Simulate Guitar Chords and Strumming using Sonar

You really need a VST like RealGuitar or Realstrat, with full key control over strumming patterns and variations.

Without using any external tools, I have had very effective success using Martin acoustic patches in DimPro in combination with the in-track Sonar MIDI arpeggiator.

Sorry I cant provide links to the tracks at this time, but they are part of a collaboration project associated to an album release in 2011.

Yeah, Musiclab is the developer of RealGuitar and RealStrat. I play guitar too but occasionally I wheel out RealStrat in a project for some backing guitar sounds that just fit nicely in the mix

"How do others simulate a rhythm guitar track with a guitar at their disposal?"
 
Not meaning to be flippant, but if you have a real guitar, record same.  Get a SM57 and EQ it for a nice sound from a acoustic guitar.  For a Strat or Tele, just plug it in and run it through the included Guitar Rig.  But, you will need to clean up the output of Guitar Rig with some selective EQ dips with narrow Qs (else it is harsh and tinny). 
 
But, to expand on that answer, I have done the following with results ranging from ok to wonderful.
 
1. Create clips for each chord (recorded from a real guitar).  Create strum ups, strum downs, finger picking, base notes and chords, well, you get the idea.  Then, save them as intelligent clips and move them around to your pleasure.  IF the clip is good quality, then you will be able to change tempo and key.  I had to do this for a pedal steel guitar - trust me, there is no synth that can duplicate a pedal steel guitar.  I was lucky enough to have Buddy Charlton (Hall of Famer) lay down some clips for me. 
2. Use a Midi Guitar setup.  The Roland gear, for me, provides the best results.  And their Midi wind stuff is great.  Yamaha has an air device for their keyboards as well.
3. Use a Synth Instrument like Music Lab's Real Guitar.  This is actually a nice piece of software to generate scratch tracks. And, you can configure your keyboard to strum the key/strings (keyboard C through B if I recall).
 
Over the years I've tried to simulate the real thing, but other than a true electronic instrument (synth or organ), nothing comes close to the real thing.   The synth instruments are nice for getting an idea down and then creating score sheets for a live session. 
 
Good luck with your guitar sessions.
 
Katherine

The Kiosk Project


Without using any external tools, I have had very effective success using Martin acoustic patches in DimPro in combination with the in-track Sonar MIDI arpeggiator.

Those Martin patches aren't that bad, uh? :) Used them for quick overdubs (arpeggiated stuff) and they brought a nice finishing touch to those somewhat dull sounding acoustic parts which had been recorded in less than ideal conditions.

Thanks for your reply. I'm sorry that I made a mistake in my post, I've since corrected.. I meant without a guitar..

Hi Peter. There are many great musicians here on the forums that play guitar and can help do and experiment with parts as needed. Collaboration is what I love about the forums because it helps you learn so much in the process. Something I thought I throw at you if it hasn't come up yet. Good luck in either case!