Variable EQ and Compression?

SmokeandShadow

Armchair Expert
Feb 25, 2010
16
0
1
Florida
This may be an extremely noob-ish questions, but how do I go about using variable compression and eq to alter different instruments and parts of a song and is there such a thing or method? Lets say I want a chorus brighter overall and want shifts in certain frequencies on the guitar track to accent a wacky rhythm....how would I go about this in a DAW like reaper without making a hundred tracks, cutting/pasting e.c.t ? do I need a mixing board to do some kind of "recorded live mix" where it records fader and knob operations?

I know, a lot of questions, but I am curious if there are solutions. Thanks.