Pamela's Pro Workout Euclidean Sequencing Tutorial
CREATE AN INSTANT GROOVE
If you are looking for some inspiration you should check out Euclidean sequencing. Euclidean sequencing is a great way to organize and arrange drum beats and percussion patterns in electronic music production. It was named after the famous Greek mathematician Euclid, who is known for his work on geometry and math. But don't worry, you don't have to be a math genius to use Euclidean sequencing!
Euclidean sequencing was developed and popularized by the musician and computer programmer Brian Eno in the 1970s. He wanted to create music that was both mathematically interesting and pleasing to the ears, so he used Euclidean geometry as a basis for his compositions. He even made a software program called "Euclidean Rhythms" that used Euclidean principles to create unique drum patterns.
Euclidean sequencing has since become a widely used technique in electronic music production, and it has been adopted and adapted by many other musicians and producers. It is often used to create intricate and unconventional rhythms that are difficult to achieve with traditional sequencing techniques.
In Euclidean sequencing, a series of evenly spaced "pulses" or "events" are arranged around a circle or loop, with each pulse (event) representing a beat or hit. The number of pulses and the spacing between them can be varied to create different rhythms. The big takeaway here is Euclidean sequencing generates patterns based on step length and spacing events as evenly as possible across the step length.
To create a more complex rhythm, the pulses can be arranged in a non-uniform pattern, with some pulses closer together and others farther apart. The resulting rhythm will be more complex and varied, with some beats occurring more frequently than others.
EXAMPLE 1: if there are 4 pulses arranged around a loop length of 8, and the pulses are evenly spaced, the resulting rhythm would be a 4-beat pattern.
EXAMPLE 2: if there are 5 pulses or events arranged around a loop length of 8 this would create a more rhythmically complex rhythm.
Pamela’s PRO Workout is a powerful tool for generating melodies and rhythms through Euclidean sequencing. It allows users to map Euclidean patterns onto an output and skip steps when they are not a hit. This allows for the creation of complex and unconventional rhythms that are difficult to achieve with traditional sequencing techniques.
There are three main parameters available for setting up a pattern in Pamela: EStep, ETrig, and ERot. EStep sets the number of steps used for a full Euclidean pattern, while ETrig sets the number of triggers or events for Euclidean pattern generation. It's important to note that the number of triggers must be less than the number of steps. ERot allows users to rotate the defined Euclidean pattern by a specified number of steps.
In addition to these parameters, Pamela also offers a RSkip setting, which determines the percentage likelihood of a step being completely skipped. When used in conjunction with the Loop parameter, RSkip can be used to build rhythmic loops.
The Loop parameter specifies the number of actual beats or events (not steps) at which the output is reset, allowing users to loop both the random waveform and random skip parameters as well as reset and synchronize Euclidean timings. Setting the Loop parameter to zero will reset the random number generator, which is useful for creating new patterns. It's worth noting that the random seed is saved, so loops can be recalled and used again in the future.
Pamela’s PRO Workout is a very useful melody and rhythm generator when used in conjunction with the random waveform, Level, and RSkip parameters. It offers a wide range of options for creating complex and unconventional rhythms, making it a valuable tool for electronic music production.
WANT MORE EUCLIDEAN SEQUENCERS?
There are a plethora of options available for those interested in utilizing euclidean sequencing in their music production. Among the most notable offerings include the Constellation by Acid Rain Technology, a powerful gate sequencer based on euclidean rhythms, and the Temps Utile by After Later Audio, a multi-function module that includes a euclidean sequencer preset. Additionally, the Endorphin.es Running Order Polyrhythmic Polymetric Sequencer includes euclidean sequencing as one of its many sequencer options. For those who prefer a standalone option, the Polyend Play also offers the ability to program sequences using a euclidean fill option.
Euclidean sequencing is a powerful tool for music producers as it allows for the creation of complex and captivating rhythms. The principles of euclidean geometry serve as the foundation for these rhythms, resulting in patterns that are both mesmerizing and unique. By utilizing euclidean sequencing, music producers can add an extra layer of depth and intrigue to their tracks, setting them apart from their contemporaries. Have fun and happy patching!
