Consistent melodic pattern creation?

Elektron Gear Analog Keys/Four
#1

I wonder what is your approach ?

I try currently the following:

  1. make a basic melodic rhytm. (Decide on the harmonic key to use.)

  2. expand the rhytmic pattern. But nothing to complicated -i.e. i leave space.

  3. copy that pattern to 7 further slots.

  4. tweak the other 7 pattern with varations to the basic rhytm, increasing density over time.

  5. configure performance mode + a possible transition to the next 8 bar section.

(Following the pop formula => 8 bars, small change - after 16 bars bigger change.)

Do you start every pattern from scratch ? What is your effective way of sequencing? Do you use the ARP a lot ? (If you employ an Analog RYM, do you follow the same thing? ) Do you just play it live in? (Not step sequencing?) Do something inbetween?

http://www.musicarrangerspage.com/tag/melodic-rhythm/

#2

Sounds like a good plan!

Any sample songs how it works out?

#3

I usually create rich sounding pattern first (i.e. pattern #5 in the bank) and then copy it to previous pattern (#4) and remove parts from it to lower energy etc. I like to play live using midi-keyboard, so in some patterns I mute sequencer’s track and play some melodies manually.

Yes I do – ARP is super-cool thing on tracks that have big amount of sound-locks (uber-cool feature of A4 and I use it all the time)! I.e. you have rhythmic track with sound-locked base, percussions, fxs, etc. sounds – just turn on ARP and you will amazed how unpredictable and different can sound your track now.