Scaler 2 | Starting a Song | Chords, Bass Line, Melody & More

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0:00 Introduction
0:50 Chord Progression
1:48 Bouncing to Audio and Host Sync
3:15 Bass Line Notes
4:39 Bass Line Rhythm
5:50 Staccato Strings and Voice Grouping
7:03 Melody and Arpeggios
8:30 Outro
In this video tutorial, Joshua Casper shows you how to start a song. Complete with Chords, a rhythmic bass line, staccato string stabs, melodic arpeggios and more. You will learn about how to use many new features available in Scaler 2.
First we will pick a chord progression preset from the many available. I use the Future Bass Chord Set 1. For brevity, I just use the first four chords, but feel free to use them all. I also jump into the Edit Page and pitch them each up 1 octave. After which, I bounce that audio to an audio track in Ableton Live.
Next, I use one of Scaler 2's new Rhythm presets to add some movement to the chords. Once I found the best one, I used the MIDI Capture feature to get the chords and the Rhythm in MIDI to use on my Bass Synth track. Here all I needed to do was delete all the MIDI notes except the notes furthest down in the scale.
Using that same set-up in Scaler 2, I switched the internal sound to Staccato Strings. Here I didn't want the really low notes to get triggered, so I turn on Voice Grouping, set to Dynamic +1 Octave which dynamically moved all those really low notes up an octave. Again, I bounced that to audio.
For the melody I used the Arpeggio function in Scaler 2 and captured its MIDI to use on my Piano track in Ableton Live.
Then I simply slowed down the arpeggio in Scaler and used the internal Staccato Strings sound again for a counter melody.
#PluginBoutique
#Scaler2
#Scaler2Tutorial

[@anzatzi]

Finally an economical presentation of Scaler--hit many of the highlights!

[@hOttOddYfAiLz]

This vst is my go to writing tool in ableton. Just to sit and work the chords out on the pads can really help you build ideas in minutes for chord structures you never knew existed. My skills and creativity are seriously improved these days.

[@lordeowstheking]

I remember when scaler 1st came out. All the fake outrage now everyone is on the wave.. props to the creator's of scaler.

[@producermind9030]

Scaler 1 and now 2 are sooo powerful. Great job!

[@joeysgarage6745]

Loving this VST. One of the best for it's price. Great job guys! Appreciate the tutorials very much

[@ernestjoydj]

This is one of the best tutorials I have seen. Thanks!

[@exclick1]

Its the best Music Theory plugin out there guys

[@djlumsk]

word!

[@MrClarkio]

Although I still have a soft spot for cthulu

[@universemediallc]

facts

[@user-ic2km6mn4h]

can't agree more!

[@challengerprod]

it's the opposite of a music theory plug in haha

[@hawaiirealmedia5610]

I have owned Scaler since ver 1. This update is impressive.

[@dominickisidore5180]

So awesome! Thank you for making this!

[@crypto_bull]

Just learned about this. Amazing. Can't wait to start using it!

[@MuhammadAli-qw7gi]

Superb

[@DamonHodgesOfficialPagePlus]

thanks so much for taking the time to make this just awesome!!

[@bsways]

Thanks for for this tut. I was reluctant to purchase it but you’ve convinced me!!

[@michaelround4511]

Excellent video thanks for sharing.

[@retinusroux]

A very simple and instructive video! THX!

[@Sibisi]

THAT's a great video. Thank you.

[@laHagans]

This is a wonderful tutorial

[@hakimbenchabane]

Amazing and infinite possibilities

[@mrmar-que6307]

Just wow!

[@jcote1974]

Great job with this video showing a practical workflow.

[@iaminbetweendays]

Thanks.

[@IzzyRock]

awesome vid man! thanks this helped alot!!!

[@RenevolutionAccount]

brilliant !! best chord-plugin ever !! It is very easy to use.

[@iyonlionofficial8372]

This is flipping amazing 😃 great plugin I had it a while now since it just came out but never used it in its entirety to make a beat.... Awesome tutorial and great plugin good job Plugin Boutique

[@ELEKTROGOWK]

The best tool you can get for 60€. I love it!!!!

[@freddibanga9991]

Everything I needed to know in 10 minutes..................Boom!

[@user-fr7lw2nw5z]

Большое спасибо.

