Melody Maker - Piano Roll Extension

Update: the Script can now generate more than one bar of notes. up to 8. theres a slider and default is 1bar. you can re-download, link to Github is at the end of the post.

Update: changed the download link from the "zip" to Github directly and added install instructions. Hopefully it doesn't trigger the windows defender anymore. have fun.

I’ve created an experimental Bitwig Studio controller script called Melody Maker to simplify generating random, scale-based melodies directly in the piano roll. Frustrated by Bitwig’s piano roll limitations, I designed this tool to automate melodic ideas while retaining musicality. Here’s how I use it:

Steps I Follow:

• Install the Script:

  • Download the .js file from my GitHub/Patreon (linked in the video description).

  • Drag it into Bitwig Studio or place it in the Controller Scripts folder (under Documents/Bitwig Studio).

  • Enable it via Settings > Controllers > Add > Polarity Melody Maker.

• Set Up Parameters:

  • Choose a scale (e.g., Aeolian/minor) and root note (e.g., C♯).

  • Adjust sliders for:

    • Rest Probability: Controls gaps between notes (0% = no rests).

    • Repetition: Adds looping motifs within the melody.

    • Note Length Variation: Mixes short and sustained notes.

    • Octave Start: Shifts the melody’s octave range.

    • Repeating Notes: Toggles whether identical consecutive notes are allowed.

    • Note Probability: Weight how often specific scale degrees (tonic, dominant, etc.) appear.

• Generate Melodies:

  • Click Generate in Arranger/Launcher to create MIDI clips in the timeline or clip launcher.

  • Use Repaint to revert to the last generated sequence if manual edits don’t work.

• Experiment and Refine:

  • Regenerate melodies with new parameters to explore variations.

  • Adjust note probabilities to create “darker” (lower tones) or “brighter” (higher tones) melodies.

Why This Works:

• The script uses Bitwig’s Controller API to automate MIDI note generation while adhering to musical scales.

• Parameters like Repetition and Note Length Variation add human-like phrasing.

• No third-party plugins needed—everything runs natively in Bitwig.

Future Plans:

• Add GUI improvements (dividers, visual organization).

• Expand parameter controls (rhythm patterns, velocity randomization).

Your Feedback Matters: Let me know if this helps your workflow or what features you’d like next!

Download

• Download: https://bit.ly/40X2Pb2 (download raw button top right)

• put it in your Bitwig controller script directory (usually documents/bitwig studio/controller scripts)

• open settings 👉 controllers and click "add controller" at the bottom - select vendor "polarity" and then "melody maker"