A MIDI effect plugin that generates chord progressions, arpeggios, and note patterns for DAWs, featuring an intuitive circular interface, smart randomization, and customizable note partitions.
Purpose and Overview
Chords Pro + Notes is a MIDI effect designed to spark musical ideas by generating chord progressions and arpeggios from simple inputs. It extends the original Chords plugin with a dedicated Notes mode for detailed pattern editing. The plugin operates ahead of any MIDI-triggered instrument in your DAW, syncing playback to the host tempo.
It offers an intuitive circular interface where you can create, edit, and randomize musical sequences. Originally aimed at EDM, it suits various genres. The plugin can suggest single 4-note chords or complex 8-chord multi-note arpeggios. You can drag the resulting MIDI directly into your project for further editing.
Key Capabilities
The plugin includes 30 chord types, covering tonic, subdominant, and dominant variations, from simple triads to extended chords. Global controls adjust inversions, length, speed, and root key across the entire sequence. For finer control, each chord segment can be programmed with inversions ranging from -6 to +6, transforming chord shapes by shifting notes up or down octaves.
A notable feature is the Notes mode, a separate interface that partitions each chord into up to 8 segments. You can independently control each note within each partition, enabling melodies, plucked arpeggios, and trance-gate patterns. Copy/paste and repeat functions speed up programming. The plugin also includes intelligent randomization via the create button.
Workflow and Operation
To use, place the MIDI effect before any instrument that responds to MIDI in your DAW. Press play, and the plugin generates looped options for up to 8 chords. You can adjust global and per-segment parameters in real time. The A/B toggle lets you compare two versions of a sequence and lock in a favorite.
Use the create function to intelligently randomize one or more chords based on your starting riff. In Notes mode, you can sketch ideas for one chord and apply the playback pattern to others via copy/paste. Once satisfied, drag the MIDI from the plugin to your DAW to edit, transpose, or twist the suggestions as needed.
Practical Applications
This plugin excels at jumpstarting songwriting sessions, especially for producers who struggle with music theory. Quickly generate chord progressions and arpeggios, then export the MIDI to craft melodies or basslines. It is useful for creating EDM drops, trance gate effects, piano melodies, and plucked arpeggios.
Factory presets provide starting points for chord progressions and sequences, which you can adapt to your style. The plugin’s ability to produce musical-sounding progressions with natural transitions helps maintain harmonic coherence. Whether you’re sketching a new track or adding variation to an existing one, the drag-and-drop workflow integrates seamlessly.
Key features
- MIDI effect that generates chords and arpeggios in any DAW
- 30 chord types including major, minor, and extended variants
- Notes mode with up to 8 partitions per chord for detailed pattern editing
- Global and per-segment controls for inversions, velocity, and chord shape
- A/B toggle with create function for intelligent randomization
- Copy, paste, and repeat functions for quick programming
- Drag-and-drop MIDI export for editing in your DAW
Best for
Best for producers looking to quickly generate chord progressions, arpeggios, and melodic patterns, especially in EDM, trance, and pop. It suits both beginners who want musical suggestions and experienced producers seeking a flexible MIDI generation tool.