Chord Sequencer is *ALMOST* perfect

How to read chord symbols in 3 easy steps:
guitarnutrition.com/blog/how-...
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[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Good to see you back David, ahhh Matthew, I'm on the fence with this player as I have never had a problem making cords I want that I hear in My head and never have "Ohh that cord dont work at all" moment despite having minimal music theory knowledge. Infact your music teaching knowledge here basically Makes Me feel like I know nothing about music theory but hasn't stopped Me making cord progressions that sound like I do for the last 15 years.

[@matthewstuartnz]

That's awesome man! Yea music theory knowledge can be helpful but it's definitely not a prerequisite to making great music. You've obviously got a really intuitive sense of what chords go well together. I enjoy tools like this to prompt me to think of or try progressions I might not otherwise have considered. I don't see this player as something that will take over how I write chord progressions, but rather something that I can use to inspire ideas when I don't already have something mind.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

@@matthewstuartnz I dont know if its intuitive it's just how I feel, I can feel the music and hear it in My head at the same time, and I can also automatically remember what I play even if it was months ago and I was just experimenting with the keys and come up with something I will forget about it and move on but then the next time I have a random play I find My self playing and remembering that unplanned idea randomly played a day, a week or months ago. I less critical thought and more feeling leads to better music. Some one who is a total pro in music theory can still end up making lifeless boring music.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Oh for sure. I think music behaves just like any other language. All music theory does is help you understand how the language works. That doesn't mean someone will necessarily have anything interesting to say with it. 😂

[@ReasonStudios]

Really nice progression!! Wow. There's something about the harmonic vibe that reminds me of Without You by David Guetta feat. Usher even though the productions sound way different and the chords are different. Yet there's a core vibe that's reminding me of it, weirdly. In a good way, too! Really great stuff, Matthew! Always nice to have your voice in the Reason community chiming in on the latest stuff. /ryan

[@matthewstuartnz]

Thanks Ryan! Lol I just listened to that song again and totally get what you mean re the vibe 😂

[@innocentvele880]

@Reason Studios Can the chord sequencer be used as a plugin in FL Studio?

[@foljs5858]

@@innocentvele880 yes, but as part of the Reason rack plugin (a plugin that "wraps" all Reason devices and can run as a VST/AU inside other DAWs)

[@alchemistrpm82]

@@innocentvele880 If you plan on using FL's sequencer, you'll have to do a bit of routing and then record it in. Unless they have updated Chord Sequencer to let you drag and drop MIDI (Please, Reason). Fortunately it is worth the workaround, as it is a great tool.

[@anzatzi]

Time for a ver 1.1 review!

[@tyanttaylor60]

I love reason but sorry Scalar2 is the king when it comes to this right here 💯

[@matthewstuartnz]

At this point I feel like I need to check out Scaler haha

[@MrMarcLaflamme]

The built in chord sets have the suitability colours programmed into the set by the set designer. If you make your own chord set the suitability uses basic music theory rules. Regarding getting midi out to the track, if you put the midi out device into the same combinator as the instrument it will toggle both at the same time but I don't know if that will do what you're looking for. I guess that's a benefit to using Reason Standalone - the Send to Track button for players which doesn't exist in the RPP.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea that's a massive benefit of Reason Standalone. The midi out in the combinator is a good idea! I'm going to give that a try. Althought, I'm a little skeptical it will work because I think you have to select where it's sending the MIDI data and I'm not sure a track can send it to itself 🤔

[@MrMarcLaflamme]

@@matthewstuartnz oh right you might still need a second track, especially if the existing track is already sending it's data to the RPP to begin with...

[@visheshl]

CV player tap RE by lectric panda...insert it wherever in the player stack(typically at the bottom of the player stack)...route it's out to a midi out device...done, now the signal goes both to the instrument and midi out, you could also route it(has multiple outs) to another instrument, so the same player stack plays multiple instruments....

[@MBlack-rg1jk]

@@visheshl Is this the best way to use Scaler 2 in Reason?

