Chord Maker - Piano Roll Extension
Added 2025-02-19 13:53:55 +0000 UTCIn this video, I introduced my new Chord Maker controller script for Bitwig Studio, which helps generate simple diatonic chord progressions directly inside the piano roll. This is an extension of my previous Melody Maker and Scale Maker scripts, and it makes it easy to build harmonically sound chord sequences with just a few clicks.
It works by allowing you to select a scale and mode, set the number of bars, and then hit Generate to instantly create a musical progression. You can also tweak things with Repaint, which revoices chords, adds bass notes, sevenths, tenths, and more.
Key Features of Chord Maker:
Generates diatonic chord progressions in a selected scale.
Repaint option lets you adjust voicings without regenerating.
Re-voice settings to control spacing between notes.
Adds bass notes with a separate MIDI channel (Channel 16).
MIDI channels are assigned based on chord function (root, third, fifth, etc.).
Pedal tone feature lets you keep a consistent note across chords.
Probability-based chord movement ensures musical progressions, not random chords.
How It Works:
Select a scale and mode (e.g., D# Natural Minor).
Choose how many bars you want the progression to cover.
Decide where to generate the chords (Clip Launcher or Arranger).
Hit Generate – and get a playable chord sequence instantly!
Use Repaint to adjust voicings without regenerating everything.
Tip: You can also tweak the chord flow probability in the script itself if you want a different harmonic movement style.
How to Install & Use:
Place it in the Bitwig Controller Scripts directory (Settings → Locations).
Add it via Settings → Controllers → Add → Polarity → Chord Maker.
If it doesn’t show up, try modifying and saving the script to refresh Bitwig’s cache.
Possible Future Features:
Rhythmic patterns (instead of only one chord per bar).
More advanced chord voicings & inversions.
Non-diatonic chord options for more complex progressions.
