Tips for using the Piano roll and sounding unique with your instruments
In this recipe, we will uncover valuable tips and techniques for using FL Studio’s Piano roll to its fullest potential. The Piano roll is a powerful tool that allows you to create unique melodies, chords, and harmonies while shaping and manipulating your instruments’ sounds. By incorporating these tips into your production workflow, you will be able to craft distinctive and original musical compositions that stand out from the crowd.
Getting ready
- FL Studio software
- Virtual instruments loaded in FL Studio
- Basic understanding of music theory
How to do it
- Experiment with different scales and modes in the Piano roll. By selecting unconventional scales or modes, you can create unique and unexpected musical phrases that add a fresh dimension to your compositions.
- Explore the use of chord progressions that venture beyond traditional major and minor chords. Experiment with extended chords, such as seventh chords, ninth chords, or suspended chords, to add complexity and richness to your harmonies.
- Utilize the Piano roll’s features to create complex rhythmic patterns. Experiment with different note durations, triplet or swing settings, and ghost notes to add groove and syncopation to your melodies:
Figure 2.8: Compiling different instruments to make your sound unique
- Don’t be limited to the standard piano sound. Experiment with different virtual instruments and sound libraries to find unique and distinctive sounds that match your musical vision.
- Dive into the modulation and automation capabilities of FL Studio to add depth and movement to your instrument sounds. Explore parameters such as pitch, filter cutoff, modulation, and effects to shape and evolve your sound over time:
Figure 2.9: Different automations connected to different instruments
- Experiment with layering different instruments and sounds. Blend contrasting timbres and textures to create interesting and innovative combinations that give your compositions a distinct character:
Figure 2.10: Compilation of three different layers for the Lead to make it sound unique
- Explore the use of effects in the Mixer to enhance and transform your instrument sounds. Experiment with reverb, delay, distortion, and other effects to add depth, space, and character to your sound palette:
Figure 2.11: How to arpeggiate in the Piano roll
- Utilize the Piano roll’s tools and functions, such as the quantization feature, to refine the timing and accuracy of your MIDI notes. This will ensure that your melodies and chords are played with precision and clarity.
Take advantage of FL Studio’s built-in arpeggiator plugins to create captivating arpeggios and patterns:
Figure 2.12: Arpeggiator options
- Consider incorporating real-time MIDI controllers, such as MIDI keyboards or MIDI drum pads, into your production process. This will allow you to perform and record expressive and dynamic MIDI sequences, adding a human touch to your compositions.
- Embrace experimentation, and don’t be afraid to break the rules. FL Studio offers a vast array of tools and possibilities, so feel free to explore unconventional techniques and push the boundaries of your creativity.
There’s more
- Save and organize your custom presets, including instrument settings, effects chains, and MIDI templates. This will allow you to easily recall your favorite sounds and configurations in future projects.
- Utilize FL Studio’s MIDI scripting capabilities to create custom MIDI mappings and macros, enabling you to control multiple parameters and functions simultaneously for a unique and efficient workflow.
- Collaborate with other musicians and producers to gain fresh perspectives and inspiration. Share MIDI files, presets, and techniques to exchange ideas and learn from each other’s creative processes.
Congratulations! You have explored valuable tips and techniques for using the Piano roll in FL Studio and creating unique sounds with your instruments. By incorporating these techniques into your production workflow, you have learned how to craft distinctive melodies, chords, and harmonies while shaping and manipulating your instrument sounds to achieve a unique musical identity. Remember to experiment, embrace creativity, and continue to refine your skills as you embark on your musical journey.