[@anzatzi]

Smart comments--good discussion

[@matthewstuartnz]

🙏🏻

[@newguy6935]

Hey, wait! I liked that bass note on the C chord. In fact, I would have used bass notes from that point on to move the bottom up to the last chord in the progression (for more movement in the progression). Oh well. Just diddling here. : ) I wish they'd have offered even more chord possibilities with a 6 x 6 pad arrangement. Another thing that would be nice is to split each pad into four segments to allow the user to select higher or lower chord inversions of the chord on each pad. An option to do open chords would have been nice too.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Oh your segmented pad idea would be awesome! Yea, that's a good idea with the bass line. That would be a nice variation for later in the beat.

[@machoman7655]

Welcome back. I’m testing it out on trial. You can actually play the other parts of the sequencer if you put the play tracker on the bar you want to start from. Plus they should’ve add these features to scale and chords instead of charging people money for this. I can’t choose how many notes I want to play at one time and plus there’s no inversion. This would’ve been a perfect upgrade to scales and chords but we all know Reason studios don’t care about people! By the way can you ask where is VST 3 at? We’re definitely not on that roadmap anymore.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea, I keep hearing about VST 3 being delayed.. It would be interesting to do a follow up and see where they are at with it. You mean change the play tracker within the DAW sequencer? I'm more interested in doing it separate to this. For me this serves a different purpose to scales and chords. Personally, I didn't feel like they needed to be combined but I can see why adding some of the features might have been helpful.

[@machoman7655]

@@matthewstuartnz I’m wondering to about VST 3 why does it keep getting delayed when you’re able to make your whole program a VST? Seems fishy to me and yes you move the play tracker in the DAW sequencer to the start of each bar you want to play.

[@matthewstuartnz]

I don't know much about the technical side of software development so I'd assume there's a valid reason? True, you could do that. But if you're just messing with ideas I'd like to be able to do it in from the player.

[@overseastom]

@@matthewstuartnz (Edit: this comment I left below is wrong, and there is a way to change the number of bars - see 2 comments below for the explanation) another slight annoyance with those View bar buttons buttons is there's no way to fully deactivate them if you click one. You literally have to clear the *entire* sequence, when you may well want to keep bars 1-4. It makes experimenting more finicky.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Oh true, yea that's a bit annoying.

[@ReginaldKSon]

Yep. You need to check out Scaler 2. 💯

[@matthewstuartnz]

I’ll put that on my todo list haha

[@xihalijing]

Where have you been? Why don't you make videos anymore?

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea, Hi. I'm sorry 😞 Playing around on this channel kind of took a back seat to my main job/mental health. Thinking I might be about to make a comeback though haha

[@dannyvalentino328]

This might not work in Ableton, but if you have Logic, then it will work to record midi data and then drag and drop it on your midi track. It's call Midi Freeze Effect by AudioCR. It's a free plugin and will enable you to easily drag the chords you make in Chord Sequencer onto your midi instrument track. The plugin actually records the midi and then when you hit stop, you can then drag the recorded midi data to your track or any virtual instrument track. Here's a link to a video.kzbin.info/www/bejne/fX-oq2edpqh5hLs

[@matthewstuartnz]

Thanks for recommendation, I’ll check it out!

[@busywl69]

1 finger trap rap producers are going to go crazy with this.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Haha yup 😂

[@dwaynemusik]

I needs to be able to learn a chord if you play it also a strum feature would be nice not sure it worth 50.00 dollars I felt bad after I purchased it seeing as how scaler2 I paid like 24 bucks or so for more features ...reason always has good stuff but falls just short in some ways Even ripchord is great but it's not supported in reason

[@matthewstuartnz]

I’ve never tried scaler but I feel like I probably should cause people keep mentioning it 😅 I take it you’re not using Reason+? I feel like my experience with it would be tainted a little if I did have to pay that much for it 🤔

[@berniarmstrong]

I get from this vi doe that this programme is essentially designed to work within Reason, is that right? Do you happen to know if the latest version is a stand alone that does allow drag and drop into a DAW? I am basically a hobbyist and don't want to have to pay a regular subscription to a programme, especially when the updates are usually thigs I would never use. But I would pay for a stand alone that I can break out of my usual chord sequences with. Is there an alternative?

[@matthewstuartnz]

I don't think so. I still think they need to update some of their Reason Rack Plugin functionality.

