Dr Dre - Nuthin But A G Thang | Lead Synth Patch Remake

Remaking the lead synth from the 1992 song "Nuthin But A G Thang" by Dr Dre can be an exciting challenge for any synthesizer enthusiast. Here’s how you can create the "Nuthin But A G Thang" lead patch and play this iconic sound on most hardware or software subtractive synthesizers (Serum, Vital, Pigments, Prophet, Korg, Moog, etc). We've included the preset download directly for your convenience, but we strongly recommend you use our programming tutorial to recreate it yourself.

Original Audio

Dr. Dre’s 1992 track “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” features a distinctive high-pitched lead synth, often referred to as the “G-Funk Whistle,” which plays a prominent role in defining the song’s smooth, laid-back vibe. This lead synth, characterized by its gliding, portamento effect, is a hallmark of the G-Funk era, adding a melodic counterpoint to the track’s rhythmic elements. The sound is achieved using a Moog Minimoog synthesizer, with specific oscillator settings and glide functions to create its signature tone. You can hear this lead synth prominently starting around 0:04 in the song.

Original Performing Instrument

Moog Minimoog

Our Remake of The Lead Synth

This audio clip is how close we've matched the original tone of the lead synth from the song "Nuthin But A G Thang" by Dr Dre, giving you a reference point as you design your own synthesizer preset. Play it as often as you need to familiarize yourself with the nuances of the sound.

Synth Patch Programming Recipe

Remake This Sound Yourself

Learn how to program this synth preset with Syntorial, all by ear. Download the demo and try up to three challenge packs for free.

Getting Started

  • Start by initializing your synthesizer to a plain saw with no filter, modulation or effects. For soft synths use the "init"/"default" preset or the the button to reset all parameters to their default factory values.
  • No two synths are exactly alike, so treat the values below as approximate, and use your ear.
  • Percentage values (e.g. 50%) represent the relative position of a knob or slider within its full range. The full range of each parameter may differ from synth to synth, so use your ear.

Voices

  • Voice Mode: Mono Legato
  • Portamento: 10 ms

Amp Envelope

  • Attack: 0 ms
  • Sustain: 100%
  • Release: 20 ms

Oscillators

  • Oscillator 1
    • Waveform: Saw
    • Volume: 50%
    • Pitch: +1 Cent
  • Oscillator 2
    • Waveform: Saw
    • Pitch: -1 Cent
    • Volume: 50%
  • Reset All Oscillators Phase On Note Start: No

Filter

  • Type: Low Pass
  • Cutoff: 75%

Filter Envelope

  • Modulation Amount: 10%
  • Attack: 2150 ms
  • Sustain: 100%

Note: the patch settings may slightly differ in the Syntorial challenge.

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Preset Downloads

Don't want to learn synth programming now? Use our synth preset as your starting point and tweak it from there. Register an account with Audible Genius and download the presets for free for the following synths:

  • Primer, our free synthesizer VST
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