Welcome to the HTMEM Blog Have you ever wanted to learn how to write killer Chord Progressions? Look no further, because I’m about to show you the exact steps and techniques to quickly and easily build professional-sounding chord progressions for any music genre in Cubase.
Today we are going to be showing you an advanced technique on how to use Cubase as a powerful chord progression editor and builder. With Ease. Cubase features a chord player, a tool for creating and manipulating chord progressions, allowing you to generate backing tracks with various instruments such as piano, guitar, bass, and drums.
With this skill, when the inspiration strikes, you’ll be able to easily create high-quality tracks and songs that will impress your listeners.
So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
About Cubase Chord Pads
Create Chord Progression
Single or Multiple Chord Editing
Chord Generator Presets
Change Chord Pads Root Key
Chord Pads Settings
Chord Progressions Patterns
Pattern Display Settings: Nashville Vs. Roman Numerals
Pad Layout Settings
Pad Color: Easy Creative Process
Chord Progression Presets
Step Input Function
Conclusions
About Cubase Chord Pads
Cubase’s Chord Pads have long served as an invaluable source of inspiration for producers, beatmakers, musicians, and songwriters. With the latest release, these Chord Pads have become even more powerful, making it effortless to discover your next captivating chord progression.
Experience the ease of finding your musical muse with the enhanced Chord Pads in Cubase. Learn how to use Cubase Now.
What is a Chord Progression?
A chord progression is a series of chords played in a specific order, used to harmonize music and create a sense of structure and progression. It is a fundamental element of music composition, used in various genres, including pop music, rock, jazz, and classical music. Chord progressions can be simple or complex, and they can be used to create a wide range of emotions and moods in music.
In music theory, a chord progression is typically represented using Roman numerals, which indicate the relationship between the chords and the key of the music. For example, the I-V-vi-IV progression is a common chord progression used in many popular songs. This progression uses the tonic chord (I), the dominant chord (V), the relative minor chord (vi), and the subdominant chord (IV) to create a sense of resolution and tension.
Chord progressions can be used to create a sense of familiarity and structure in music, and they can also be used to create surprise and interest. By using borrowed chords, drop chords, and other techniques, musicians can add variety and complexity to their chord progressions, and create a unique sound.
In addition to their musical function, chord progressions can also be used to inspire creativity and spark new song ideas. By experimenting with different chord progressions, musicians can discover new sounds and styles, and develop their own unique voice.
Overall, chord progressions are a powerful tool for musicians, and they play a crucial role in the creative process of music composition. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, understanding chord progressions can help you to create more interesting and complex music, and to develop your own unique style.
Create Chord Progression
Upon opening the Chord pads in Cubase, you’ll immediately notice a redesigned interface. You now have more Chord pads available, and conveniently, the editor is accessible right in the Cubase Lower Zone. Additionally, the circle of fifths, chord editor, and suggested chord list can be found in the right section of the Cubase Lower Zone.
The functionality of the chord pads remains unchanged, allowing you to trigger them using your keyboard or mouse. However, the workflow has been significantly enhanced, resulting in a much faster and more efficient experience.
Discovering your ideal chord progression has never been easier than with the latest version of Steinberg Cubase. Unlock your creativity and explore a world of musical possibilities like never before. The new generate chords feature allows users to create random chord progressions from a selection of commonly used progressions, making it easier to experiment with different chord combinations in various styles and tempos.
Learn how to Produce Music With Cubase Now
Single or Multiple Chord Editing
If you need to edit your chords, you can easily select single or multiple chord pads at once. Once you’ve chosen a specific pad, to select multiple pads you can press the Command (MAC) or Control Key (PC) to select additional pads.
Once done, you can perform various actions on the chosen pads. From the tool line, to select all chords at once you can also use the select all functions
The new Chord Pad in Cubase is even more music theory-aware. For instance, you can easily transpose them, adjust the tension levels, modify the voicing, or even select all the pads by clicking on the designated icon. This allows you to edit all the chord pads simultaneously, saving time and effort.
Chord Progression Generator Presets
To help you begin, there is a wide selection of additional presets available. By accessing the preset drop-down menu, you can explore a variety of pre-made chord progressions.
These can serve as a foundation for your production or be used as they are.
For Example, let’s navigate to the preset titled “Arena Chords” and take a moment to listen to some captivating chords.
Moreover, please notice the dynamic updates of the circle of fifths on the right whenever we modify a chord preset.
Change Chord Pads Root Key
Now, let’s say you like the chord progression above, but you’d like to change the key to match your vocal track.
