Descending Generative Polyrhythmic Melodies
Added 2024-10-17 22:34:36 +0000 UTCIn this video, I demonstrate how to create descending sequences in Bitwig Studio using its grid system. I set up a basic signal chain with a sine oscillator, AD envelope, amplifier, and trigger module, and then use a pitch bus to decrease the pitch with each trigger. Additionally, I show how to keep the pitch within a desired octave range using an octave wrapper, and how to incorporate polyrhythmic patterns using the transport module.
Basic setup with sine oscillator, AD envelope, amplifier (set to 75%), and trigger module.
Use a pitch bus to decrease pitch by semitones (e.g., -3 semitones per step).
Add a counter to control pitch steps, converting trigger signals to whole numbers.
Octave wrapper ensures the pitch stays within a specific octave range (e.g., between C3 and C4).
Transport module creates polyrhythmic sequences by adjusting trigger timing (e.g., 3, 5, or 16 steps per bar).
Combine descending/ascending sequences with effects like reverb and delay for added texture.
Preset Download: https://bit.ly/4haQFB7
Comments
Reminds me of Cem Olcay’s FuncBud plugin (it’s AUv3 so it only works on Apple platforms). It takes a series of simple arithmetic functions, with a number of repeats, and applies the value to a position in a scale, with octave limits (and velocity variations, etc.). So, to play a scale, you just do `x+1`, a descending arpeggio on a tria is `x-2`with two repeats, etc. A “formula” I like does a common pattern in practicing for Jazz improvisation: ascending arpeggio on a 7th chord, then one step up in the scale for a descending 7th chord arpeggio, and so on. The pattern is three repeats of `x+2`, `x+1`once, three repeats of `x-2`and `x+1`once. Sounds complicated. It’s really not. And a lot of fun. Been thinking about reproducing some of these functionalities in the Grid and/or Plugdata.
Alexandre Enkerli
2024-10-18 00:55:27 +0000 UTC
