About this video

• Video Title: How To Write Chords and Melodies Fast in Logic Pro X
• Channel: Jake Masca
• Speakers: Jake
• Duration: 00:08:35

Overview

This video demonstrates a quick and efficient method for writing chords and melodies in Logic Pro X, especially for those new to music theory. The tutorial focuses on using the brush tool with scale quantization and custom keyboard shortcuts to speed up the music creation process.

Key takeaways

• Brush Tool with Scale Quantize: By enabling scale quantization in Logic Pro X, the brush tool can be configured to only draw notes that fit within a selected major or minor scale, preventing the user from accidentally inputting out-of-key notes.
• Custom Keyboard Shortcuts: The video shows how to set up custom keyboard shortcuts (Option+1 and Option+2) to quickly change the duration of notes created with the brush tool, allowing for faster rhythm creation.
• Chord Progression Creation: The technique allows for rapid generation of chord progressions by utilizing the brush tool and scale quantization, significantly reducing the time needed to establish harmonic foundations.
• Melody Generation: The same brush tool method can be applied to create melodies, with the option to quantize to finer note values like 1/16th notes.
• Identifying Chords: Logic Pro X can identify and display the chord name in the top-left corner of the piano roll when notes are highlighted, aiding in understanding the harmony being created.

Jake suggests using Option+1 and Option+2 as custom keyboard shortcuts to alter note durations when using the brush tool.

To set these up:

1. Open the Key Command window by pressing Option+K.
2. In the search bar, type "Set Quantize Parameter."
3. Two options will appear: "Set Quantize Parameter to Previous Value" and "Set Quantize Parameter to Next Value."
4. Assign "Option 1" to "Set Quantize Parameter to Previous Value."
5. Assign "Option 2" to "Set Quantize Parameter to Next Value."

This allows you to quickly change the duration of notes by pressing these key combinations while the brush tool is active.