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The restriction in using a chord root between 1C and 2B on each chord level, coupled with the restriction of a two-octave span on each level, limits you to a mid-range chord for each level. This does not mean the actual range of pattern notes played by an instrument is limited to the middle range. In DirectMusic Producer, the note 2C is considered as a nontransposing value, not as a specific pitch C in a particular octave. In most situations, a chord with a root of 2C acts as a nontransposing chord for the notes of a pattern.
Because patterns are typically created using a 2C major chord for composition, notes in the various instrument parts of the pattern usually remain in their original ranges when they encounter a 2C chord. If a pattern encounters a 1C chord, the pattern notes are transposed an octave lower. If a pattern encounters a 1F chord, notes are transposed down a fifth.
If the pattern encounters a 3C chord, the notes are transposed up an octave. Likewise, a 2D chord transposes pattern notes up one step, while a 3D chord transposes pattern notes up one octave and a step. Of course, if the original pattern is created using a chord for composition other than 2C major, the pattern notes transpose differently as they encounter chords.
To avoid having notes transpose at large intervals from their positions, and potentially beyond the typical range of the instrument playing the part, design each chord level on the Chord/Scale Tab using a chord root that is as close as possible to 2C. For example, to create a Bb dominant 7 chord with multiple extensions, you might design it as shown in the following illustration.
The figure shows the properties of a chord called 1Bb 7b9#9#1113. This is considered a complex chord. For more information, see Simple and Complex Chord Structures.
The chord has the following properties:
The chord contains the pitches shown in the following table.
Chord step | Equivalent pitch |
Root (1 Bb) | Bb |
3rd | D |
5th | F |
b7 | Ab |
b9 | Cb |
#9 | C# (Db) |
#11 | #11 (Fb) |
13 | G |
The behavior of a pattern as it encounters this 1Bb7b9#9#1113 chord depends on several factors. The main factors are whether a pattern is created using a 2C major chord for composition, and whether instrument parts in the pattern are set to use levels 2, 3, or 4 of a chord.
For an example of the different ways chord level assignments can affect the notes in a part, see Chord Level Effects.