Which isomorphic note layout do you use with Launchpad controller and the like?

[Fannon]

Some MIDI controllers like the Novation Launchpad, Ableton Push, Linnstrument feature a note grid layout and how the notes are laid out can be changed.

I wonder what the experiences and preferences are for the layouts.
The Launchpad Pro MK3 starts with a chromatic layout that repeats every 5 pads. This resembles the layout of a guitar a bit. But you can also play it in scale mode and decide how many (2-5) notes you want to keep distance.

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My current view on it is: If you play chromatic, 5 pad distance makes sense. If you play with scale mode, 4 pad distance feels better to me, as I don't need to use the thumb for playing and that speeds it up a bit? It also reflects the layouts of typical 4x4 pad controllers better.

I noticed that DrivenByMoss uses 3 pad distance for scale layout.

What are your experiences and preferences?

[Tj Shredder]

Tritone layout. Gives you more notes and is visually much more clear. You can see the harmonies. I only light the A and C notes (less clutter). But this is for the Linnstrument, Sensel and Erae Touch… I never cared about this on my Launchpad mini for the lack of MPE, its better suited for launching…

[Fannon]

Tritone layout. Gives you more notes and is visually much more clear. You can see the harmonies. I only light the A and C notes (less clutter). But this is for the Linnstrument, Sensel and Erae Touch… I never cared about this on my Launchpad mini for the lack of MPE, its better suited for launching…

Ok, that's interesting. Not sure I can do this on the Launchpad without creating a custom mode. That means 6 half tones and then switch to next row?

[Tj Shredder]

Yes, the rows are a tritone apart, so two rows above you get the octave. Its a very clean layout…
You most likely need a mk3 and a custom mode. Just experiment with it, in the end its a personal choice. Most LinnStrumentalists still stick to the guitar/fourth layout…

[Fannon]

Yes, the rows are a tritone apart, so two rows above you get the octave. Its a very clean layout…
You most likely need a mk3 and a custom mode. Just experiment with it, in the end its a personal choice. Most LinnStrumentalists still stick to the guitar/fourth layout…

Thanks for your input! I've created a Tritone Layout now and I do see that this has a certain elegance and symmetry to it. On the Launchpad, I have issues with my rather short fingers to have the necessary reach. But the Linnstrument seems to have smaller spacing, so I can see how it fits even better there. It's a bit hard to judge this until you get some muscle memory for playing it.

In case anyone else want's to try it out, here is the custom mode:

Tritone Layout LP3Pro.zip

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I also noticed that when I play in scale mode, where non-scale notes are hidden, I prefer a 4 semitone layout, as the thumb is hindering me playing melody (for chords its fine, it can go a row below the other fingers..), so only 4 fingers reasonably left.