3 Ways To Create Chords Fast In Cubase | Cubase Secrets with Dom

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore three effective methods for creating chords quickly in Cubase. These techniques are designed to enhance your songwriting process and improve your music production workflow. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, these tools will help you create rich harmonic progressions with ease.

Step 1: Using the Chord Pads

• Open Cubase and create a new Project.
• Navigate to the Chord Pads by going to the top menu and selecting Transport > Chord Pads.
• In the Chord Pads window:
  • You will see empty pads; click on a pad to select it.
  • Use the Chord Assistant to choose a chord type (major, minor, seventh, etc.) and assign it to the pad.
  • Play the selected pad to hear the chord.
• To add more chords:
  • Click on another pad and repeat the process.
  • You can create a sequence of chords that complement each other.

Practical Tips

• Experiment with different chord progressions and inversions to create variety in your music.
• Use the Quantize feature to ensure timing is consistent.

Step 2: Utilizing the Chord Track

• Create a new Chord Track by right-clicking in the project window and selecting Add Chord Track.
• Use the pencil tool to draw in your chords directly onto the Chord Track.
• To edit existing chords:
  • Click on a chord to select it.
  • Use the inspector on the left to change the chord type or add extensions.
• You can also use the Chord Assistant to suggest chords based on your input.

Common Pitfalls

• Be mindful of the key signature when selecting chords to ensure they fit harmonically.
• Avoid overcrowding your track with too many different chord types; simplicity often leads to a stronger composition.

Step 3: MIDI Input for Chords

• Connect your MIDI keyboard to Cubase.
• Create a new MIDI track for chord input.
• Arm the track for recording by clicking the record-enable button.
• Play chords directly on your MIDI keyboard.
• Once you are satisfied with the performance, stop recording and review the MIDI notes.

Real-World Applications

• Use MIDI chord input for live performances or songwriting sessions; it allows for spontaneous creativity.
• After recording, you can edit the MIDI notes in the piano roll for further refinement.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we've covered three powerful methods to create chords quickly in Cubase: using Chord Pads, Chord Tracks, and MIDI input. By incorporating these techniques into your workflow, you can enhance your music production skills and streamline the songwriting process. Don't hesitate to experiment and find the methods that work best for your creative style. Happy producing!