THE UNISON MIDI CHORD PACK KILLER? | Suggester App In-Depth Tutorial

THE UNISON MIDI CHORD PACK KILLER? | Suggester App In-Depth Tutorial
VIDEO TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Intro - 0:00
About the App - 0:47
What is Suggester? - 1:21
Starting First Project - 1:53
Chord Suggester - 3:00
Chord Catalog - 6:25
Custom Chord - 7:42
Chord Detector - 8:49
Classic Progressions - 9:48
How to Export Midi File - 10:19
Borrow From Scale - 12:12
Additional Features - 13:29
Final Thoughts/Outro - 15:03
This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.
My iPad Pro - amzn.to/2ZcrWa9
Connect with Jahrell on social:
Twitter: / jahrellamani
Instagram: / jahrellamani

[@keithcarey9372]

Awesome tutorial! Thank you so much for this information. I’ve had suggested for a couple of years I had no idea how extensive it could be. You opened up my mind brother. Looking forward to your other videos.

[@awaywithpaul3423]

This is perfect for my needs. I’m a guitarist not a pianist so this is fabulous for keyboard backing as I know what chords I want I just can’t play them on a keyboard. Thanks for the lesson it’s really helped me a lot

[@carmeloc.8129]

Dude! Easily the best breakdown of an app i've seen in ages. Thank you!!!

[@MusicTechnologist]

Right on! 🙏🏽

[@EmpathiShift]

Thanks Jahrell. My beat making and production skills rise following every one of your vids I watch.

[@MusicTechnologist]

Right on! ✊🏽

[@lonelyboydrip]

HYPED TO GET THIS APP RN!!! Thank you for your videos! I’m watching em all tonight

[@MusicTechnologist]

That’s wassup! Glad you’re digging the content! I’ll keep ‘em coming!

[@ShawnBustamante]

WOW! Mindblow! Just getting into midi but definitely will pick this app up. Thank you!

[@MusicTechnologist]

Cool! I know, it’s quite a powerful app!

[@BenKrisfield]

This is a great app for working out chord progressions. Cheers. 🔥🔥

[@xyania]

oh nice this app is really what I need! thanks for suggesting this Suggester app haha subscribed and liked!

[@MusicTechnologist]

Awesome! Happy to help!

[@gumboonwax]

This was lovely. Thank you so much.

[@Taeodoestech]

As soon as you drag and dropped that midi file, I imagined Chucki Beats screaming in the background how inspired he is right now! In all seriousness, this was really helpful! 🙏🏽 Klimper is another cool app that can create custom midi files! :)

[@timetravlr625]

been dreamin' about somethin' like this, THX!!! 😍😻💟

[@wystan1000]

thanks super helpful. I am sold!

[@Limbiclesion]

Thank you very much for this very compressive and well presented tutorial. I had not heard of Suggester until today and having done so I’m blown away with it’s possibilities. You are correct ...it is a game changer at least for me. Im reasonably clued in on music theory but for some others ...with a bit of application this app will provide almost anyone with a sense of adventure the equivalent of 2 to 3 years music theory learning in a very short period. My work flow centres around composing in the Reaper Daw as it is a really professional ..bug free environment and also more so because of voicing preferences ( Kontakt sample libraries, otherVST based sample libraries and LABS). In Reaper I generate my midi either by live playing and using apps such as Scaler or the Captain suite when required. I export audio stems to AUM for mixing and mastering . I will also export midi for voicing in Aum using Xequencer 2 to drive the midi and sync the project. Suggester is just amazingly amazing in the range and types of chord and voicing options it provides and in particular the speed of workflow. The hidden gem is the ability to rapidly try out modulations to different keys , which is a task I found a bit lengthy with my setup. I found the midi work flow in Suggester very rapid indeed...today.. the first day of use .. I put the basic chord progression , modulations and variations together for three full songs in a couple of hours ...I may further edit the midi for these projects in Reaper using applications such as Scaler etc. Midi wise that volume of work would usually take me 2 to 3 weeks ..no brainier I unlocked Suggester in the first 10 minutes of use. I strongly recommend buying this app having trialed the free demo and immediately upgraded ...after all it actually costs less than some shity burger combined with a cadaverous salad along with crap fries and a none event drink . You have done a lot musicians a great favour by producing this excellent tutorial ... so high five 👏👏👏🎩🙏🦄📡📡📡... “you blade runner” 🦄

[@MusicTechnologist]

Happy to help! 👍🏽 Thanks for the thoughtful comment!

