Simply draw in your chord progression in the piano roll. Play the root note of the chord in the lower register (C3 for C Major, D3 for D Minor). If you want an inversion, play the chord as a triad in the octave above C4.
Even with the Session Guitarist Strummed Acoustic 2 Kontakt Library, you can fall into robotic traps. Here is how to stay human:
| Zone | Keys | Function | |------|------|----------| | Chord trigger | C2 – B3 (white keys) | Each key = a specific chord (C, C#m, D, etc.) | | Voicing inversion | D#4 | Changes chord inversion (root, 1st, 2nd) | | Strum direction | F#4 (down), G#4 (up) | Override pattern direction | | Articulation switch | A#4 | Toggle plectrum / fingerstyle | | Mute all | C5 | Stops playback immediately | | Pattern variation | C0 – B1 (black keys) | Choose different strum patterns |
Tip: The on-screen keyboard in Kontakt shows colored zones.
We tested SA2 on three different production scenarios.
Scenario 1: Dense Pop Mix The track had heavy 808s, synth pads, and vocals. SA2’s "Studio Tight" preset excelled here. The high-pass filter built into the interface allowed us to cut everything below 120Hz, leaving only the "shimmer" of the strums. The low latency allowed for real-time finger drumming of chords.
Scenario 2: Solo Singer-Songwriter Just voice and guitar. This is the most demanding test. The library passed with flying colors but required humanization. By activating the "Humanize" dial (randomizing velocity by 10-15%) and selecting "Loose Feel" timing, the robotic perfection disappeared. The room mic signal added the necessary breath to sound like a live take. session guitarist strummed acoustic 2 kontakt library
Scenario 3: Fast Bluegrass/Country 150 BPM. The "Bluegrass Shuffle" pattern demonstrated the engine's power. The rapid up-down strokes were articulated clearly without CPU overload. However, note that this library excels at rhythm, not soloing. You will need Picked Acoustic or Electric Sunburst for lead lines.
Understanding the technical features is one thing; applying them is another. Here is a workflow guide to using the Session Guitarist Strummed Acoustic 2 Kontakt Library in your DAW (Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, etc.).
If you have installed the library via Native Access, the PDF manual is usually located here:
Alternatively, you can find the PDF directly in your file system (Windows/Mac):
Native Instruments’ Session Guitarist – Strummed Acoustic 2 is a professional-grade virtual instrument for Kontakt designed to provide authentic acoustic guitar performances without the need for a live session player. Developed in collaboration with drumasonic, this library expands on its predecessor with more instruments, patterns, and performance features. Featured Instruments
The library includes two meticulously sampled vintage guitars, providing a wide tonal range for different genres: Simply draw in your chord progression in the piano roll
1934 Martin 0-17: A small-bodied mahogany 6-string known for its warm, mellow, and intimate tone.
Guild F-412 12-string: A jumbo model from the late 1960s that provides a full, bright, and articulate "jangle". Key Features & Workflow
Strummed Acoustic 2 focuses on ease of use while offering deep customization for realistic results:
Over 160 Patterns: Includes a massive library of 163 dynamic patterns organized into 34 songs, covering genres like rock, folk, country, Latin, and pop.
Tap Rhythm Finder: A utility that allows you to find specific patterns by tapping a rhythm on your MIDI keyboard.
Separate Bass Patterns: Enables users to play custom bass lines or create "slash chords" (e.g., C/E) by controlling the lower strings independently on the 6-string model. Tip: The on-screen keyboard in Kontakt shows colored zones
Real-time Performance Control: Use keyswitches to change patterns on the fly, and use the mod wheel to adjust accent strength or the pitch wheel to change hand positions.
Sound Customization: Features such as double-tracking for extra width, adjustable fret noise for realism, and a selection of studio-grade effects including EQ, compression, and convolution reverb. Recording & Technical Specs
To ensure accuracy, drumasonic used a custom laser-based microphone positioning rig and a flawless recording chain. Download Size 9.6 GB (approx. 16 GB uncompressed) Software Required Free Kontakt Player or full Kontakt (version 5 or later) Microphones Used
Vintage ribbon and condenser mics (e.g., Gefell UM70, Schoeps cm 060, AEA R84) System Compatibility
Windows 10+ or macOS 13+ (older versions may work depending on Kontakt version)
This library is a go-to tool for songwriters and producers looking for "plug-and-play" acoustic parts that maintain the "rugged," soulful feel of classic records. Session Guitarist Strummed Acoustic 2 | Komplete
The core of the library is its vast pattern library. Over 200 distinct strumming patterns are categorized by genre and feel:
You can switch between patterns instantly via MIDI key switches, allowing you to change the energy of a song in real-time without stopping playback.