Audiomodern Chordjam is a versatile MIDI plugin designed to generate chords and progression patterns through user-guided randomization. Available for Mac, Windows, and iPad, Chordjam offers a unique approach to chord creation and sequencing. The plugin allows users to choose from various scale types, chord types, voicing parameters, rhythms, and progressions, or utilize its powerful sequencer to create unlimited progression patterns based on customizable settings. Chordjam’s interface is divided into three main sections: chord creation, sequencer, and pads. The chord creation section enables users to select keys, scales, and chord types, while the sequencer allows for the arrangement of chord sequences and arpeggiation. The pads section provides 16 assignable slots for storing and triggering chords or arpeggios. Chordjam supports MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE), allowing for polyphonic portamento and gliding chords, enhancing its expressive capabilities. The plugin is designed to integrate seamlessly with any software or hardware that accepts MIDI signals, making it a versatile tool for various music production setups.
Pros:
• Intuitive user-guided randomization for chord and progression creation
• Extensive customization options for scales, chord types, and voicings
• MPE support for enhanced expressiveness and chord transitions
• Flexible sequencer with arpeggiator functionality
• Ability to create, import, and export personalized chord packs
Cons:
• Learning curve may be steep for users unfamiliar with music theory concepts
• Limited to MIDI output, requiring additional instruments or plugins for sound generation
Chordjam’s features are comprehensive and well-thought-out, catering to both novice and experienced music producers. The chord creation section offers 54 chord shapes and a wide range of scales, allowing users to explore various harmonic possibilities. The plugin’s randomization capabilities are particularly noteworthy, with options to randomize individual elements or entire chord progressions. Users can set ranges for randomization, ensuring that the generated chords remain within desired parameters.
The sequencer section is equally robust, offering a “robot” mode that automatically generates patterns based on user-defined guidelines. This feature is particularly useful for sparking creativity and overcoming writer’s block. The sequencer also includes an arpeggiator, adding rhythmic variety to chord progressions.
Chordjam’s MPE support is a standout feature, enabling polyphonic portamento between chords. This functionality allows for smooth transitions and expressive performances, especially when used with MPE-compatible instruments. The implementation of MPE in Chordjam adds a layer of depth to its chord generation capabilities, setting it apart from many other chord generator plugins.
The pads section provides a performance-oriented interface, allowing users to assign and trigger chords or arpeggios in real-time. This feature is particularly useful for live performances or quick idea sketching during production sessions.
Chordjam also includes a chord detection system, which can analyze audio samples to suggest possible chord types and scales. This feature can be invaluable for transcription or for understanding the harmonic content of existing music.
The plugin’s preset system has been overhauled in version 1.5, introducing the concept of “packs.” Users can now create custom collections of MIDI progressions, complete with bespoke artwork. This feature enhances organization and sharing capabilities, making it easier for users to manage their chord progressions and share them with others.
Chordjam’s MIDI drag-and-drop functionality allows users to easily export generated chord progressions to their DAW for further editing or arrangement. The plugin also offers advanced MIDI CC mapping, enabling deep integration with hardware controllers for hands-on manipulation of parameters.
When compared to similar plugins, Chordjam stands out for its focus on user-guided randomization and its comprehensive approach to chord generation. While plugins like Scaler 2 offer chord suggestions based on music theory rules, Chordjam takes a more experimental approach, encouraging users to explore unexpected harmonic territories. Captain Chords, another popular chord generator, provides a more traditional approach to chord progression creation, while Chordjam’s randomization features can lead to more unconventional and surprising results. Chordjam’s sequencer and arpeggiator functionalities are more advanced than many of its competitors, offering greater control over rhythm and note patterns. The inclusion of MPE support also sets Chordjam apart, as this feature is not commonly found in chord generator plugins. However, Chordjam is primarily a MIDI generator and does not include its own sound engine. This contrasts with some all-in-one solutions that provide both chord generation and synthesizer capabilities. Users will need to pair Chordjam with other instruments or plugins to generate audio output.
This plugin is best for:
• Producers seeking inspiration for unique chord progressions
• Composers looking to explore unconventional harmonic territories
• Electronic musicians interested in MPE-enabled expressive performances
• Songwriters wanting to quickly generate and experiment with chord sequences
• Music producers who prefer a randomization-based approach to chord creation
Audiomodern Chordjam is a powerful and innovative MIDI plugin that offers a fresh approach to chord and progression generation. Its user-guided randomization system provides a balance between control and unpredictability, making it an excellent tool for sparking creativity and overcoming writer’s block. The plugin’s extensive customization options, coupled with its intuitive interface, allow users to tailor the output to their specific needs while maintaining musical coherence. The addition of MPE support enhances its expressive capabilities, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles and performance techniques. The potential for creating unique and complex chord structures makes Chordjam a valuable asset in any producer’s toolkit. Its ability to generate infinite variations of chord progressions, combined with the flexibility to fine-tune and save favorite results, makes it a versatile tool for both composition and live performance. Whether used as a starting point for new ideas or as a means to add harmonic complexity to existing compositions, Chordjam offers a unique and powerful solution for modern music production.