[@fdhfdh3310]

Great tutorial. I love the app which I am using with BeatMaker 3 and also GarageBand. Awesome.

[@MusicTechnologist]

Dope!

[@davidjohn9006]

That was most interesting, well explained, and very informative and useful for a novice such as I 👍🏼👍🏽🇦🇺

[@MusicTechnologist]

So happy to help! 👍🏽

[@catpeterson4577]

Mahalo from Honolulu. Have had Suggester for years. Never quite knew how best to use it or pull it into my songwriting. You clarified so much. Mega mahalos! Would love it if you had an "advanced" Suggester tutorial! Keep makin' music!

[@MusicTechnologist]

Awesome! So cool to hear from someone in Hawaii! Mahalo to you as well! So glad you found my video helpful. I definitely plan to revisit Suggester in a future video!

[@onzkicg]

Nice review. Thanks!

[@creativecollection4357]

🤯👏👏👏Dude thank you this is way better than the unison midi chord pack. You just saved me time and money 💰

[@MusicTechnologist]

Right on! Happy to help! 👍🏽

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

I bought it and already wrote a song. This app is A+. That Midi export feature is A++++

[@MusicTechnologist]

Awesome!! 🔥 I’ve started a couple myself! Glad you’re getting good use out of it!

[@personal-development-strategy]

I’ve been watching the unison midi chord pack for a week now. You will never believe me when i say that i was now ready to purchase it with the 60% off. Something told me search KZbin to see how well it works with iOS devices and i stumbled on this video. I use BeatMaker on iOS and now i know that it works with BM3 I’m good to go. Thanks good video this why I’m a a subscriber

[@MusicTechnologist]

Right on! Suggester is DOPE! Have fun!

[@nasherzGrime]

This is exactly what I needed!!!

[@MusicTechnologist]

Awesome! 👍🏽

[@beatsbydooch]

Hard! Buying the full app asap! Thanks for the info!

[@MusicTechnologist]

Happy to help!

[@Leaferist]

Thanks for this!! Super helpful.

[@MusicTechnologist]

Awesome! 👍🏽 Glad it helped!

[@adriennelowe8250]

Wow!!! Awesome tutorial.

[@MusicTechnologist]

Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@westcoastq7386]

Thank you for this video.

[@MusicTechnologist]

You’re welcome! 👍🏽 Glad it was helpful!

[@massimilianosedola4626]

Great tutorial man, I just bought it...boom ! 😉

[@MusicTechnologist]

Awesome! I’m gonna have to create an affiliate relationship w/ them! 😉

[@NYBeater]

Thanks for this!!!

[@MusicTechnologist]

You’re welcome! 👍🏽

[@gladejustglade]

That’s a solid review. Thanks, man.

[@MusicTechnologist]

No problem! 👍🏽

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

This is dope! Thanks for the advice!

[@MusicTechnologist]

You bet!

[@issiewizzie]

Good detailed overview thanks bro👍

[@MusicTechnologist]

Thanks fam! 🙏🏽 Happy to help!

[@nadinel2423]

I have a question - do you know of any app in which I can import my melody (via keyboard or even voice note) and it will suggest chords to that melody? I tend to write melodies first. I love your videos!! Keep up the good work

[@C0llinsW0rth.]

omg downloading this rn

[@aaronworks]

Great explainer on a feature packed app. Thanks!

[@MusicTechnologist]

No problem! 👍🏽 Glad you got value from it!

[@devam2288]

That is superdope! A very cool complementary app for Melodics! Perfect for my learning experience. Awesome!!!