[@Dolomic]

This is super dope!

[@axrtribe]

thank you!

[@nathanspark4876]

great tut bro!

[@nikirose7673]

Great vid. I bought the plugin ages ago but I've been struggling to put it to much practical use. This vid is v helpful.

[@dhyanmukta]

this is so great, I found out with bitwig to record on the audio channel from scaler you go to the left side and choose first heading/scaler 2/second heading/master

[@fristik100]

Excelent, thanks!!!

[@fldrummerman]

Just upgraded. Can't wait to try it. This video is a huge help.

[@PluginBoutiqueOfficial]

Glad to hear!! Many more videos to come!! - JC

[@csillery]

Great lesson, admittedly a bit differently achieved in Reaper rather than Ableton, but the end results are the same. Excellent presentation!!!

[@davidecarbonemusic]

Great video Joshua - keep them coming ✌️

[@PluginBoutiqueOfficial]

Means a lot coming from you, Davide!! Thanks and will do :) - JC

[@SeanMarsh]

Every time I watch a video on Scaler 2 I'm constantly like 'WHAT? oh my god, amazing"

[@morizanova8219]

Just trying with three stack of Scaler in instruments rack with different functions( base chord and performance - performance Rhythm and Performance Phrase) and create 2 more blank midi track which listening to each scaler stacks. INSTANT COOL progression - Rhythm and phrase/melodies. The best thing using Instrument Rack is you can use it for live performances

[@MistaBusha]

This is the best most informative tutorial I’ve had the pleasure of watching. Please have this gentle man do a tutorial for SubLab!

[@doug941]

I agree!!

[@Swizzenator]

He doesnt sound gentle to me. I think he had a fight with the misses and wants to go 12 rounds with Mike Tyson and kick his azz. OK fantastic tutorial. Thank you.

[@JohnathanMonroe22583]

Scaler 2 with presonus studio one is a match made in heaven!

[@PluginBoutiqueOfficial]

Awesome to hear! - JC

[@ThaRealWillowBeatz]

Can you tell me how you record it to audio in S1 the way he did in Ableton?

[@mahavpm]

Great tutoria - Your a natural!

[@PluginBoutiqueOfficial]

Thanks! - JC

[@AquanautSt1]

Scaled 2 is a game changes for sure. In 3 can we get more modulation on the notes so its not so repetitive sounding > This can be achieved by alternating the chords in a similar range randomly based on what notes came before or other such parameters . Of course sensitivity of the variations can be set to limit or expand the octave range in a sequence . Thanks !

[@dioclau14]

Thanks body!!!

[@evieruth01]

Wow seems great 👍🏻

[@PluginBoutiqueOfficial]

It is! - JC

[@gemini.inthelight]

Im from to Argentina and i hope you know how you help us so much

[@francoisBonin-phils]

finally one understandable tutorial , thank you...just have some problem with the bass rythm.It does not seems to change anything

[@RealoZo]

Scaler is god-like

[@Beebsentrance]

Very intuitive plugin. Thanks for the tut too. Its helpful.

[@PluginBoutiqueOfficial]

Glad it was helpful! - JC

[@Beebsentrance]

@@PluginBoutiqueOfficial future request : after detect midi or audio, would it be good to offer list of suggestions of the next chord or melody progression?

[@PluginBoutiqueOfficial]

@@Beebsentrance Scaler 2 has both of those features. - JC

[@Beebsentrance]

@@PluginBoutiqueOfficial oh dunno about it. Is there any tutorial. If not, let me dig through. This plugin is so rich with possibilities. The highlight is the non linear approach. The maker understands that to make music can start anywhere, chords or melody. 🙏👍

[@anarchy0208]

Wow, me as a beginer, this gave me many tips! I really appreciate it!

[@PluginBoutiqueOfficial]

Love to hear it! - JC

[@jamisbillson4872]

anarchy...and you’ll always be a beginner if you rely on a computer to do the work. The next update will be a blank screen except for a big red button that you press and it makes a whole new song for you. To the death of real music. Just how the media like it. That’s anarchy for you!!!

[@not-hank-s]

Using the app like shown here probably isn’t a great idea, especially if you’re relying on it. As a companion tool it seems nice though, to sort of check what you’ve done or expand bits and pieces. Still testing the trial though.

