Scaler 2 Modulation Masterclass

Plugin Boutique’s incredible plugin Scaler 2 is an essential tool for any producer wanting easier and faster tracks to creating chords progressions, melodies and basslines in any key. The comprehensive modulation section also provides a number of modes for making chords sequences more exciting and dramatic, as well as helping transpose to different keys. This course explores each of the modulations modes, whilst providing complete workflows in 4 different musical genres: Neo-Soul, Pop, Indie Dance and Drum & Bass.

Sample Module - Scaler Progression Mode

Course Breakdown

Module 1 - Progression Mode 

Rob creates a Neo-Soul groove, by first coming up with a jazzy chord hook and then using progression mode to choose and then modulate to a new key, working out additional chords for seamlessly transitioning from one key to the next. Multiple instances of Scaler are used to sequence samplers in Live so that MIDI notes for organ, bass and guitar can all be recorded into the arrangement.

• Lesson 1 - Creating the Chords Hook
• Lesson 2 - Working out keys in Progression Mode
• Lesson 3 - Arranging Sounds and Adding Transitions

Module 2 - Secondary Scale Mode

Secondary scale mode is used from the outset to jam with sounds in different keys until a suitable combination is found for making a Pop-style track. A hook is then created in original and destination keys by utilising secondary dominants. Parts are then sequenced in the arrangement to lay out a verse and chorus, with 2 different techniques for creating melodies shown at the end of the module.

• Lesson 1 - Jamming with keys in Secondary Scale Mode
• Lesson 2 - Creating Hooks using Secondary Dominants
• Lesson 3 - Arranging Parts
• Lesson 4 - Techniques for Making Melodies

Module 3 - Modal Interchange Mode

Rob shows how modal interchange mode can be used to come up with interesting patterns that incorporate borrowed chords, either starting with chords and then adding bass, or working in the other direction. Sounds are then sequenced in the arrangement to form an Indie Dance groove.

• Lesson 1 - Modal Interchange Mode

Module 4 - Mediants and Neo-Riemannian Modes 

The final 2 modulation modes in Scaler are used to come up with chords for drop and breakdown sections of a DnB track. Mediants are used initially for the main chords, so that synth and bass sounds can be sequenced within Scaler, after which Neo-Riemannian is used to sequence strings and a sub instrument in Live, to form a contrasting intro or breakdown.

• Lesson 1 - Mediants Mode
• Lesson 2 - Neo-Riemannian Mode

Features

• Over 2.5 hours of Streamed Tutorials
• 24 / 7 / 365 Access
• 4 Ableton Live Projects
• Included Samples, MIDI Patterns and Scaler Sessions

System Requirements

• An internet connection is required to stream the modules in this course.

Please Note: The modules included in this online guide can be streamed within the Courses section of your account area and are not available to download.