[@SwiftSean11]

As far as the missing 3rd on the A11 chord: I wonder if that may have been intentional giving the context/style/ chord sequence? My piano chops are limited, but I could see someone saying you don’t have to be so strict about including the 3rd in some contexts? I’d like to hear an advanced player (someone who actually gigs) weigh in on that?

[@SwiftSean11]

For example I’ll bet in another style or context the 3rd will be there on the A11 chord… 😎

[@matthewstuartnz]

I doubt it. I think the player decides what it calls the chords. But I could be wrong 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@matthewstuartnz]

Sometimes a musician might choose to voice a chord like this without the third if the harmonic context has set it up so that it’s implied. Especially if there are other instruments playing the third. But this would typically happen more in a jazz context. In this case, I actually have less issue with the G11 not having a third because we expect it to be functioning as a dominant type in the context of the other chords in the set. But although it makes sense, I still think in this context it would be better described as a G9sus4 because I think adding the third changes the vibe too much. It’s also worth noting that a G11 would be a diatonic chord in this chord set, while an A11 wouldn’t be.

[@umanoid1523]

Missing the drag out to midi feature is a huge issue for me. Reason is very inconsistent with how they handle that with their players. I never use Reason as a Daw, I use it in Ableton and this is still a bunch of extra steps. I have the same issue with their bass player. These two devices should also communicate with each other like every other music theory device out their like captain chords or Orb.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea, I understand why MIDI drag isn't there atm but I feel like it should be a priority for the plugin. It's a pretty big deal in terms of quality of life and it gets pretty annoying after a minute

[@deepsynth3495]

surely you can insert a new midi track and record the output into ableton same as cthulu

[@matthewstuartnz]

You can. But that doesn't mean it wouldn't be easier to do it the other way.

[@stephenpoore2925]

As far as I can see no one who has reviewed cord sequencer seems to have noticed it only works in 4/4. Reason support have remained resolutely silent on the subject. Have you tested?

[@matthewstuartnz]

Interesting.. I haven't tested but I might try messing with it. Honestly, I don't think it's a massive deal. Most music is in 4/4. But that's still frustrating if people want to work in anything else 😅

[@jacka55penguin]

Even for 49 bucks on sale it's a bit of a deal breaker. It must have drag and drop. It's easier for me just to move notes around in the piano view and edit there. I'm sure for some users this would be a great addition and while it does have some interesting aspects to it, it just isn't something I'm putting into my arsenal of tools.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea, if you're using in the RRP it's missing a few features that would make it way more usable.

[@dwil2123]

Is there a way to transpose an individual chord in the sequencer? I mean not the entire chord sequence, but just individual chords?

[@matthewstuartnz]

Hmmm.. I don't think so.. Unless you exported to MIDI and did it that way I guess but kind of defeats the point

[@anzatzi]

Ni Matthew--I am having issues setting up midi export in Reason DAW--do yo you know any links? Is the Chord Sequencer virtually connecting to the midi out instrument? Thank you

[@anzatzi]

used a hack re-inputting with 'direct record'

[@matthewstuartnz]

Sorry, I'm not sure exactly what you're asking. Did you manage to figure it out?

[@anzatzi]

@@matthewstuartnz Thank you Matthew--i did figure it out. (duh!)

[@fredgeley]

I’m on the fence with this player mainly because I’ve invested a lot of time with scaler 2. I think it comes down to the fact that I already own scaler 2 and it is constantly being developed,whereas most players are released and are left to fend for themselves,with little or no further updates.Not sure I can justify £48 on something that maybe easier on the eye but not as deep .Always love your reason videos for the independence and honesty,as much as I appreciate the Ryan and Matthias show,I’m far too often reaching for the sick bag🥱

[@matthewstuartnz]

Thanks for checking out the videos! 🙏🏻 I love Ryan and Mattias and what they do but I also think it's important to try and provide some unbiased criticism. People keep talking about Scaler 2.. I think I need to check it out.

[@Darrylbpoagent]

I am really with you on that. I love scaler 2 because of its ability to store chord banks and also the modulations for going outside of the diatonic scale. However using reason generator I see how they can compliment each other. Reason is easier to make chord patterns and also the chord suggestion features really help when stumped for a progression.

