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Chord Progression / generative plugins like Chordjam, Scaler2, Captain Chords .. inc Coupons


aidan o driscoll

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Maybe others also in the area of Chord Progression / generative circles

https://mixedinkey.com/captain-plugins/captain-chords/

https://www.pluginboutique.com/products/6439-Scaler-2

https://audiomodern.com/shop/plugins/chordjam/

Just a shout out to anyone who has any or all of these and thoughts.

I have noticed that SCALER2, while very comprehensive, would be geared more toward learning theory and/or people who approach things from a more music theory perspective while CHORDJAM is more generative random and probably better for non music theory musos. Captain chords seems to be in between

Of course ANY COUPONS for above appreciated by all :D

As for SCALER 2 at Pluginboutique use "PBAttack" as coupon at checkout .. knocks near 20% off the price. Coupled with virtual cash i have it down to €39

https://www.pluginboutique.com/products/6439-Scaler-2

 

Edited by aidan o driscoll
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Scaler 2 is one of the best products on the market, you don't need to know theory to use it at all.

Captain Chords you have to be connected to the internet to actually use it.....basically a treat customers like criminals approach...no thanks.

 

Haven't used Chord Jam, but from what I've seen if it is an either or scenario, I'd go to Scaler 2 first.

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37 minutes ago, Brian Walton said:

Scaler 2 is one of the best products on the market, you don't need to know theory to use it at all.

Captain Chords you have to be connected to the internet to actually use it.....basically a treat customers like criminals approach...no thanks.

Haven't used Chord Jam, but from what I've seen if it is an either or scenario, I'd go to Scaler 2 first.

I would be coming from the more generative non theory knowledge side of things. I have seen some saying get both because they are different in a sense. Chordjam more on the generative happy accident end?

 

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10 minutes ago, aidan o driscoll said:

I would be coming from the more generative non theory knowledge side of things. I have seen some saying get both because they are different in a sense. Chordjam more on the generative happy accident end?

 

The thing is with Scaler, it gives you the theory stuff, but you can also just select things.  There are different ways to approach Scaler from a composition perspective, while theory details are present, you don't need to know any of that stuff to use it.

You can start off with pre-made "song" style chord selections and change keys of them at the touch of a button as well as swap out chords you want to sound different.  Scaler can provide logical choices or you can force it to break the mold, but you don't really need to know theory to do any of it.

Scaler is also user friendly in the fact under a scale it will give you a sense of the "mood" of that scale (happy, sad, joyful, thoughtful, etc) you select the scale and it provides the chords of that scale for you, which you can further modify.  To me that is the epitomoe of non-theory but gets to the heart of music, the feeling.

Without using Chordjam, I'm not sure, but I know the randomness could have "problems' if it isn't following theory in the backend as happy accidents rarely occur outside the realm of fitting an accepted music theory formula of some kind.  This is why I think Scaler 2 is so useful, it can feel random but the general selections can feel like happy accidents as you can get pleasing results.

My suggestion is get Scaler and then look at Chordjam later if you think you need both.  Scaler 2 is pretty intuitive once you watch a couple videos of how to select, bind keys, etc.  

Edited by Brian Walton
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I have Scaler 2 and Chordjam.   Scaler 2 contains a LOT of material with LOTS of different ways to use it.   So, if you are looking for something you can play with for many years (and keep finding new stuff in it!), then go with Scaler 2.  

Chordjam is a fun, learn it in one day, kind of program.    And describing it as a generative happy accident finder is an apt description.  

Want a free, "happy accident" chord progression finder?   Try this:

https://chordi.co/

 

Edited by Michael A.D.
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I have scaler2 and captain chords,  but I prefer using the harvest plugins forager for finding interesting chord progressions - makes me feel more involved in the process than the other two I mentioned. I combine that with secondary plugins like phrasebox or chord potion to do interesting things with the chords.   

https://harvestplugin.com/forager/

 

I did try chordjam and it has some interesting things going for it for sure - didn't quite tip me for buying yet, but I dare say it will end up in my plugins folder at some point.

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I don't think Scaler 2 forces you to learn theory. On the contrary, it is more like an AI that allows you to apply music theory that you do not yet understand, i.e., it keeps you in the lanes of what sounds good. Scaler 2 keeps evolving, and keeps getting better!

Good music is based on timeless, universal rules of melody, harmony, and rhythm. Music theory is just a collection of those rules. Random generative stuff may be fun, and produce somewhat interesting tracks, but you are unlikely to score a hit using that method.

Edited by abacab
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If you want some quick, instant gratification, try Tracktion Waveform.

A cool Pattern Generator is integrated with the chord track that can generate tracks for arpeggio, chords, bassline, and melody, with styles and presets for each. It also offers suggestions for progressions to next chord based on popular progressions.

 

Edited by abacab
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23 minutes ago, abacab said:

The MIDI Pattern Generators are included in Waveform Free (based current Waveform 11).

https://www.tracktion.com/products/waveform-free

Compare features in the Waveform versions (Free/OEM/Pro):

https://www.tracktion.com/products/waveform-compare-versions

Chord Track only included in PRO.

But this solution means having to use another DAW to generate the midi THEN import into CW rather than a plugin doming same inside CW

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50 minutes ago, aidan o driscoll said:

Chord Track only included in PRO.

But this solution means having to use another DAW to generate the midi THEN import into CW rather than a plugin doming same inside CW

The Waveform chord track is not really needed for the Pattern Generator, which keeps up with the chords inside the generator section itself. In fact, that video tutorial was made prior to Waveform including an actual chord track. So the free version would include what you see in the video. The new chord track is more global, in that it can also be used with MIDI parts that are not controlled by the pattern generator, which was a drawback with early versions of Waveform.

So yes, it's not a plugin, and you would have to export/import MIDI if you wanted to move back to Cakewalk. This was just presented as an example of a quick and easy way to generate MIDI patterns. For free.

But that's why my preference today would be for the Scaler 2 plugin. Work within your DAW of choice. :)

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