Hi pals
After many tries I found a way to have zillions of amazing riffs using 2 Scaler instances with UJAM Sparkle
All started looking at the Carlos video, but he used just one instance to feed Style Phrases and Chords, while I wanted having one Scaler feeding “Common Phrases” and another Scaler feeding “Style Phrases and Chords” for more variations and here I explain how
Here is the whole picture
The Ableton routing isolated and enlarged
The reason why I was unable to find the correct setting yesterday, is the evil “Stop” button of UJAM Sparkle (also in AAS Strum GS BTW)!
So today I used a MIDI Polysher to block it (the black X), and also to have notes from 1st Scaler don’t hitting the “Chord” area
And now some tips about Scaler settings
With the 1st Scaler feeding “Style Phrases and Chords” you don’t need a particular grouping: all work and introduce different variations
To find riffs you need auditing “Performances” and all them work, even arpeggios!
Then you’ll use the MIDI Polysher transposer to move the key ranges back and forward until you listen some cool stuff jumping out
At the same time, with the 2nd Scaler feeding “Chords” you should use the C3-B4 grouping as mentioned by Carlos, then you’ll use the MIDI Polysher transposer to move the key ranges back and forward until you listen some cool stuff, but don’t use Performances with this Scaler instance, because UJAM Sparkle wants just chords here
I was forgetting one important thing about chords in the 2 Scalers
GASP
You can use any series of chords for 2nd Scaler, but the chords used in the 1st Scaler can be totally different (even in number) because they just serve to create the swing/syncopation and to change Phrases and Style
Another tip: using Chord (below Phrases) makes riffs more melodic, while Scale makes riffs more aggressive, syncopated
Well, I think that’s all for now
If I’ll find other tips I’ll share them later or tomorrow
BTW I still cannot accept Carlos passed away: can you picture him adding useful tips and insight to this post?