[@nickclarke2839]

Boom! And there you go! Lol! Man you made it look so easy and sound so mackadocious! 🔥 great video!!!!!! I just bought me Scaler 2 based off your video dude!!!!

[@PluginBoutiqueOfficial]

Have fun! It is really easy with the power of Scaler, my friend :) - JC

[@NB-qq8wo]

WOW

[@MrClarkio]

Got to admit there's something about that felt piano sound, I've also found myself bouncing it to audio on multiple occasions.

[@PluginBoutiqueOfficial]

I personally love it too! - JC

[@fatmasafaoglu8325]

it is odd how I went through so many piano vsts that cost me a tons for the sample alone, and I find the best piano sound in a music theory plugin. Odd.

[@mortenkalland]

This was a easy video for us dummies.

[@petertremblay3725]

Wish they were more orchestral and cinematic score tutorials!

[@MrClarkio]

Have a look at guy michelmore's channel then, always informative on the subject of scoring

[@Dailyops]

Great tutorial, thanks. I followed along and repeated everything, but for some reason the rhythm that you chose "Risoluto," didn't alter the chords playing.

[@joelayeul7975]

Thanks!!! Very useful§§§

[@joelayeul7975]

!!! sorry not §§§...

[@Beebsentrance]

I think Joshua is cool...Boom!

[@LuisTorres-qz5kr]

Great tutorial, thanks for sharing. Where did you get the Drum loop? Thx!

[@PluginBoutiqueOfficial]

I don't remember, unfortunately. You can try Loopcloud though. That's where I find all my loops/samples for my projects. - JC loopcloud.com

[@hamishk1916]

Would it be possible to actually share the midi files used for the drums and sub? As a newbie would be good to go through the whole process from start to finish. cheers

[@InfiniteConstellations]

That Scaler is something special I see. I remember being doubting when this thing came out. Not hating but doubting. Maybe I should try it....

[@PluginBoutiqueOfficial]

I think you should definitely try!! - JC

[@issiewizzie]

can we add custom performances /phrases apart from the once that came with scaler ? thinking of adding some Neo soul style

[@1SubZeero]

You can always download midi you like and feed Scaler with it.

[@TerenceKearns]

'If you don't have it..." I dunno what to tell you.... Best music software oft the century.

[@pobozy1]

WHERE DID YOU GET THE DRUM LOOP FROM? SOUNDS FIRE BROTHER GREAT VIDEO

[@tcibeatrecords4707]

This works 10x better when you can actually play piano thou……awesome tutorial…..Thanks

[@JSMOOTH1982]

Is this compatible with Cakewalk by Bandlab?

[@EmperorStorky]

Can this also be used for harder/faster styles like hardstyle/hardcore etc

[@Lumynx]

help! how do I find the chord progressions i've saved?

[@SeanGoresht]

At first, I thought the plugin was complying with classical "voice leading", but from 4:19, it seems the writing has many perfect fifths and parallel motion. Perhaps writing excerpts that comply with voice leading principles can come in a future update?

[@oviqru]

Great intro to Scaler 2. I am having trouble getting the first note, Dmin, to play any of the PERFORM changes (Rhythm or Arpeggio). It stays the same whilst the other three are changing. Any idea why would that be?

[@tylowe78]

I wish I was more knowledgeable in music theory so I can know why I'm choosing a certain chord vs something that I think sounds good. I just can't seem to really grasp music theory though. I may try again to learn it but I can't comprehend it at this time. If I knew music theory I would have more fun using Scaler 2

[@PluginBoutiqueOfficial]

The ONLY thing that matters is if it sounds good. You might keep that in mind :) - JC

[@tylowe78]

@@PluginBoutiqueOfficial yeah...😀

[@johnnyxthemacnifient5333]

just like i do a bas line in the piano view for the bas. still can' t use it for LIVE PLAY on the fly.

[@jameseverett4976]

Anyone compare this to the 'Captian' plugins, with 'Odesi' and 'In Key'?

[@ge0metr1xx]

I love this plugin it's great. But seems to have a mind of its own at times, the scale roots change from the desired degree constantly so my song at the bottom doesn't match the chords on top. the IV chords aren't available in the RnB sets and so on.... other than the frustrating quirks it's a wonderful tool if you know theory and want to experiment on a deep level

[@blueiguanarecords.8195]

great video! if i wanted to play the chords to give them a human feel (as opposed to having them perfectly quantized), would i just need to use the keys lock?

