Looking for generative/algorithmic software with custom scales and chords
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- KVRist
- 325 posts since 25 Sep, 2007
I know this is a tall order (and I don't expect to get many replies, but that's ok) but I am looking for generative/algorithmic software that allows the user to create custom scales and chords. Most (if not all) of the programs I have come across only allow the user to use major, minor, diminished, and augmented chords (with alterations), but the user cannot create chords with arbitrary intervals that aren't major/minor scale related. For example, it would be great if the program would allow the user to build chords by midi note numbers (60, 62, 66). I realize that most programs would analyze this as a D7 chord without the fifth, but I don't want this kind of association to come into play (otherwise the program might add the fifth).
If anyone needs further explanation, feel free to ask.
If anyone needs further explanation, feel free to ask.
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- KVRist
- 298 posts since 22 Apr, 2008 from Waltham-st-Lawrence.
this any good, cheers Glyn.
https://sugar-bytes.de/nest
https://sugar-bytes.de/nest
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 325 posts since 25 Sep, 2007
It's interesting you brought that one up - I was just looking at it! I need to check it out further - I did pick up that you can create your own scales (which is definitely a step in the right direction). There are a couple of things that don't draw me to it initially - I'm not strong in modular design, and the music it produces (at least from the videos) gives me this meandering kind of feel (to which I don't have a strong affinity). But please, do keep the ideas coming!
- KVRAF
- 6542 posts since 9 Dec, 2008 from Berlin
https://www.bespokesynth.com will get a full microtonal and non-standard-scale equipment in the next updates as I understand it from their Discord. Tons of generative options, python scripting, open source...
Standalone at the moment but a VST version is talked about for the future.
Cheers,
Tom
Standalone at the moment but a VST version is talked about for the future.
Cheers,
Tom
"Out beyond the ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there." · Rumi
UrbanFlow.art · Instagram · YouTube
UrbanFlow.art · Instagram · YouTube
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 325 posts since 25 Sep, 2007
Actually, it's the microtonal aspect why I brought up this whole topic. I'll have to check out the standalone - if it can do midi export that might work ok for now. Will definitely check it out - thanks for the suggestion!
- KVRist
- 178 posts since 11 Mar, 2021 from Romania
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 325 posts since 25 Sep, 2007
Wow. Many more ideas than I thought I would get! From the suggestions so far, it's starting to look like I might have to bite the modular bullet to get the result I want. Hoping for some non-modular programs though.
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- Banned
- 2524 posts since 4 Jul, 2019
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- KVRist
- 245 posts since 11 May, 2014
This is a bare minimum example of what Wotja21 can do.terriandralph wrote: Sat Oct 02, 2021 6:11 pm I know this is a tall order (and I don't expect to get many replies, but that's ok) but I am looking for generative/algorithmic software that allows the user to create custom scales and chords. Most (if not all) of the programs I have come across only allow the user to use major, minor, diminished, and augmented chords (with alterations), but the user cannot create chords with arbitrary intervals that aren't major/minor scale related. For example, it would be great if the program would allow the user to build chords by midi note numbers (60, 62, 66). I realize that most programs would analyze this as a D7 chord without the fifth, but I don't want this kind of association to come into play (otherwise the program might add the fifth).
If anyone needs further explanation, feel free to ask.
You can add new objects and cable them as well as customize alot of settings.

Check it out here.
Intermorphic
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 325 posts since 25 Sep, 2007
It's interesting you mentioned Wotja. I have looked at Wotja and NoatiklI, and even thought about trying to find a copy of Koan Pro (but I don't know if it would even run properly on Windows 10). Are you pretty familiar with its capabilities regarding custom scales and chords?
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- Banned
- 2524 posts since 4 Jul, 2019
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- KVRist
- 245 posts since 11 May, 2014
Wotja uses notes following rules.terriandralph wrote: Sun Oct 03, 2021 9:04 pm It's interesting you mentioned Wotja. I have looked at Wotja and NoatiklI, and even thought about trying to find a copy of Koan Pro (but I don't know if it would even run properly on Windows 10). Are you pretty familiar with its capabilities regarding custom scales and chords?
If I play outside of Wotja regarding any scale, I can stay in the scale but it probably wouldn't have a constant music tonality. That's what Wotja does when using the rules that you setup.
Not sure why you even brought up Koan Pro, while the website references that as the origin of Wotja, there is no support let alone being able to purchase it.
Wotja Pro 21 is the latest version.
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- Banned
- 2524 posts since 4 Jul, 2019
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 325 posts since 25 Sep, 2007
Yeah you're probably right about Koan Pro - I guess I kind of got hung up on the fact that Brian Eno was able to do a whole album with it (which says something for the quality of the program). However, I haven't been able to hear any of the album, and as I mentioned earlier in this thread, I'm looking for a program that creates music that doesn't have a meandering sound to it (ambient, dreamy). I have nothing against that kind of music, I just tend to like composing pieces more in a pop/rock/progressive style.
One program that sort of has the format I would like to find is the Captain plugins. There is a Captain Melody and Captain Chords plugin that works together in a way I would like to find that would incorporate custom scales and chords.
One program that sort of has the format I would like to find is the Captain plugins. There is a Captain Melody and Captain Chords plugin that works together in a way I would like to find that would incorporate custom scales and chords.