After making the appropriate MIDI connections and initializing the GR-1, we need to set up the MIDI Out parameters located in the SYSTEM menu. This is where we assign the MIDI transmit channel and transmit mode. We can also turn local control off in this menu, which will allow us to sequence the entire Patch along with the four multitimbral Parts. We will discuss the purpose of these MIDI Out parameters in more depth as we get further into the sequencing process, but for now, let's access them and set them up so we can begin sequencing.


1. Press SYSTEM and then press PARAMETER NEXT two times to access the following display screen:
12 REV
EDIT MUTE CHO
MIDI

2. Press ENTER, and you will access the BASIC MIDI channel that the GR-1 transmits on.

We will use this channel to transmit on the MIDI channels that the multitimbral Parts are set to. For now, use the VALUE buttons and set this to MIDI Channel 2.

3. Press PARAMETER NEXT once to access the MODE parameter abbreviated MD. Use VALUE to select POLY mode.

POLY mode is used for recording Parts because they are all on an individual MIDI channel. Patches are recorded using Mono mode, because each string requires one MIDI channel. Mono mode transmits each guitar string on a separate MIDI channel while Poly mode transmits all six guitar strings on one MIDI channel. Mono mode is important for solo guitar playing styles which require different pitch bend messages for each individual string. We will use Mono mode later in this guide when we record a Patch of the GR-1.

4. Press PARAMETER NEXT again to access the BEND parameter. Use VALUE to select the appropriate value.

A Bend Range of 12 should normally be used if you need to sequence your string bending. The GR-1's Parts default to this setting. A chromatic bend setting 0 is advisable when sequencing chords so that you can save memory in your sequencer. Pitch Bend messages can clutter up the MIDI stream so it is best to set this value to 0 when it is not needed. You will also find that your music will be more in tune if you do not transmit bend messages while sequencing.

Note: It is EXTREMELY important that this value match the sound module bend range. If you are using the GR-1 as a sound module, then set the PART BEND RANGE to match this value. We will cover how to change the GR-1's MIDI PART parameters in the next section.

5. Press the PARAMETER NEXT button again to access LOCAL. Use the VALUE buttons to select OFF. Local control is basically an internal MIDI cable that connects the fret board to the synthesizer internally. By turning LOCAL OFF, you will have to use a MIDI cable, connected from the GR-1's MIDI Out back to the MIDI In, in order to play the Patches. We will be placing a sequencer in between the GR-1's MIDI Out and In so that we can record the performance from the MIDI Out and play the sounds via the MIDI In.

Make sure to turn Soft Thru, sometimes called echo, ON in your sequencer so that the MIDI messages transmitted from the GR-1 into the external sequencer are merged with the sequencer's data and sent back to the GR-1 via the sequencer's MIDI Out. This allows you to monitor the Part you are performing while listening to the additional tracks that may already be recorded in your sequence.

Note: Make sure to turn LOCAL back to ON when done sequencing or you will hear no sound!

The settings in the SYSTEM menu are global and do not need to be written into memory. You will need to change them periodically throughout the "Recording the Multitimbral Parts" coming up later in this guide.

6. Press EXIT as many time as necessary to return to PLAY mode, indicated by the Patch name and number.