@OlKeyzer
I've found the course very enjoyable and would like to thank you for creating it so I could better understand the essentials of synthesis.
Thomas M.
I’ve learnt absolutely loads - way more than I thought I was going to when I purchased this course! My own patch creation on my synths has immediately [taken] a huge leap forward in quality and I’m also making much more use of the full capabilities of the synth I’m using to obtain more interesting and evolving, complex yet musical sounds than I’ve ever done before.
Andrew N.
I'm really enjoying Think Like A Synth and learning a lot. It is still the best synth course I've done so keep up the good work! It’s really helping me with my other (non-2600) synths too.
Glyn B.
Included Lessons
Lesson 1
Course Introduction
Discover the wealth of resources in "Think Like a Synth" and learn how to use them to rapidly enhance your ability to edit presets and create your own legendary sounds for your music.
Lesson 2
Oscillators
Dive into the fundamentals of oscillators, the heart of sound creation. Learn how they generate waveforms, their role in shaping sound, and how to create a wide range of tones.
Lesson 3
Tuning
Uncover tuning techniques to develop speed and accuracy along with quick tips for creating a richer sound.
Lesson 4
Waveforms
Master the fundamental raw waveforms and their combinations to create the sounds you envision.
Lesson 5
Pulse Width Modulation
Explore the power of pulse width modulation to create rich textures with evolving harmonics for more expression.
Lesson 6
The Noise Generator
Use the noise generator to add subtle texture, intense grit and randomization that will add more realism inside your sounds.
Lesson 7
Low Pass Filters
Feel the deep impact of the low-pass filter, as you sculpt your sound for a warmer, fatter and more focused tone.
Lesson 8
Filter Modulation
Use filter modulation to add movement and dynamic variation, transforming static tones into evolving expressive textures.
Lesson 9
VCAs
Unlock the full potential of the Voltage-Controlled Amplifier (VCA) to shape your sound's dynamics, while also using it for signal coloration, routing, and creating effects like amplitude modulation (tremolo).
Lesson 10
Tremolo NEW
Unravel the secret of undulating sound waves, "tremolo" (aka amplitude modulation) to create rich, pulsating textures that transform your synth creations into living, expressive soundscapes with dynamic energy.
Lesson 11
Gates & Triggers
Study how gates and triggers control your synth's timing and rhythm, enabling you to fire envelopes, sequences, and modulation sources for more dynamic performances.
Lesson 12
The Envelope Generator
Learn to effectively adjust the attack, decay, sustain, and release parameters of your patch over time to bring dynamic expression to your sound.
Lesson 13
Single & Multiple Triggers
Understand the difference between single and multiple triggers, and learn how to use them to control the phrasing, repetition, and complexity of your envelopes.
Lesson 14
Inverted Envelopes NEW
Inverted envelopes unlock an entirely new realm of sonic shapes. Transform traditional synthesizer sounds into their mirror image by making one simple change.
Lesson 15
LFOs
Explore the power of low frequency oscillators (LFOs) to change the shape of pitch, timbre and volume over time, creating dynamic movement and evolving rhythms.
Lesson 16
Clocks
Explore the concept of clocks, learning how to sync your modules to create precise rhythmic patterns, LFOs, and other time-based elements.
Lesson 17
Sample & Hold
Discover how the sample & hold generator captures and holds voltages to create evolving, unpredictable patterns that add complexity and movement.
Lesson 18
Vibrato
Harness the expressive power of vibrato to infuse your sounds with depth, movement, and emotional nuance.
Lesson 19
Distorted LFO NEW
See how distorted LFOs reshape your synth’s modulation palette, transforming pitch, timbre, and volume into unconventional textures, shapes and rhythms. This lesson is your gateway to a world of sonic alchemy.
Lesson 20
The Ring Modulator
Create rich, harmonic textures and otherworldly sounds with the ring modulator by combining two signals in unique ways that bring complexity and intrigue to your sound palette.
Lesson 21
DC-Coupled Ring Modulator
Visit the world of DC-coupled ring modulators, combining original signals with sum and difference tones, including the ability to use it as a dynamic VCA.
Lesson 22
Voltage
Understand the role of voltage and how it controls various parameters, from pitch to modulation, enabling you to create dynamic and evolving sounds.
Lesson 23
Voltage Control & Keyboard Control Voltage
Explore how voltage control and keyboard control voltage work to manipulate sound parameters, allowing you to create expressive, real-time control over pitch, modulation, and more.
Lesson 24
The Multiple
Optimize your signal routing and create complex, layered sounds by using a multiple to send one signal to multiple destinations.
Lesson 25
The Lag Processor
Learn how the lag processor adds smooth, more expressive gradual changes to your sound, creating natural movement and preventing abrupt shifts in modulation.
Lesson 26
The Envelope Follower
Add dynamic movement and expression to your sounds by converting audio signals into modulation with an envelope follower.
Lesson 27
The Mixer & Output Section
Use mixers and outputs for blending multiple signals to create new colors. Route them effectively to external devices or create a beautiful stereo field.
Why I made this course.
Think Like a Synth represents more than just a collection of synthesizer lessons — it's my way of passing down the knowledge I've gathered over decades of creating signature sounds for some of the biggest records, films and ads in history.
When I started out, I was incredibly fortunate to have mentors like Quincy Jones, Giorgio Moroder, Jack Nietzsche, Arthur B. Rubenstein, and my gifted synth teacher Clark Spangler. Learning directly from all of them at the beginning of my career helped shape me into the artist I am today. They shared everything they knew, and now, I feel compelled to do the same for all of you about how I approach synthesis.
