Pattern creation basics in Logic Pro

Using Step Sequencer, you can create rhythm-based drum patterns and note-based instrument patterns using any available software instrument. You can start with an empty pattern, or use an existing pattern or template as a starting point.

You create a pattern by turning steps on and off, modifying the sound and duration of steps using edit modes, and editing aspects of the overall pattern, including the pattern length, the step rate for the pattern, and the pattern key. You can increase the number of notes or drum sounds in a pattern by adding rows and choosing the row assignment. By activating Learn mode, you can quickly add rows by playing notes or manipulating automation parameters.

Create an empty pattern region in the Tracks area

In Logic Pro, Control-click in an empty software instrument track, then choose Create Pattern Region from the shortcut menu.
In Logic Pro, select an empty software instrument region, click the Step Sequencer tab in the Editors area, then click a step in the step grid.
Note: When you select a MIDI region or MIDI cell, the editor that appears in the Editors area is the editor last used for a MIDI region or MIDI cell. After you work with a pattern region or cell, the next time you click in a new cell, the Step Sequencer editor is available in the Editors area, so you can start editing steps without first creating an empty pattern cell.

Create an empty pattern cell in the Live Loops grid

In Logic Pro, select an empty software instrument cell, click the Step Sequencer tab in the Editors area, then click a step in the step grid.
Note: When you select a MIDI region or MIDI cell, the editor that appears in the Editors area is the editor last used for a MIDI region or MIDI cell. After you work with a pattern region or cell, the next time you click in a new cell, the Step Sequencer editor is available in the Editors area, so you can start editing steps without first creating an empty pattern cell.
Control-click an empty software instrument cell in the Live Loops grid, then choose Create Pattern Cell from the shortcut menu.

Turn steps on or off

In Logic Pro, with the Edit Mode selector set to Step On/Off, click an inactive step in the grid to turn it on.
Click an active step to turn it off.

Enter steps monophonically

Using Mono mode, you can easily create monophonic lines by suppressing the creation of more than one note per step position. When you turn on a step, and another step is already active at the same vertical position, the previously active step is turned off. This can be useful, for example, when creating patterns for a monophonic instrument.

Turning on Mono mode will not turn off steps that are already active, but once you activate a new step, Step Sequencer turns off all other active steps at the same step position.

When Mono mode is active, triggering Randomize All Step On/Off Row Values respects the Mono mode setting, so that no notes are created at the same step position.

To turn on Mono mode, click the Mono Mode button in the Step Sequencer menu bar.

Preview a pattern

In Logic Pro, with the project stopped, click the Preview button in the Step Sequencer menu bar.
Click the Preview button again to stop the pattern playing.

Add a row

You can add a row, and choose the pitch (for note rows) or automation parameter (for automation rows) directly from the Add Row pop-up menu. You can also add rows using Learn mode.

In the Step Sequencer menu bar, choose one of the following from the Add Row pop-up menu :
- To add a note row: Choose Notes, then do one of the following:
  - Choose a fixed pitch or a drum sound for the row from the Notes submenu.
  - Choose Melodic if you plan to add a note row with steps set to different pitches.
    When you add a Melodic row, Note and Octave subrows are created for the row by default.
- To add an automation row: Choose Automation, then choose the automation parameter for the row from one of the submenus.
- To activate Learn mode: Choose Learn, then follow the steps described in Add rows using Learn (Add) mode.
After adding a row, you can turn steps on or off, and edit other settings using edit modes.

Add rows using Learn (Add) mode

You can add rows by playing MIDI notes or manipulating automatable parameters using Learn mode. When Learn (Add) mode is active, Step Sequencer creates a new note row for any played MIDI note for which a row does not already exist. Similarly, it creates a new automation row for any received parameter controller event for which a row does not exist. Learn (Add) mode simplifies the process of creating a step grid with the notes, drum sounds, and automation parameters you want to use in your pattern.

To activate Learn (Add) mode, choose Learn (Add) from the Add Row pop-up menu .
While Learn (Add) mode is active, a red Learn button appears in place of the Add Row pop-up menu.
Do either of the following:
- To add note rows: Play notes on a connected MIDI keyboard or other MIDI controller.
- To add automation rows: Manipulate a control for an automatable parameter, either in Logic Pro or using a connected MIDI controller.
To turn off Learn mode, click the Learn button.

After adding a row, you can turn steps on or off, and edit other settings using edit modes.

Reassign rows using Learn (Assign) mode

You can reassign existing rows by playing MIDI notes or manipulating automatable parameters using Learn (Assign) mode. When Learn (Assign) mode is active, Step Sequencer reassigns the selected row to match any played MIDI note for which a row does not already exist, or to match any received parameter controller event for which a row does not exist.

To activate Learn (Assign) mode, choose Learn (Assign) from the Add Row pop-up menu .
While Learn (Assign) mode is active, an amber Learn button appears in place of the Add Row pop-up menu.
Select the row you want to reassign.
Do either of the following:
- To reassign a note row: Play notes on a connected MIDI keyboard or other MIDI controller.
- To reassign an automation row: Manipulate a control for an automatable parameter, either in Logic Pro or using a connected MIDI controller.
To turn off Learn (Assign) mode, click the Learn button.

After adding a row, you can turn steps on or off, and edit other settings using edit modes.

Step Sequencer provides many controls and functions for working with patterns. You can modify pattern playback, edit steps and rows, and edit pattern, row, and step settings in the Step Sequencer inspector. You can also customize different aspects of Step Sequencer to suit your workflow, see Customize the Step Sequencer interface.

Logic Pro User Guide: Apple Books | PDF

Logic Pro Instruments: Apple Books | PDF

Logic Pro Effects: Apple Books | PDF

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