How to Build a Generative Arpeggiator in Ableton Live

[@JannisLeWolff]

Thanks for watching! If you're interested you can download the project file/device for free here: bit.ly/3JugT2g It also includes a synth patch from my collection "45 Useful Ableton Synths". Otherwise you can find some more content about sequences and rhythms here: A Unique Rhythm Trick: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmfGf3x3pMh6hLM Making Sequences More Interesting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5KapopqobRkpNU

[@MarteenMayjer]

That was super smart using the chain selector with an LFO for rhythmic variations! Thanks for the tips :)

[@JannisLeWolff]

Thank you 💚 Glad you liked it!

[@a65urd]

Trick with an LFO gap is a dope O_o

[@JannisLeWolff]

Thanks 💚

[@Met_Ethio]

Concur. Very clever.

[@matt9108]

Dude this is awesome.

[@JannisLeWolff]

Thank you so much 💚

[@DreamConsole]

great vid/tutorial. thanks J.

[@JannisLeWolff]

Thank you 💚

[@shannonia81]

Great tip and demonstration

[@JannisLeWolff]

Thank you 💚

[@ea1thy]

Hey bro! A great idea with LFO's offset for pauses!

[@JannisLeWolff]

Thanks, I also like this technique a lot!

[@Kevvywevvy]

Great technique 👌

[@JannisLeWolff]

Thank you, glad you liked it 💚

[@thenumbproject]

Very cool

[@JannisLeWolff]

Thank you 💚

[@jacobharlow63]

Hey, love this! Subscribed. Quick question. When I replace the synth with another in the chain I get a strange cut or reset in the sequence/reverb every once in a while, not linked to midi note length. I'm trying it with pigments and it does this with every preset I've tried. Any thoughts? Have you used non-stock synths in this chain?

[@JannisLeWolff]

Hey Jacob, thanks for the warm words! Maybe it's something about your polyphony setting in Pigments? Like if you're using a long release and just 4 note polyphony a note needs to get replaced?

[@mattkaz9604]

I don't use Ableton but had to see the video as the thumbnail looked like you'd decided to shoot it shirtless.

[@stuartleighton]

Ha ha… that’s just made me chuckle.

[@stuartleighton]

Another great video, thanks Jannis. However, I have a question... The scale function only seems to work applying to a specific key. How would the generative arpeggiator work when you have a B Aeolian chord progression using occasional chords borrowed from the parallel phrygian mode? I have been scratching my head about this as I guess 'Scale' no longer can be used. Would you happen to know a solution to this?

[@JannisLeWolff]

Hey, thanks for sharing! What exactly do you mean with parallel? You mean f# Phrygian for B aeolian? This would still include the same notes. If you want to change to another scale you could think of using a midi effect rack, using different chains with different scales and using the chain selector to select between them/you can also automate it if it shall happen on a regular basis. Sounds a bit brainy, haha, but I like those techniques a lot.

[@stuartleighton]

@@JannisLeWolff Actually, I’m mixing B Aeolian with B Phrygian chords, so for example, to darken the progression I am throwing in the Am chord which belongs to the Phrygian instead of the A Major. Also I replace the C#Dim with the C Maj of the Phrygian, and also make use of the D7 instead of the DMaj7, which would be normally used with the Aeolian.

[@JannisLeWolff]

@@stuartleighton in those situations you could automate- either on/off for the relevant scale or having a midi effect rack inside the instrument rack, having different lanes with different scales and automating the chain selector. I have some ideas for more videos about generative music since I'm really fascinated by this topic, so I might cover it in the future :) I hope this answer helps a little, though.

[@stuartleighton]

@@JannisLeWolff Yes, thanks Jannis. Actually I never thought of the on-off automation. I’ll look into this and see if I can get it to work. Actually that’s a really simple solution, it’s hard to know why that didn’t come to mind. I appreciate your help, and suggestions and always look forward to seeing what comes next on your channel. More generative appreciator stuff would be very cool. I’m currently working through Syntorial and trying to get up to speed with my understanding of synthesis and building a strong ear. It doesn’t come easy tho.

[@JannisLeWolff]

@@stuartleighton All the best for your musical journey!

[@unnplEx]

what if I start a track and the first arp stops working? I haven't been able to fix this for 3 hours. Help please!!!

[@JannisLeWolff]

Hmm, why would the first arp stop working? Can you describe a little more what happened?