Groove Builder Online Help

1. Groove Parameters

The groove parameters allow you to change the length of your groove, the format (i.e. style) of your groove, and the number of chords played per measure.

Length - The length of your groove in measures (40 maximum)
Format - The format of the arrangement that is used when your groove is played back. Each format has its own characteristic musical elements, but there is some randomness applied.
Resolution - The number of chords played per measure. If you change this, you will see the number of chord slots in The Groove change. A selection of '2 chords/measure' means there are twice as many slots as '1 chord/measure' and chords in the groove will play twice as fast (this is often referred to as "harmonic rhythm").

2. Inserting Chords/Rests

Chords can be inserted into your groove by choosing the radio button that matches the root and the quality of your desired chord. Rests can be inserted by simply clicking "Insert Rest"

Inserting Chords - Find the root (i.e. C, Eb, A, etc.) of the desired chord in the columns provided. Then, find the quality (i.e. Major, Minor, Dim7, etc.) of the desired chord in the rows provided. If your desired quality is not 'Major' or 'Minor', you may need to find it in the drop-down menu. Click the radio button corresponding to the intersection of the desired root and quality. This chord will automatically be inserted into The Groove and the currently editable measure will advance to the next slot.
Inserting Rests - Simply click on the "Insert Rest" button. If your resolution is '1 chord/measure', then a whole note rest will be inserted into The Groove and the currently editable measure will advance to the next slot. If your resolution is '2 chords/measure', then a half note rest will be inserted into The Groove and the groove will be advanced.

3. Playback Parameters

Playback parameters allow you to adjust the individual volumes of instruments used for the arrangement, and to play all or any part of the groove

Volumes - All styles contain a guitar, bass, and drum part. You can change the volumes of any of these instruments to 100% (full volume), 75%, 50%, 25%, or 0% (no volume). These parameters allow you to effectively "mix" your groove.
Playback - The "Stop" and "Play" icons allow you to control the playback of your groove. The start and end measures let you specify a subset of the groove to playback.

4. The Groove

The groove displays the current progression comprising the groove. You can specify which measure to edit by clicking on that measure in the groove.

Current Slot - The currently editable slot is shown in blue. If you decide to insert a chord or rest, your selection will appear in this slot, and the slot will be advanced.
Changing Slot - You can change the currently editable slot by simply clicking on the slot you want to edit in the groove.