🎤

GarageBand Pitch Correction Guide

Sep 17, 2025

Overview

This tutorial explains how to use the pitch correction (autotune) feature in GarageBand for iPhone, including how to set the correct key for your project and apply pitch correction effectively to vocal recordings.

Identifying and Setting the Project Key

  • Determine the key of your project before applying pitch correction to avoid off-key correction.
  • Use a touch keyboard instrument to find the tonic note by ear for ease.
  • Check if the key is major or minor by playing a major third from the tonic note.
  • Change the key signature by tapping the cog icon, then selecting "key signature" in GarageBand.
  • GarageBand defaults to C major, but this setting can be adjusted as needed.
  • Enabling "follow song key" changes the key for touch instruments but does not affect real audio recordings.
  • Set the key before recording instruments or vocals for best results.

Recording and Applying Pitch Correction

  • You can apply pitch correction while recording or to recordings afterward.
  • It is recommended to record vocals dry and add pitch correction later for flexibility.
  • Vocal tracks can be accessed via the audio recorder settings, where pitch correction is available in several vocal presets.
  • Adjusting the pitch correction dial subtly or dramatically alters the vocal sound, from light correction to robotic effects.
  • Use subtle pitch correction for main vocals and more dramatic effects for doubled or falsetto tracks as desired.

Demonstration and User Interaction

  • The video demonstrates dry versus pitch-corrected vocals and the effect of increasing the pitch correction dial.
  • Final mixed vocals are showcased with different pitch correction settings applied.
  • Viewers are encouraged to comment on their use of GarageBand’s pitch correction and to engage with the channel for further tips.

Recommendations / Advice

  • Always identify and set the project key before recording to ensure accurate pitch correction.
  • Apply effects after recording to maintain flexibility in editing.
  • Use greater pitch correction on background or doubled vocals if a more synthetic effect is desired.