[@MusicTechnologist]

The best musicians are the forever students! 👍🏽

[@DavidSmith-iv1tf]

game changer..........awsome thanks

[@MusicTechnologist]

Right on! Happy to help! 👍🏽

[@issiewizzie]

What’s interesting is I could take the chords from suggester and put it into scaler on the desktop or Ezkeys to get a realistic style👍😀

[@MusicTechnologist]

hax on hax!! less gooo! 😤

[@dukedex5043]

Can you select chords and then hear it played back in different modes like lydian or mixolydian?

[@jeffreylambe9958]

Hey man, thanks!

[@MusicTechnologist]

Happy to help, Jeffrey! 👍🏽

[@burn1gotbeats]

I purchased it definitely has potential and I haven’t put in no time on it yet but nice 👍 thx 🙏

[@MusicTechnologist]

Dope! It’s a gem for sure!

[@DCPImages]

Love it :-)

[@wslproductions-wallyscott]

Thanks for sharing!

[@MusicTechnologist]

Thanks for watching!

[@jjbing3]

I just bought it. I was tired of fumbling around to find chord progressions in Bm3. 🙌🏾

[@MusicTechnologist]

Suggester is lit!! 🙌🏽

[@lowcreeper]

Nice review. I was about to buy something else that cost a lot more when this will most likely do all I was really looking for.

[@MusicTechnologist]

Right on! Glad I could help! 👍🏽

[@michaeldungee2666]

Good video, I don't play an instrument ,so maybe it will help me

[@DEMBEATSPRODUCTION]

Al I can say is WOW!

[@jonestianna]

Hey man! Loved the video, very informative. Does Suggester export to GarageBand iOS?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Yes! Just export the midi and save it to your files, then import it the same way you would an audio file in GarageBand!

[@slapnpop826]

Sold!

[@MusicTechnologist]

💯

[@joshuabennett1309]

interesting. Of course the Cm works over the Ab, because it's functionally AbM7.

[@wh1ck]

oooooh this sounds sick af, would like to try this but since im on android atm, im curious if there's a similar app like this on the google play store

[@MusicTechnologist]

Unfortunately, I haven't found anything on the google play store that comes close.

[@hansjbs]

Wow!!!! Can’t believe I’m seeing this now🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️

[@MusicTechnologist]

This one’s a game-changer for sure!

[@aspiceoflife]

Any tips to the borrowing gambit? Like when is a good time to borrow chords from another key..

[@MusicTechnologist]

Great question! 👍🏽 There are a lot of different ways to approach this idea, so I’m not going to get too deep with it. A good way to start experimenting with borrowed chords is to come up with a very simple 4-8 chord pattern and start subbing out 1 or 2 chords with the parallel minor or major. All that means is changing what would normally be a minor chord in that key with a major version instead (or vice versa). This works best with chords of the 2nd, 4th, and 6th degree. Many many more ways to explore this concept, but this is one to try.

[@miguelsandremusic]

How did you make yo have just one cable to listen and charge the iPad? Did you use hyperdrive?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Yup! That’s just a 6ft usb-c extension cable running under the desk to my mounted hyperdrive.

[@VzudemI]

Hi, is there a way to go an octave up or down? There are many chord progressions with different octaves, aren't they? Would be cool to have this feature in Suggester. Greetings

[@MusicTechnologist]

The best way I know of to get around this would be to bring the exported midi file into your DAW and manually drag the chords that you want up or down.

[@TheRealestIdealist]

8:37 Thank you! I needed permission to make dumb choices and still be proud!! 😂

[@MusicTechnologist]

Haha! 😆 Experimentation is the name of the game!

[@Pxlhg]

You're welcome! Good tutorial, even I picked up something I missed :D so thanks for that . One can also run the Suggester progressions as a midi master in, AUM, Audiobus whatnot, on a synth/instrument of your own choice, without exporting any midi. Works like a charm. :) Keep up the good work.

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

@pixelhog1 do you mean that you can used it a controller to play chords live?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Haha happy we could help each other! That’s some dope functionality! Gonna have to give that a go! 🔥

[@MusicTechnologist]

Yes, I do believe that is what he means...which is DOPE!

[@Pxlhg]

@@bjamminsincebirth3494 Yes, use "MIDI Triggers" in settings (cogwheel).

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

pixelhog1 I gotta try that. Thanks!

