Synthesis for Beginners?

Just in case you don't know (and haven't look at the resource page in the Wiki) I thought the following Sound on Sound Magazine (UK) articles were worth mentioning on the forum. The early ones are quite basic but can still provide some great ideas/hints& tips. I found the percussion one useful for instance & I've been synth-ing since 1984....If you are one to sound like a "real" instrument the relevant article has lots of great advice. I have often tried to make guitar like lead sounds (with distortion) and they did improve with reading the one about plucked strings.  

www.soundonsound.com/series/synth-secrets