[@PluginBoutiqueOfficial]

Scaler 2 has a number of "humanize" features built in, including timing and velocity. You can find and activate them in the top right of the GUI - JC

[@blueiguanarecords.8195]

@@PluginBoutiqueOfficial thank you!

[@ycedi]

I'm thinking of doing a video reviewing it! I got the trial but I'll definitely buy it

[@JaFoste_Studio]

So this is only for like pop/rap music? Could you do a video where you're using this in a Hard Rock or Metal track?

[@MrClarkio]

Nova Moon I don't really think it's a good fit for those genres, struggling to think what is other than a guitar and an amp at 11

[@lavrodem]

scaler 2 extracts all the chords of a song ?? gave me very different results with scale detection :/ song only 4 chords :):):) I just need to find the chords of the song

[@gregrichardson2070]

Shame this video was not also done in Logic. Not sure how to record all the audio in Logic like its routed in the DAW in the video :( .... Although having multiple instances of Scaler could work. How do you get the same 'instance' of scaler on another midi channel ?

[@FigersTV]

Can’t get the perform feature to work. My DAW is Studio One 5 and my OS is the newest Catalina. I followed your video step by step and want play rhythms or use perform feature. Help!!!

[@ulfrohdin]

Really? support request on YT? RTFM.

[@psyzmech9044]

Nice overview, can scaler 2 be used within Reason DAW?

[@maxchadwick5718]

Yes it can, however you can't play any Reason instruments with Scaler due to no internal midi. Not a major issue as Scaler has a good set of built in sounds and you can so easily drag midi into a Reason track to play any instrument.

[@gochaabashia9906]

Здравствуйте, подскажите Кубейс 5 пишет цифровки (аккорды)? Сибелиус наверное пишет, меня интересуют Кубаи

[@foggy4180]

Scaler is a great tool for ideas but the rhythms make it muzak. You have to edit the midi into a more original and personal timing to get it grooving but for a start it's good. I HAVE A REQUEST; all the rhythms are in classical standards but can you make the timing more funky, groovier in the next update? Maybe you can built in a sort of tapping function so that the midi follows the beat I tap into Scaler, that would be awesome and make it far more human.

[@gregfey6013]

It already does that, read the manual.

[@totalmusicfreedom]

Hey loving the plugin guys, but isn't the "midi capture" feature redundant? Why wait for it to generate the midi and then drag it it, when you can simply select all the chords in your pattern and drag the whole thing into your DAW track instantly?

[@PluginBoutiqueOfficial]

The MIDI Capture captures any performances, strumming, velocity fluctuations, arpeggios, etc. - JC

[@chronic911]

i wish you would of done a tutorial for this, like , explaining it in more depth for those of us that are new to beat making , and dont know much about music theory

[@PluginBoutiqueOfficial]

We have an extensive playlist of video tutorials on Scaler 2 - JC - kzbin.info/aero/PLbzXXSO8ZQ8UfP9uNUOizS-J_EyvA57RY

[@TerenceKearns]

Plus the people who made it have extended in depth tutorials

[@cvboyrecords4044]

Does it work at Daw cubase 5???!

[@elchorepunk]

I've emailed you twice asking for the 20% off Bluecats Patchwork promo as shown on your website, but no one emailed me back yet. Help please!

[@halivudestevez2]

what is it good for?

[@Orock1musicO]

When i use midi capture feature and drag and drop clips into the ableton midi channel, the clips are always at least 3h long.. I do not know why, is there any fix? update or something

[@jamisbillson4872]

Mikko Vuorinen...the best bet is to create your own chords and progressions. That’s a big part of the fun of songwriting. This is cheating. Next year will see a realise of Scaler 3. The only thing you’ll need to do is press the big red button...you can’t miss it because it’s the only button. No other action is required. Then Scaler 3 writes the whole song for you. Guaranteed to write a whole song for you. Just from pressing the big red button. Maybe add a sample too. If you’re going to cheat at least cheat honestly! It’s no surprise that today’s music is generally garbage. Just a little I.T knowledge and you can write a song. That’ll be good!