[@MoeChaieb]

Hey man, thanks for the video! I love Suggester. I am considering trying out Scaler 2 however, do you have experience with it?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Hey! I don't have experience with Scaler 2, mostly because it's Mac and PC only, and I produce almost exclusively on the iPad. Looks pretty cool from what I saw of it though!

[@rattyfus8218]

Sounds like a no brained to me to get the unlock for this. I studied harmony 40 years ago, but we never touched on jazz much, and this will fill in a lot of blanks for me. I got the Unison starter pack, but why pay hundreds when you can get this for ten quid, or bucks?! So glad I subscribed to your channel. Everything is measured and unbiased. Thank you. The UK Rat.

[@MusicTechnologist]

Awesome! I hope you get as much utility and inspiration as I’m getting from it! Got my BM in music education 3 years ago, and this app has been a great refresher for me as well! Glad to have you as part of the squad!! ✊🏽

[@aspiceoflife]

14:16 lol your finger was arpeggiating too

[@MusicTechnologist]

😆 Didn’t even notice

[@jakealdana4951]

Hi ..what brand of ipat are you using.cos i wanna hook my midi chird pack.but maybe you can help me what android ipad is better.tjank to your tutorial...cheers jake

[@MusicTechnologist]

I use the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9.” Not sure I understand the question. There are not any android iPads, because they are made by Apple.

[@jakealdana4951]

@@MusicTechnologist ok thanks

[@rafaeldavila4690]

How do I change the note length for the iPhone

[@MusicTechnologist]

Just tap on the note, and a list should pop up with options to choose from. 👍🏽

[@7Wounds]

I literally learned something about Music theory just watching this. If only it was on Android or Windows also lol.

[@MusicTechnologist]

Right on! 👌🏽 Yeah man, android music production needs some love. It’s real hard for developers though, because they have to make their apps function on so many types of devices that all run different variants of android and receive OS updates at different speeds.

[@joshuawatts9996]

I have to be honest, like I was a die hard android person but once I seen beat maker 3 in action, I knew I had to go to Apple. It's amazing what you could do with the software. Now just about my whole house is apple products. Yes they are pricey, but they are worth it if you're into music production. I can't wait till I get my iPad pro in a few weeks

[@nukeanitaindradewimarkus8832]

Great tutorial! Is this app compatible for Windows 10 ?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Unfortunately not. macOS, iOS, iPadOS only.

[@dennisrudin6907]

I usually get annoyed with people promoting Unison to “newbies”, as unless you know some music theory you would be very limited with their setup. What is great power if you don’t know how to use it? And also, with some 16 minutes of music theory course on youtube, you would suddenly know how to create those chords yourself, and how they relate. This app however! This is a real composition help tool for newbies and professionals alike, and as you said, you learn some music theory as well. (Still recommend to also do the course on youtube though). Thanks! Time to download a new app. 😎👍🎶

[@MusicTechnologist]

As someone with a degree in music education, I agree that Suggester is by far more educational. I still think the Unison midi chord pack has plenty benefit regardless of music theory knowledge. Sometimes you just want a good progression that can be played with any instrument in any key without having to make it.

[@lonelyboydrip]

I followed along on the export part of the video, but it’s not working. The keys are loaded into the track and bank, but aren’t producing any sound! Could you possibly know what’s wrong?

[@lonelyboydrip]

Also, do I need to load the chord progressions into a IAA or an AUv3?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Just so I understand properly, did you add an instrument to the bank, and then drag the midi file into the playlist area associated with that bank?

[@lonelyboydrip]

Yeah absolutely. I’m pressing the pad. The bank isn’t on mute and neither is the track. I followed your video step by step and it just won’t work.

[@gsixx8fpv499]

Is there anything like this for MacOS that would work in a DAW like Logic Pro?

[@gsixx8fpv499]

@12:04 wait... what? Lol

[@MusicTechnologist]

Yes, as I mentioned in the video, Suggester is available for Mac, although you have to pay for it separately.

[@jovanadrcalic8459]

So now I can use Suggester in Beatmaker3 as plugin?

