Synthesisers are as popular as ever and possibly getting more so every year. If you're new to synthesis and things still seem a bit daunting, don't worry. The music magazine Sound on Sound has an amazing long running tutorial series on the topic. 63 tutorials total released from May 1999 to July 2004. From the basic components of a synth and different types of synthesis to synthesising all kinds of instruments whether it's strings, brass, wind instruments or various percussive sounds. This tutorial series is certainly the most extensive of its kind on synthesis. Even for producers and musicians who are well acquainted with synthesis, there is something new to learn or knowledge to freshen up. All of the tutorials are still accessible, even if not directly via the magazine's website. You can find them all listed below in chronological order.

If you prefer to be able to read these tutorials offline, you're in luck. Someone else already did the work and combined them all in one big PDF (40 MB) that you can download for free. Happy synthesising, everyone!