Create Music Easily | Free Chord Generator for Ableton Live 11

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of the PML Card Generator
3. How to Use the PML Card Generator
   • a. Transforming Simple MIDI Information into Complex Chords
   • b. Selecting Different Pitches
   • c. Using the Chord Generator for Jamming and Playing
   • d. Creating Chords from a Base Progression
4. Exploring the Knobs and Controls
   • a. Major/Minor Switch
   • b. Drop Bass Control
   • c. Double Root Control
   • d. Rootless Version
   • e. Extension Controls
   • f. Velocity and Pitch Controls
   • g. Major Modes
   • h. Sus Knob
5. Inverting Chord Extensions and Inversions
   • a. Sus 2 and Sus 4 Chords
   • b. Inverting the Third and Fifth
6. Recording MIDI Information from the Generator
7. Conclusion

Article

The PML Card Generator: Transforming Simple MIDI into Complex Chords

Music production is a creative process that often involves experimentation and exploration. As technology advances, new tools and plugins are developed to empower musicians and producers in their quest for unique sounds and compositions. One such tool is the PML Card Generator, an updated version of a MIDI effect track that allows users to transform simple MIDI information into complex chords with just a few clicks. In this article, we will explore the features and functionalities of the PML Card Generator, and how it can enhance your music production workflow.

Overview of the PML Card Generator

The PML Card Generator is a MIDI effect track designed to simplify the process of creating chords. By inputting basic MIDI information, the generator can generate complex chords that add depth and richness to your compositions. It works in both C major and C minor scales, allowing users to experiment with different tonalities. The generator also offers the option to choose a different pitch, providing flexibility in chord selection.

How to Use the PML Card Generator

Transforming Simple MIDI Information into Complex Chords

The primary function of the PML Card Generator is to transform simple MIDI information into complex chords. This is particularly useful for those who are not familiar with playing the piano or struggle with creating intricate progressions manually. By simply playing the notes on your keyboard, the generator can automatically create more complex chord progressions, adding layers of complexity to your compositions.

Selecting Different Pitches

The PML Card Generator allows users to select different pitches, expanding the possibilities for chord creation. By using the pitch wheel, you can easily change the pitch and play chords in different keys. This feature enables you to explore various tonalities and experiment with different musical ideas.

Using the Chord Generator for Jamming and Playing

In addition to its functionality for creating chords, the PML Card Generator can be a valuable tool for improvising and jamming. By using a single chord shape, reminiscent of old-school house music, you can create an engaging and dynamic jam session. This feature is perfect for live performances or spontaneous music creation sessions.

Creating Chords from a Base Progression

Another powerful feature of the PML Card Generator is the ability to create chords from a base progression. By copying a base progression onto a new MIDI track and adding the chord generator, you can quickly and effortlessly create chords without the need to manually draw triads and extensions in the MIDI editor. This saves time and allows for easy experimentation with different chord voicings.

Exploring the Knobs and Controls

To fully understand the capabilities of the PML Card Generator, let's take a closer look at the various knobs and controls available:

Major/Minor Switch

The Major/Minor switch allows you to easily switch between C major and C minor scales. When the switch is set to minor, all the steps you input on the white keys are automatically transformed into the minor scale. This feature provides variations in chord progressions and tonalities.

Drop Bass Control

The Drop Bass control enables you to add a bass note, specifically the root note, one octave below the chord. By adjusting this control, you can create a fuller sound and enhance your chord progressions.

Double Root Control

The Double Root control allows you to double the root note above the root note. This creates a richer and more harmonically complex sound. Experimenting with this control can lead to interesting chord voicings and musical arrangements.

Rootless Version

The Rootless Version control skips the root note and the default position, providing an alternative chord voicing. This control allows you to explore different musical possibilities and add variety to your chord progressions.

Extension Controls

The PML Card Generator offers extension controls that allow you to add the 7th, 9th, 11th, and 13th extensions to your chords. By adjusting these controls, you can create chords with more complex harmonies and textures. The info view provides detailed explanations of each control, ensuring you can easily navigate and experiment with different chord variations.

Velocity and Pitch Controls

The Velocity and Pitch controls offer additional flexibility in shaping your chord sounds. The Velocity control allows you to control the dynamics of the generated chords, allowing for a more expressive performance. The Pitch control enables you to pitch the generated chords up or down, expanding the tonal range and providing even more creative opportunities.

Major Modes

The Major Modes control, available only when the Major/Minor switch is set to Major, allows you to explore various modes such as Lydian, Mixolydian, and Dorian. Each mode provides unique characteristics and tonalities, offering a wide range of options for creating distinct chord progressions.

Sus Knob

The Sus knob in the PML Card Generator enables you to use sus2 and sus4 chords in your compositions. By adjusting this knob, you can play with the third and instead play either the second or fourth step of the scale, creating a different sound and adding a touch of tension or release to your chords.

Inverting Chord Extensions and Inversions

In addition to generating complex chords, the PML Card Generator allows for chord extensions and inversions, providing even more variety and depth to your compositions. By inverting chord extensions, such as the seventh and ninth, you can create more complex inversions and explore different chord voicings. The third and fifth extensions can also be inverted, adding even more creative possibilities.

Recording MIDI Information from the Generator

One of the strengths of the PML Card Generator is its ability to record MIDI information from the generator onto another MIDI track. This feature allows you to further manipulate and edit the chords created by the generator. By recording the generated MIDI information, you can easily tweak and refine your chord progressions, adding melodies or additional layers to your compositions.

Conclusion

The PML Card Generator is a powerful tool for musicians and producers looking to enhance their chord progressions and add complexity to their compositions. With its intuitive interface, flexible controls, and diverse range of features, the generator offers endless possibilities for creativity and musical exploration. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned musician, the PML Card Generator is sure to elevate your music production game to new heights.

Highlights

• The PML Card Generator is a MIDI effect track that transforms simple MIDI information into complex chords.
• Users can select different pitches and explore various tonalities.
• The generator is useful for jamming, playing, and creating chords from a base progression.
• Knobs and controls allow for customization and experimentation, including major/minor switching, bass control, root doubling, and extension controls.
• Chord inversions and extensions provide additional variety and complexity.
• MIDI information can be recorded from the generator onto another track for further editing and manipulation.

FAQ

Q: Can the PML Card Generator be used with any DAW? A: Yes, the PML Card Generator is compatible with all major DAWs that support MIDI effects.

Q: Is the PML Card Generator free to download? A: Yes, the PML Card Generator is available as a free download.

Q: Are there any limitations to the chord variations that can be created with the generator? A: The PML Card Generator offers a wide range of chord variations, but the specific combinations of extensions and inversions may have musical preferences. Experimentation is key to finding the desired sound.

Q: Can the PML Card Generator be used with external MIDI controllers? A: Yes, the PML Card Generator can be used with any MIDI controller that is compatible with your DAW.

Q: Can the PML Card Generator be used in real-time performance? A: Yes, the PML Card Generator is designed to be used in real-time performance situations, such as live shows or jam sessions.

Q: Can the PML Card Generator be automated in a DAW? A: Yes, the PML Card Generator can be automated within your DAW, allowing for dynamic changes in chord progressions and variations.