[@MusicTechnologist]

That is correct, however I’ve been looking into it and it seems that the AUv3 version is missing some functionality. I’m planning to report back when I know more.

[@Beatz-Pocket]

But did he try that on BM3 ? There’s some huge problems.

[@MusicTechnologist]

I imported the files into BM3 in this video. It works fine. If you’re referring to the Suggester AUv3 plugin, I have noticed that there are some missing features in the plugin, so I recommend just using the standalone version and following the instructions in this video to import into BM3.

[@soggyfroggy9318]

Would you say this is more beginner friendly than Unison MIDI?

[@MusicTechnologist]

The unison midi chord pack will give you a quicker result, since it's just drag and drop files, but the folder structure can be cumbersome to navigate. The suggester app has a very friendly user interface, but it requires more work on your part to make a great chord progression. There's pros and cons to each. Hopefully this answers your question. Check out my video on the unison midi chord pack ➡️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZ-4knudert6e9E Maybe that'll clear some things up.

[@woodrowclose]

Is this compatible with FL Studio?

[@MusicTechnologist]

The midi files that you export can definitely be brought into FL Studio.

[@TremorBear]

Can you import in garageband?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Definite yes! Import the same way you would your own audio files as loops.

[@cody_and_beard5154]

When I click arpeggiate, it always applies it to all the chords. Is there a way to only apply it to one chord? Great vids, keep em comin!

[@MusicTechnologist]

Not that I know of. I honestly think I would duplicate the project, do one arpeggiated and one not, and then export midi from both and slice between them.

[@Hydrotoxic]

Chordbot is a really great cheaper alternative

[@Payan8]

👍

[@hal2098]

better to just play the chords yourself. you know...like a musician. when you need a funk wah guitar part do you reach for a sample pack... or your guitar?

[@MusicTechnologist]

As a musician myself, I certainly could however, sometimes one might need inspiration for new chords to use in their music. There are also people that may not know how to play keys at all, and will learn a lot from seeing what these chords are in an app like this. This could be their on-ramp to learning how to play some of these chords themselves, but in the meantime, they also still get to practice the other parts of making music without the barrier of learning piano first. If I wanted a funk wah guitar, since I play guitar I may attempt it, but I'm not great at the funk style so I could either pay one of my guitarist friends a hefty fee to record it for me, or I could dig into a sample pack. Both are valid options.

[@MieseBrise123]

BM3 can handle this app too?

[@MusicTechnologist]

Suggester can now be used as an AUv3 in BeatMaker 3!! I haven’t messed with it a ton as a plugin, but I think it’s going to be awesome!

[@robertscally]

Unison's sales tactics haven't changed in the year+ since this was posted. Like a fool I feel for part of the hard sell. The only defense I'll offer for myself and for Unison is that the basic pack and PDF that go with it are useful if you're just learning music theory. I did learn something. Was it worth what I paid? NO. Could I have learned the same thing another, less costly way? YES. DO NOT buy Unison's MIDI pack. For the price the value isn't there.

[@SighDown]

Your tutorial is excellent. Subscribe, everybody!

[@MusicTechnologist]

Thanks a lot! 🙏🏽

[@FlankinspanK]

I bet Noel Gallagher would love this…

[@mrmar-que6307]

This should be a vst.😢

[@MusicTechnologist]

I thought the same thing at first, but then I couldn’t think of how that would make sense in practical use. All you’ve gotta do is export the midi and drag it in your DAW.

[@axonathan]

Scaler 2?

[@mrmar-que6307]

@@axonathan I have Scaler 2 now.lol

[@carstendaembkes]

Their add is definitely the most annoying add ever..

[@MusicTechnologist]

Haha 😆 I hear this so often!

[@Michael_Lak]

I just wasted my money buying tonaly

[@MusicTechnologist]

I’ve heard Tonality is good too!

[@MarsCapone]

Lol unison

[@rasolzamini8678]

Learn music for gods sake ,,,

[@MusicTechnologist]

You sound pretty silly talking to someone who has a degree in music education and a teaching credential

[@rasolzamini8678]

@@MusicTechnologist Why you need this kind of apps and midi packs then ,,,