[@Danko_HS]

@@jamisbillson4872 That's a little harsh. Plugins like this aren't ment to be used only to compensate for your lack of knowledge. As usual it's up to the user what you do with it. If you have something between your ears you'll use it to learn something from it's progressions, modulation options and/or overcome writer's block every now and then. It's a learning tool more than anything else. Just because a beginner will use it to cheat doesn't mean that's its purpose. I'm pretty sure the tools that we have available nowadays aren't resposible for "today's garbage music".

[@LizzMiriBaby]

The features are great but I'm getting an error in FL 20 when I try to detect scales when I press notes. It completely crashes

[@Dakcha]

Same thing happens to me!

[@LizzMiriBaby]

@@Dakcha Yeah, seems they need an update already

[@abagatelle]

Lizz MiriBaby My version 2.3 was crashing in Reaper, but there's a new version out as of a couple of days ago - check it out it may solve your crashes too.

[@jacobvig0]

I need routing guides to Logic

[@parryillest]

Hey, Scaler 2 doesn't fit in my screen I can't see the bottom part (midi capture - drag etc). How can i fix this?

[@antonisantoniou1944]

Press "Alt" on your keyboard and then click on the logo of Scaler at the top left corner. This will bring back the default size. Then you can go to "Settings" (at the top right corner) choose "preferences" and you can adjust the size (or even colour) of your Scaler plugin.

[@arjanpetersen]

Buy another screen. Bigger

[@TheAerovons]

great for four bars...how does this turn into a song? What if you want the next 4 bars to be a different progression? More Scalers on more tracks? A full song in that case would have 80 scalers lol....so confused here...

[@synthwavesmatter8466]

Theres one instance of scaler. You can just record the audio or drag the midi to different tracks.

[@smapzkht5531]

how should we set the bpm ..mine is playing really fast ..can u pls help

[@PluginBoutiqueOfficial]

Scaler will follow the BPM of your DAW. - JC

[@kennynyc15153]

For some reason everytime i hit a note/ chord whether on midi or in scaler it sustains the sound as if in large room never ending????? why why why Can anyone help

[@famellies--313-Beatmaker]

I'm getting something like this ,,its hard to explain but it comes after i would say like 1 min after routing it to a mixer channel.. its like a static sound that starts quietly and gradually gets louder un till I turn off vst?? is it the same problem u was having ?? if so did u resolve g::>??

[@rucewalpole3067]

Hi plugin boutique. Great tutorial. I'm an upcoming artist in my country by the way. A newbie. But Can you please tell me the name of the drum machine you used to create that specific drum sound/kit. I've been trying to get that type of drum sound for years without number? I'll appreciate your warm response. Thank you very much.

[@MrClarkio]

Oyintokoni Preowei the drums are actually a loop in this video so Joshua may have made them himself or he may have just lifted the loop from a sample pack. That said it sounds like a roland 808 to me. This is a standard drum machine sound so I would think your daw would have a version of it, if not there are plenty of 808 freeware plugins and tons of 808 sample packs.

[@bivens3ify]

It would be nice to be able to purchase more song and artist and chords sets for specific genres to expand Scaler 2 to more heights.

[@1SubZeero]

You can always download midi you like and feed Scaler with it.

[@soulprofound9888]

Reason 11.2 ? Compatible?

[@arjanpetersen]

Soul Profound google?

[@maxchadwick5718]

Yes. You just can't play Reason instruments as there is no internal midi routing.

[@normanlove222]

My ONE concern in using the songwriting technique demoed in this video is...eventually one of those VOICES or patterns will be in a hit song, and then its copyrighted and people will come along and use the SAME voicing in another song, which will be recognized from the HIT song, and can you say lawsuit? How does that work? are we ok because we used a standard pattern and voicing to create our song melodies?

[@Pako9713]

chord progression is not a melody per law definition, so dont stress

[@wildbird78]

Josh Casper as in the pro skateboarder?

[@PluginBoutiqueOfficial]

unfortunately, no. nor the lawyer. - JC

[@dubtube6691]

something has changed, the Rythm in this video is not working in my version 4:50 version 2.2.0

[@dubtube6691]

the name hast changed to Mezzopiano or Poco !!