Expressive Chords v1.2 by Ableton Live 12 ALP
Expressive Chords is an intuitive idea-generation and performance tool that lets you play rich, nuanced chords from a single MIDI note. Unlike traditional chord tools, chord sets in Expressive Chords are organized by feel rather than root note or scale, encouraging you to lead with your ears and explore harmonic possibilities beyond conventional patterns.
Expression Made Intuitive
For Push users, Expressive Chords offers even deeper expressive control through MPE support and a custom pad layout. Strum chords, emphasize or soften individual notes, tweak note order and timing, or introduce subtle random variations—all in real time with a single finger. Chord articulation, inversions, and dynamics can also be automated in Live or controlled via other MPE devices, making expressive performance accessible even with a mouse or keyboard.
Curated Chord Sets – or Create Your Own
Expressive Chords comes with 36 expertly voiced chord sets from Render Audio and 16 chord sets created by Ableton and Andrew Bruce. Covering a range of styles from gospel, trap, R&B, jazz, classical, house, to post-rock, each set is designed to spark new ideas and push you beyond familiar patterns.
You can also import your own chord sets using MIDI clips or craft new ones using Live 12’s MIDI Tools. Whether working with pre-designed progressions or creating custom harmonies, Expressive Chords helps you remix and perform chord ideas with ease.
Flexible and Customizable
As a Max for Live device, Expressive Chords is fully customizable to fit your workflow. Adjust how the device responds, expand its functionality, or tweak the Max patch directly to make it your own—perfect for both studio production and live performance.
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