← Back to Motivic MIDI
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my DAW name chords differently than Motivic MIDI?
If you connect Motivic MIDI to a DAW like GarageBand or Logic, you might trigger a Dm9 in the app, but your DAW calls it an Fmaj7(13). Is the app generating the wrong notes?
Not at all! This happens because Motivic MIDI and your DAW look at harmony in two completely different ways:
- Motivic MIDI is built on music theory, in a specific context: The app generates chords based on their theoretical function within a scale. It knows you want a Dm9 based on the tonal center you've selected.
- DAWs might be operating in a different context: A DAW doesn't know automatically what scale or key Motivic MIDI is working in; it only looks at the exact physical MIDI notes being played and usually assumes the lowest note is the Root.
The Two Rules of the Motivic Engine
To make your chords sound professional, clear, and playable, Motivic MIDI applies two common techniques used by session keyboardists:
- Omission Rules (Dropping Some Notes): When playing highly extended chords (like 9ths), stacking every single note creates a dense sound. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I decided to try to keep this app's chord-generating abilities reasonably limited. Motivic MIDI automatically drops the "Perfect 5th" from these chords to free up sonic space. If you drop the 5th (A) from a standard Dm9 chord, you are left with the core identifying tones: D-F-C-E.
- Voice Leading (Inversions): The app frequently uses inversions to create smooth, musical transitions. If that D-F-C-E chord is played in 1st Inversion, the D moves up an octave, leaving the F at the bottom: F-C-E-D.
When your DAW receives those physical MIDI events (F-C-E-D), it sees an F in the bass and calculates the math upward. It sees a Root, a Perfect 5th, a Major 7th, and a 13th. Therefore, it correctly labels the physical keys as an Fmaj7(13).
Both names are correct, as Obi Wan says, "from a certain point of view." Motivic MIDI tells you the harmonic function and intent, while your DAW tells you the literal physical layout.
How does Motivic MIDI generate its progressions? Is it just random?
Motivic MIDI doesn't use pure randomness; it uses constrained mathematical generation.
Here is the four-step generative (semi-random?) process that happens every time you press the "Regenerate" button:
- 1. The Boundaries: You set the guardrails. You choose the Key and Scale, and then use the Generation Settings to decide what the app is allowed to use (e.g., "Only allow 7th and 9th chords," or "Only allow Arpeggios").
- 2. The Semi-Randomization: The app selects four random scale degrees (for example: the 2nd, 5th, 1st, and 6th notes of your scale) and assigns your allowed variations (like voicings and rhythms) to each pad.
- 3. The Harmonic Math: The app calculates the theoretical traits those chords based strictly on your chosen scale. It automatically applies omission rules (e.g., sometimes dropping notes) and voice-leading (shifting notes up or down an octave) so the progression stays in a comfortable, playable register.
- 4. The Performance: Finally, a temporal sequencer takes that stack of notes and applies your chosen rhythm (like a Roll or an Arpeggio) before sending it to the audio engine and the MIDI output.
The result is a progression that is surprising and unique every time, but always mathematically guaranteed to sound musical and stay within your chosen harmonic constraints.