Recording - April 2015 - 40

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RECORDING April 2015

Looping chords and mapping out the song
Even before I get to the sequencing options on my arranger keyboard, the Pa3X
offers a type of mini Chord Sequencer that allows me to quickly create a loop of
repeating chord changes. Now I can experiment with a melody and some keyboard counterpoints as the bass and drums continue to march through the chord
progression I played. Here is where I really start to build my ideas up into verses
and refrains, and where my melodic lines and solos start to fall into place.
Now that I have worked out some changes and melodies, it's time to start
using the onboard sequencer to build an outline, or a structure, for my song.
The sequencer in the Korg Pa3X is a single sequencer, but it can be addressed
in three ways (as shown in Photo 2). The first is using the Multitrack Sequencer
mode; this is a linear 16-track MIDI sequencer, similar to other workstation products. The second is by using the Quick Record Backing Sequencer mode, which
records each part (or instrument) to a separate track as the style plays. The third
is the Step Backing Sequencer mode, providing a step-by-step edit mode for the
backing sequencer, which we will discuss shortly.
Here, I use the Quick Record Backing Sequencer mode to capture the drums, percussion, bass, and other instruments contained in the style in a single pass. At this point,
I will not be playing anything with my right hand. I will use my left hand to enter the
chords, and with my right hand I will trigger drum fills and breaks, go from variation
to variation, and can end the song with an ending flourish or a fade. Hopefully I play
and capture everything correctly in one or two takes. If not? Read on.
Step editing and chord substitutions
In the Step Backing Sequencer mode, I can add, remove, or relocate any of
the fills or breaks; I can change where and when variations occur; plus I can
substitute, edit, add, or delete any of the chords (see Photo 3). I love this feature! If I have learned anything from listening to my favorite songwriters (Aimee
Mann and Gary Brooker come to mind), it is a remarkable attention to how
melody and vocal lines can add change, complete, or add tension to the basic
chords. The amazing thing about using an arranger keyboard sequencer in this
way is that all I need to do is change the chord once. When I do, it automatically rewrites the bass line, plus any guitar, organ, piano, string, or brass parts
being generated by the style, all in a single action.
Deciding to change the chords on a traditional DAW, audio recorder, or MIDI
sequencer would involve me replaying each individual part. This Chord Editing feature can be a real time saver, and can encourage more experimentation with different chord tonalities and flavors. Each version I create can be saved as a separate song, so I can pick the one I like best at any time. In addition to changing the
chord, I can also choose which note is being used as the bass note of the chord.
Tip #2 for non-keyboardists: Using the Step Backing Sequencer edit mode, you can
type in the chord changes, add the fills, and switch between variations without ever
touching the keyboard (as shown in Photo 4). It may take a little time, but if you jot
down the changes first, it makes it very easy to create a finished backing track for your
song, while providing a strong foundation for you to play your instrument or sing along.
Adding extra parts and sections
As long as I recorded my first pass using MIDI clock to sync the keyboard and
my DAW, I can once again strip away the other parts of a new style to isolate the
instrument(s) I want. For example, I can now find an R & B or Funk style and mute
everything but the horn section voices. All I need to do is return to the step-editing
screen and at the first event change the name of the style, and then run the backing sequencer again using this new style. The chord changes, variations, and location of the fills remain the same. Now I don't have to write out or arrange the horn
parts-I can just fly them in. This is a great shortcut if I know I want to hear how
this tune would sound with horns, strings, or a juicy B3 organ.
The Pa3X also has four pads. Each one can be assigned an additional part-
a tambourine pattern, a single sound effect, a guitar pattern, a piano arpeggio,
an organ comping pattern, etc., as shown in Photo 5. This is a convenient feature that allows me to add a little extra drama at just the right point in the song.
Like everything else in an arranger keyboard, these patterns move at the right
tempo and can transpose to match the chord changes. If you've written a killer
hook, you can even record it to one of the pads, allowing you to drop the
phrase in right where you need it. Just remember to keep the keyboard and your
DAW synchronized by MIDI clock!

Recording - April 2015

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