Getting Started Catriona Barry Getting Started Catriona Barry

Introduction to Chordwalk

ChordWalk, based on US Patent 10614786 (April 7, 2020) and improvement application PTIE20220000000449, is a versatile software for Windows, Mac, iPad, and iPhone. It simplifies music composition and performance, catering to users from beginners to advanced musicians, regardless of their music theory knowledge.

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Getting Started Catriona Barry Getting Started Catriona Barry

Getting Started

ChordWalk is not a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Instead, it sends MIDI data streams to a locally running DAW, an externally connected device with a DAW, or any MIDI device capable of playing MIDI instrument sounds. ChordWalk can also play locally installed SoundFonts.

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Understanding MIDI

MIDI allows ChordWalk to control multiple instruments by sending musical instructions instead of audio.

By using MIDI channels and ports, each musical part can be routed independently, keeping complex arrangements organised and predictable.

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Metronome, Getting Started Catriona Barry Metronome, Getting Started Catriona Barry

Metronome

The selected Tempo is represented as a beat indicator scrolling across the bars to advise the Creator of their exact position in the composition structure in real-time. It is also important for the creator/performer to know where the beat is relative to the downbeat. The ChordWalk Metronome advises the current beat position relative to bar number and downbeat position.

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Tempo, Beats, Metronome Catriona Barry Tempo, Beats, Metronome Catriona Barry

Time Signature

A time signature is represented by two numbers, one above the other. The time signature tells us how notes are grouped together in a composition. The top number tells us the number of notes that are grouped in a bar. The bottom number tells us the type of notes (note quality) in the group.

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Arpeggios, Beats Catriona Barry Arpeggios, Beats Catriona Barry

Note Values

In ChordWalk, note values, called Steps, are essential for creating arpeggios and can include Rests (silences). ChordWalk’s arpeggiator lets you mix note values to create varied and complex melodies and harmonies.

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Arpeggios, Beats Catriona Barry Arpeggios, Beats Catriona Barry

Note play period (Gate settings)

Gate settings in ChordWalk control how long each note or rest (step) is played. Common note values, like half notes, quarter notes, dotted notes, and triplets, have specific lengths in beats. You can adjust these lengths using Gate Settings to change the feel of your music, such as making notes short and clipped for staccato effects.

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