Hello
Is it possible to lock the keyboard keys to the chords of a scale?
For example, in Major key G, the chords are G, Am, Bm, C, D, Em, F#dim. Is it possible to configure the ARP so that when I press the B key, it plays a Bm chord directly without having to press the Minor key first, or the press F# key to play a F#dim chord without having to press the Dim key first.
I would have this to save time when changing chords and stay more focused on my performance.
Thank you
Regards
Denony
It's always amazing how open you are to suggestions from users. Truly exceptional. I understand that you want to maintain maximum flexibility. There's nothing wrong with that. But I also like MIDICake precisely because of the simplicity of achieving musical results relatively quickly and efficiently. Especially for live improvisations. Chord Scale would additionally support this, especially for people like me who have experience with chords that match the scale. Your concept would be more than sufficient.
I've always argued against the idea of using a set of fixed Chord Scales/Modes in ARP because I find my ears getting tired of them too quickly. Limited to 7 chords, there are only so many emotional changes one can elicit.
Now, I know that's an easily shot down argument, given that most music is made within these confines, but I wanted ARP to allow exploration beyond the expected and give immediate access to almost anything. That said, I've had a lot of requests for Chord Scales to be included, and I can see how it would be helpful when you want to work in this way. ARP's interface isn't designed for Chord Scales, but it is eminently flexible. Bear with me while I think aloud...
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We add a global menu option to toggle between ARP's "default" Chord Interaction Mode and a "Chord Scale" mode. Chord Scale mode would fundamentally change the way the Chord and Note buttons worked. Holding any Chord button would allow you to assign a Chord Scale (from a list) to that Chord button. The list would be made up of scale types such as Diatonic, Melodic Minor, Diminished, Whole-tone, Pentatonic, Bebop, etc. Then you can press Chord buttons at any time to change the current Chord Scale. (Mad maybe, but stick with it) Holding a Note button would set the root note, the "key". Pressing Notes 1 to 12 would then invoke the associated Chord Scale Interval, aka degree. So... - Set the root note by holding the G button (Note 8) - Press Chord 1 to select Major (chord scale) - Then press Note 1 to invoke Gmaj - Press Note 12 to invoke Bm When a chord scale is selected, only the notes buttons that relate to notes in that scale would be lit. Other Note buttons would be disabled (except holding to set the root note). For example: (Major) X X X X X C D E F G A F The display screen would show the current root note, chord scale and interval: For Example: G Maj iii (Bm)
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I can't promise anything (in terms of adding this in), and I need to do some more research before putting it on the road map but, in essence, I think it could work. I could also envisage a way to create custom chord scales and chord extensions, but one thing at a time. 😊 Please let me know your thoughts. Chris P.S. If any programmers out there fancy helping to implement this, give me a shout.
That would be fantastic and one thing I still really miss.