This is a pretty in-depth introduction to Subtractive synths, although I think it's probably a bit daunting for most beginners, particularly as the synths illus

This is a pretty in-depth introduction to Subtractive synths, although I think it's probably a bit daunting for most beginners, particularly as the synths illustrated change, and in my experience showing a complex synth (even if it is made up of modules that a student understands) will make most people shut down in fear pretty quickly! I'd suggest getting a simple synth (such as the ES M shown in the second image, or simple free VST synths if you're on windows, such as the PG-8X [1]) and spending some time playing around with the controls, and getting to know the sounds. There are usually 'Oh, THAT'S what that sound is' moments when playing around with the filters for the first time. Once you're comfortable with that, move onto more complex synths (such as the Superwave P8[2]) and you'll find that many of them are not really more complex, but just have more of the sections you already know - a bit like learning a channel on a mixer, and then moving to a 72-channel mixer from an 8 channel one. Modular synths such as VCV rack (mentioned elsewhere here) are really great for experimentation with the architecture of subtractive sound generation (as mentioned elsewhere in this thread), but for many they are intimidating initially, and have setup time cost if you're starting from scratch. I think they are for a certain kind of personality (myself included!), but not for everyone. The reason that the 'standard' architecture which is described in the OP exists is because people habitually used the same setup (osc > filter > amp with lfo and envelopes, as seen to a degree in the 'olympic rings' analogy), and manufacturers wanted to produce simpler, cheaper synths for a wider market. Often you end up making variations on that theme. The great advantage of software modular synths is that you can save (and load!) your setups, and you never run out of cables or modules (or money!). [1] - https://sites.google.com/site/mlvst0/ https://sites.google.com/site/mlvst0/ [2] - http://www.superwavesynths.com/p8 http://www.superwavesynths.com/p8