My goal is to distill everything I've learned — every technique, tip and insight — into an affordable, fun, hands-on synth course that anyone can immediately apply to their music. As you progress, you'll develop the unwavering confidence to know what every knob does before you turn it, empowering you to create any sound in your imagination and set your music apart!
- Anthony
Industry perspectives.
I consider Anthony to be probably the greatest living sound designer synthesist on the planet. You're gonna learn a lot from his course, so listen to everything that he says.
Billy Childs
Jazz, Classical & Opera Composer, Keyboard virtuoso6x Grammy winner
No matter what it sounds like, even if it sounds like a frog, he can get it, because he's Anthony Marinelli.
Greg Phillinganes
Keyboardist, Music DirectorStevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Quincy Jones
Few people can both make music history and teach their method effectively. Anthony does both with rare clarity and impact. He continues to teach and inspire me.
JR Rotem
Producer, Songwriter, Label PresidentRihanna, 50 Cent, Nicki Minaj, Jason Derulo
Anthony’s synth course opened my eyes to the capabilities of synthesis. I’ve read many books, but the way he breaks down the language of synth was actually worth it to me!
Honorable C.N.O.T.E.
Producer, SongwriterMetro Boomin, Gucci Mane, Travis Scott, A$AP Rocky, Future, Ne-Yo
He knows about stuff that I never even thought of. If you wanna learn something and stand on the edge, work with Anthony, you'll learn a lot!
Robert Margouleff
T.O.N.T.O. | Visionary producer & synthesizer pioneerStevie Wonder, Devo, Jeff Beck | Grammy winner
Watching you work on some of your early movies and the way you mastered the technology was just wonderful. You could apply it right away to the emotional content of the music.
Cameron Jones
Synclavier inventorDigital synthesis & sampling innovator
If you own a synth or want to own one, you should not miss the opportunity to learn from Anthony's incredible mind. It's his rich legacy that is available for you — and to me!
Dr. John Chowning
Stanford Emeritus Professor | CCRMA FounderDiscovered FM Synthesis | Yamaha DX7 developer
Anthony is a true pioneer in the use of synthesizers. If you have an opportunity to learn from Anthony, do it.
Stephan Schmitt
Native Instruments & Nonlinear Labs FounderRevolutionized modular systems & software synthesis
With his calm and relaxed manner [Anthony] can show you a very simple and understandable way how you can make your own great sounds that fit perfectly into your own songs.
Ruben Tilgner
Elysia co-founder | Innovative audio processingMpressor & Alpha Compressor Creator
Anthony is an encyclopedia of synthesis and sound and truly if you're trying to know what any of these knobs do, he's the guy to teach you because he thinks like a synth, and so can you.
Rob Rosen
Rosen SoundBruno Mars, Lenny Kravitz, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd
What you'll learn.
- Confidently design signature patches from scratch.
- Quickly modify presets to fit your track.
- Know which knob to reach for – no guessing.
- Make fat bass sounds and soaring leads.
- Layer sounds to create warm analog textures.
- Ask the right questions to make any sound you imagine.
- Use my quick tips to increase confidence and speed.
- Add expression and imperfections that will bring your sounds to life.
- Create convincing emulations of acoustic instruments.
- Design distinctive sound effects for any genre.
- Process external signals like drums, guitars and voice.
- Understand signal flow and block diagrams.
- Exploit harmonic distortion and saturation.
- Replicate human vocal formants.
- Tune oscillators quickly with optimal hand position.
THINK LIKE A SYNTH
Course FAQs
Is this a membership or a one-time purchase?
Think Like a Synth is a one-time purchase.
Who should take this course?
Think Like a Synth is designed for anyone wanting to take their synthesizer skills to the next level.
Is this a physical or digital product?
It is a browser-based course.
What forms of payment do you take?
We accept VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, Apple Pay and most other major credit cards.
How do I access the course after purchase?
Log in to Teachable with the verification you receive in your email. For more info, please see the above HOW TO ACCESS section.
What topics and concepts are covered?
See above LEARN HOW TO section.
Is this course live? Do I have to log in at a specific time?
The course is not live, it is always waiting for you – just log in and learn!
When does this course start and finish? How long will it take to finish this course?
You can complete each lesson at the pace that best suits your learning.
Do I have lifetime access to the course?
There is no time limit to complete the course and you can review to it at anytime.
Can I take this course from anywhere?
You can stream this course from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.
What is the refund policy?
Please review the course descriptions before purchasing as we are not able to offer refunds. However, please feel free to contact us if any issues should arise.
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The Team
THINK LIKE A SYNTH
Featuring
Anthony Marinelli
Dante Marinelli
Dante Marinelli
Written by
Anthony Marinelli
Directed by
Dante Marinelli
Produced by
Anthony Marinelli
Dante Marinelli
Beau Bonetti
Dante Marinelli
Beau Bonetti
Edited & Motion Graphics by
Beau Bonetti
Recorded & Mixed by
Ben Rachlis
Camera by
Will David
Alex Ho
Alex Ho
Associate Produced by
Ben Rachlis
Content Consultation by
Dr. Manny Fernandez
Photography by
Aaron Heck
Website Design by HeckArt
Creative Direction by
Aaron Heck
Web Design & Coding by
Erick Martinez
Special thanks to Aaron Heck for his contributions and generosity in the making of this website.