To do that, you can simply navigate to the toolbar and adjust the root key accordingly. Again, once you make the change, you’ll notice that the circle of fifths updates automatically.
Alternatively, if you prefer to add flat or sharp accidentals, you can make those adjustments too.
Furthermore, the Chord pads offer even greater music theory awareness. From the same root key menu, you can select the enharmonic shift option and modify it to your preferences.
With these intuitive features, You can easily customize the chord progression and create harmonies and melodies that suit your musical needs.
And, with these tools at your disposal, why not seize the opportunity to continually expand your music theory knowledge? There’s always something new to learn, so dive in and discover the endless possibilities.
Chord Pads Settings
Now, suppose you desire to modify a chord to something different. You can navigate to the chord editor located on the right-hand side. From there, you can specify that you want the major chord to be a G major with a major 7th, accompanied by a bass on B.
Alternatively, you have the option to simply type the name of the particular chord you desire, like B Minor 7. Instantly, the Chord pad will be updated accordingly. And, if you desire, you can of course also switch to minor chords.
Chord Progressions Patterns
Now, when you click on the Player Mode Menu, you’ll find three options to choose from: plain chords, patterns, and sections. If you select the pattern menu, you’ll discover a variety of patterns available for you to choose from.
Additionally, you have the option to adjust the sound velocity using the MIDI keyboard or stick with the same pattern. For this demonstration, I’ll select the Analog Synth Arps preset.
Now, let’s listen and play something together.
Finally, if you have a MIDI part that you’d like to use as a pattern, simply drag and drop chords from it into the pattern menu.
The chord progression pattern will then be played back using the pads, allowing for seamless integration with your music.
Pattern Display Settings: Nashville Vs. Roman Numerals
Now, if you navigate to the toolbar on the right-hand side and access the display settings, you will notice the presence of note names, just like before.
However, there is an additional option to display Roman numerals, which represents the degree of the note.
For instance, the first note becomes “I”, the fourth note becomes “IV”, and so forth.
Alternatively, you can switch to the Nashville number system, which utilizes numbers like “1“, “2“, and “6” to denote the notes.
As you explore these options, you will witness the dynamic transformation of the notation system,
The new Cubase Chord Pad is now more music theory-aware than ever before, enhancing its ability to understand and apply musical concepts.
Become a Better Producer With Cubase
Pad Layout Settings
Another option available is to modify the pad layout, transitioning from the keyboard format to a grid layout. This adjustment can be particularly beneficial if you utilize drum pad controllers to activate your Chord pads.
Additionally, you have the flexibility to expand the number of pads to a maximum of 37. Give it a try and enhance your overall experience!
Pad Color: Easy Creative Process
The Pad Color feature offers a visual cue to guide your next move when playing the Chord pads. The color change indicates the natural progression and flow of the sequence. Greener pads signify a more seamless transition, while pads with different colors introduce a touch of pleasant unpredictability.
By paying attention to the color, you can confidently navigate through the options and be inspired to explore new musical possibilities.
Chord Progression Presets
In addition, you have the option to select a preset for your chord progression. As mentioned earlier, you can easily modify the key to suit your requirements.
This allows for greater flexibility and customization in your musical compositions. For your music projects, you have the option to select from a wide range of chord progressions, ranging from common chord progressions to more intricate ones.
Step Input Function
To insert Chord Pads into the Chord Track, we can utilize the step input feature. By enabling the record on the Chord Track and activating step input, a step input cursor will appear in the Cubase Display Window.
We can then begin inputting our chords, using the arrow keys to move the cursor and select the desired placement for each chord.
With this method, we have precise control over our chord progression.
Conclusions
Explore new exciting possibilities with Cubase Chord Pads.
Not only can you have a great time, but you can also gain a deeper understanding of music harmony and chord progressions.
Enjoy the journey and have loads of fun with them! Looking forward to seeing you at the next one.
Discover the Benefits of Learning Cubase at HTMEM!
At HTMEM, we provide a comprehensive Cubase Course that introduces you to the world of electronic music creation using a top-notch DAW. The best part? You don’t even need to buy the software – Steinberg offers a 60-day free trial of Cubase. How convenient is that?
But wait, there’s more!
Our Course Curriculum is meticulously crafted by a Steinberg Certified Trainer, plus lifetime access to the course and exclusive access to our thriving community providing unwavering support at every stage of your learning journey.
Enjoy an extensive collection of 350 free audio samples, and rest assured with our 7-day money-back guarantee.
Suggested Readings
How To Build Your Sound Absorption Panels
Practice and Enjoy
