3D Jam: "Virtual Guitar" project

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zachkinstner 2015-09-01 19:52:21 UTC #21

I finally got out my good microphone... and found some better video-editing software... so the audio/video quality is much better in this latest update!

zachkinstner 2015-10-14 18:15:12 UTC #22

DevUp: 2015-10-14

In this video, we look at the new segmented strings, which allow you to play different notes and chord variations without switching chords with your left hand. This opens up several new possibilities for playing songs with the VR guitar.

We also take a look at a new visual indicator to help target the string segments, and go into Unity to see an improvement to the strumming mechanics and some rendering optimizations.

zachkinstner 2015-10-22 19:48:30 UTC #23

DevUp: 2015-10-22

Download the app: http://zachkinstner.itch.io/vr-guitar

In this video, we see a brand new design for the chord selectors, which are now arranged in a radial layout. This design allows you to switch chords without moving past other ones, and provides more visual feedback about which chord you'll select.

We also take a look at a new "target" indicator, the slight chord/string rotation, improved lighting, and reversed order of the string segments. A big "thank you" to everyone who has provided feedback about the project!

yorama 2015-10-31 20:24:07 UTC #24

Great work Zach, you are definitely on the right path. Can't wait to get my Oculus vr when it becomes commercial and make music with your app (at this point I only have a Leap). I have been playing, exploring and making music with software tonality assistance since the 80s using many different programs and hardware controllers. Today I use a Hotz Box, traditional MIDI keyboard or an EWI while filtering MIDI notes with Hotz Translator software. Lately also using the new tonality features in NI Maschine. If there is one tip that I can give you that can actually make the playing more enjoyable, challenging and also add endless longevity to the experience, that is accompaniment. Either the accompaniment follows the harmonic characteristics of the chord changes or it uses preset changes in time that effect the notes and scales being played (songs). I would also not stick to the guitar theme but rather allow for other kinds of sounds or to be used. Having separate playing areas for chord and scale notes will also add to the musical expression possibilities using both hands, and together with a diverse library of accompaniments this could be the ticket. Please check out my videos on YouTube, hopefully it will emphasize my points and help you in some way. Excited! https://www.youtube.com/user/SoTmNinJamer (fyi, all the live playing is filtered, I do not really know how to play these instruments)

zachkinstner 2015-11-09 05:38:35 UTC #25

DevUp: 2015-11-08

Download the app: http://zachkinstner.itch.io/vr-guitar

In this video, we get to hear dozens of new instrument sounds. These include both real instruments (like guitar, bass, piano, and marimba) and some interesting synth sounds. The video begins with a three-part song that quickly demonstrates each new sound.

We also take a look at the new anti-aliasing, discuss the new "Leap Only" version, check out some Hover VR Interface Kit examples ( http://HoverVR.com ), and review some of the instrument names provided by the community.

zachkinstner 2015-11-09 05:41:37 UTC #26

@yorama, sorry I haven't replied yet... so busy here! I hope to check out those videos soon.

zachkinstner 2015-11-14 20:08:12 UTC #27

@yorama, thanks for sharing those videos. My daughters and I enjoyed watching them just now A quote: "Wow, he's a good player!"

I'm glad to hear that you'll be adding the VR "Guitar" to your kit someday, and excited to hear what kind of music you can create with it. The latest version of the app (video above) has several new sounds, and allows anyone to drop in new sounds (using the note/timing template provided).

The app actually started with MIDI support, but I had to switch to audio-only for real-time playing. I'll have to do some more work and testing to get the MIDI support back up to speed. Some recent discussions on Reddit suggest that there are existing apps/tools that can pipe an app's MIDI output into an audio mixer/software's MIDI input.

The accompaniment is a great idea, and is a longer-term goal of mine (along with additional instruments). Eventually, I'd like to have a core "recording" and/or "arrangement" app that allows you to load up your desired instrument and sounds, record loops, do playback, etc.

I usually share this video, both because I like the song, and because I'd like to do all this in a VR/AR environment without any special hardware: Heart-Shaped Box - Nirvana (covered by Kawehi)

zachkinstner 2015-11-16 03:16:05 UTC #28

Work in progress... moving the chords, strings, and adding Oculus positional tracking. Animations in the following tweets: