Magical Music Chord Player
Manual
Preface:
I developed the Magical Musical Chord Player years ago, initially for a song writing friend whose speciality was lyrics, but was a little weak in music knowledge. I was told it was very useful so I have decided to offer it to others. I hope you find it as useful, and good luck with all of your musical ventures. Remember: Be persistent, you may get many rejections but you only need one yes to begin building your success.
The Player:
The Magical Musical Chord Player is designed for people who want to make computer music, instrumentals or backgrounds for demos, but do not have extensive music training. Songs are made of chord progressions. Usually about 3 to 6 chords that sound good in a sequence. The MMCP is for those who do not know the many musical chords and how they sound. With the MMCP you can instantly hear different chords played, 198 to be exact.
The MMCP will play on your computer with any flash player or web browser (off-line)with flash enabled. It can be resized like any window. You can have it to the side while you use your music software or sequencer. Or you can use it by itself and listen to countless chord combinations to find the ones you want to use in your song. The MMCP plays chords on the octave above and below middle C. These were chosen because they are the most used, and for listening clarity. Of course, your desired chosen chord combinations can be played on any octave in your song. For the 7 root keys and there sharps & flats you have 11 different chords: the major, minor, 7th, minor 7th, major 7th, 6th, sustained 2nd, sustained 4th, diminished, diminished 7th argumented.
To use the MMCP simply put your cursor over the chord picture and left click. The chord player not only tells you what the chord is but gives you the keyboard fingering, to play it on a piano, midi or sampler keyboard.
The red arrow on the left is a toggle for the continuation of the player to 6 more notes in the octave above middle C.
Basic instructions and contact links are on the second screen of the player found through the INFO button (bottom right).
Appendix :
Song structure
Most of todays popular songs follow one of these structure formats
Verse - Chorus - Verse - Chorus - Bridge - Chorus
Verse - Chorus - Verse - Chorus - Verse - Chorus
Verse - Chorus - Verse - Chorus
Verse - Verse - Bridge - Verse
The Verses, Choruses and Bridges are made up of usually 2 to 4 chords that sound good together. The verses chords stay the same but, of course, the lyrics or instrument lead changes. The chorus chords and vocal / instrument lead stay the same. The chord combinations of each part of the song are called a melody. They are chosen to compliment the other parts. The bridge chords often represent the biggest change, to or from a sharp or flat, for example.
These formats may be the most common but there are other variations. If you are a beginner I suggest you stay with what is proven to work. It is quite common to add a musical introduction to a song. As a rule introductions should be kept short.
Resources and experience equals success.
