Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII [62/89] The pads two chord modes

6.3. The pads: two Chord modes

The Chord Memory and Chord Transpose buttons allow the pads to do very different things.

Both features are available in all three of the main modes (AL, DAW and User), and each

main mode has its own set of 32 chords available (16 for Chord Memory and 16 for Chord

Transpose).

We've included a set of preset chords in each Chord mode so you can start making music

immediately. But you can also create and store your own chords on the pads.

The creation and storage procedures are the same for each Chord mode, so we'll cover

them both in the sections that follow. The results are very different, though. For a

comparison of all three Chord modes, read the section Three ways to play chords [p.54]

earlier in this chapter.

6.3.1. Pad Chord modes: Many uses

6.3.1.1. Chord Memory feature

The most obvious use of the Chord Memory feature is to play chords on the pads. You can

use both hands to do this, for example, or you can trigger chords with your left hand and

play a melody on the keyboard with your right hand.

A chord doesn't have to contain three or more notes, either. You can record two notes an

octave apart and trigger some fat bass notes from the pads.

6.3.1.2. Chord Transpose feature

The Chord Transpose feature is similar to the Chord Memory feature in that it allows you

to create and store 16 chords on the pads. But in this case the pads are used to recall

chords for the keyboard to play. Remember, the Chord button must be enabled for the Chord

Transpose feature to work.

With those things in mind, there are some great applications for the Chord Transpose

feature. You can:

• Build simple chords or complex ones (up to 6 notes)

• Utilize the harmonic series to try different combinations of overtones for

interesting lead sounds

• Enter the notes of several Barre chords on different pads and trigger a variety of

power chords with one key.

However you choose to use the Chord Transpose feature, you can then recall these chords

with your left hand and play them monophonically with your right hand.

57 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - Chord mode