Seq66 Basic Tutorial Song Performance
Here, we discuss how to build a stand-alone song by laying out existing patterns. Pattern loops can be reused and transposed, as shown in the demo song `Kraftwerk-Europe_Endless-reconstructed.midi`. Or long tracks can be used, and played without a layout or with a simple layout, as in the demo song `b4uacuse-gm-patchless.midi`.
Pattern creation. The first step is to create a number of patterns to represent snippets of the song: drum loops (intro, main, bridge, etc.), bass loops, chord loops. Pattern arrangement. One has to decide at what measures each loop comes into play. It can help to create a text file that shows where each pattern will be played. Lay out the triggers. Each pattern's playback is represented by one or more triggers. See the annotated figure at the right. A trigger is created by entering edit mode (by the "hand" button), selecting a pattern and the starting location of the trigger, and dragging to the left to create as many repetitions of the loop as desired. Note that the drawing snaps to the selected snap value. Adjust the triggers. Once created, triggers can be moved, resized by grabbing and dragging a square handle at the left or right of the trigger, split in half by `Ctrl-left-click`, and deleted. Song mode. In the main window, click the Live button to turn on Song mode. Now playback will be controlled by the triggers. |
Song Editor Names and Triggers

A Seq66 song layout is a great way to set up a tune to play automatically, and to export it in a format other sequencers can read.