[@nwlad1]

A question: On the top right of your chord sequencer there is no "Send to Track" option. I have a chord sequencer in a track that also does not have the "Send to Track" showing. However, if I drag a new instance of chord sequencer into my rack the "Send to Track" option is visible. Do you know how to toggle that feature off/on?

[@tysond75]

In Reason's DAW the "send to track" is visible. In this video it's being used inside Ableton so it isn't natively sending to a track, you'd have to connect it to a midi device and record. I believe Reason released a video on how to do this recenly.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yup.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea the send to track function only works natively in Reason. I think this is one of the biggest issues with the Reason Rack Plugin. I think I mentioned how there is no MIDI drag in functionality like in Komplete. Send to track is essentially that and tbh I'm a little annoyed Reason Studios still hasn't added it.

[@tyanttaylor60]

The way I feel is if Reason Studio wasn't going to top & outdo Scalar 2 why even bother to make it this player in the first place 🤷

[@matthewstuartnz]

I think it can serve a purpose in Reason's rack without having to 'beat' scaler. But I do hear what you're saying and I do think Reason has done some things historically that are underwhelming in terms of functionality considering other options.

[@chocomalk]

7:30 just adjust the song position marker

[@matthewstuartnz]

Yea, you could do. But if you're using it as a scratch pad and you've got other things recorded, I feel like it ends up being a little unnecessary admin.

[@Darrylbpoagent]

7:37. This annoyed me for a second also. The work around for this is that you create a track in the sequencer for the chord player. Then you record a pattern that you're working on as though you were automating the pattern changes. Then you can start from any place in the bar using the sequencer to start at that point . Your starting point will be reflected in the chord player

[@WunHungLo99]

They could really take this somewhere by adding argeggiate features, strum features and inversions.

[@matthewstuartnz]

Those are some excellent ideas.

[@budda2gs]

You might be able to do that if you stack the players. I saw someone put a note echo on the chord sequencer and it gave it a flutter type of effect......

[@logancox6211]

The G6/9#11 has all of the same notes as the A11. Just saying

[@LossLeadas]

Big up to reason+ but it's nothing like reason studio

[@matthewstuartnz]

I'm not sure what you mean? Nothing like Reason Studio?

[@LossLeadas]

@@matthewstuartnz exactly what I said... Nothing deep to think about... Great videos

[@vincedulay5751]

Scaler 2 is still better for me. But this is a good alternative

[@matthewstuartnz]

What features do you prefer about scaler 2?

[@vincedulay5751]

@@matthewstuartnz Audio Detect, Suggest, MIDI FX, DAW sync, Lots of presets which could be easily modified.

[@TheExAction]

@@vincedulay5751 chord player/reason can do all that

[@BeatWaveMafia2]

I have something better than Scaler 2! I use Scaler 2 as well, but not as much as my noob!

[@ishmorris9888]

I was Reason Gang for a long time but I find it a bit clunky. This does look really cool! But they should def have a midi to track. Reminds me of scaler 2 although this has some functions I don’t think scaler has.

[@GaryR55]

It would be more useful if you didn't need to buy Reason to use it. I was disappointed to find I couldn't use it as a standalone. But then, Scaler 2 is much better, so....

[@matthewstuartnz]

True. I need to check out Scaler 2.

[@GaryR55]

@@matthewstuartnz Indeed, Matthew. It's a fantastic tool!

[@Illnoise5959]

Matt, let me find out! That’s enough! Take anither year off Guy!!!

[@Illnoise5959]

It’s sad!!!

[@matthewstuartnz]

Not sure what you're saying here 😅

[@beat-maker7361]

@@matthewstuartnz I think that's his way of saying he misses you

[@matthewstuartnz]

🥺

[@alexandersorbas1881]

Tried the demo...unfortunately no scaler competitor....even cubase adapts to the positioning of the previous chords to invert the next ones....but good try

[@matthewstuartnz]

Oh true. Does Cubase have a tool that does this?

[@alexandersorbas1881]

@@matthewstuartnz yes it’s the chord track with easy up down arrows per chord to change the voicing and tension

[@isham16]

Great video (just remove the daft punk poster maybe 🤔 you are much more talented imho..)

[@matthewstuartnz]

Thanks for checking it out! You don't like Daft Punk?

[@BeatWaveMafia2]

I have a better secret weapon than this!