CHAIN, COSM, SWAM - the facts

All of the information supplied in this explainer video has existed publicly pre 2026 across my socials and website https://www.roymarchbankguitar.com/ This video content: Section 1 'This is not MIDI'  My guitar chain is: Guitar- Boost-EQ-Limiter 2- Kemper Marshall JPM Section 2: The pickup on my Yamaha Custom 1221 (now retired). This is a Roland GK2A MIDI pickup. This works with the VG88 V2 processor. It is a modeller. It does not convert audio signal to trigger samples. This is obvious by the fact the pickup sits in the middle of the guitar. The effects chain used in this unit is: Guitar- Boost-EQ-Limiter 2- COSM This is therefore not a MIDI pickup and does not 'clean up' or assist my playing.  Section 3: MIDI Guitar 2.  I've been experimenting with MIDI Guitar 2 and triggering samples since 2021 and recorded some of the Law of Three album with it to incorporate Duduk, Violin, Sax and other instruments that can be emulated through the guitar. Up until 2021 I have never used MIDI for ANY kind of solo work because earlier MIDI did not function well enough. I continue to experiment with MIDI Guitar 2 and always indicate on my videos when SWAM, MIDI guitar 2 is in use, though it's not difficult to tell as the sound the guitar produces is another instrument's sound, such as sax!  SWAM audio modeling and MIDI Guitar 2 doesn't make it easier to play a guitar. It doesn't clean up notes or increase accuracy, velocity etc. This technology allows musicians to change the timbre of their instrument to sound like others. Holdsworth enjoyed the same experimentation with the SynthAxe in the 80’s with a breath controller. SWAM and other digital technology is becoming popular with touring and recording musicians so it will be interesting to see what they produce. Further info:  A lot of my extreme solos are for metal projects, such as the World Collab sessions    • G5 session      • G7 Salvatore Accardo 'Violin' & Michael Br...      • Legato Guitar Inspired by Conlon Nancarrow.   These extreme solos are written by me to meet the client's spec.  My own music is best described as World Fusion. These compositions can be found here: https://roymarchbank.bandcamp.com/ https://lawof3.bandcamp.com/album/law... Since 1991, I've taught students one on one and in group settings. I now teach mostly online worldwide.  Students gain a deep understanding of how I work, compose, record etc along with my support to develop their best practice and voice.  I am open to interviews, playing live and providing masterclasses. Footage from two masterclasses can be found on my Instagram and YouTube channel - Guitar Heaven Festival, Amsterdam 2025 and My clinic at Live 45 2022 and album Launch 2024 in Kidderminster. Reviews for these and accompanying articles can be found here: https://www.thejazzmann.com/reviews/r... https://www.gitarist.nl/gitarist-extr... https://www.furious.com/perfect/royma...   / drkmvo8iv-p   I have been a professional session guitarist from 1992 to present. Some of those I recorded and/or toured and/or performed with include: Bohinta 1992-1994 The Iron Horse 1997-2002, 20 piece chamber orchestra Sogdiana 2002, Dweezil Zappa 2015 , Atma Anur 2014-22, Registan Group 2021, Law of Three 2022-2024 For  enquiries contact: [email protected]