From Drag and Drop to Original Progressions: How to Use The October MIDI Pack

Music producer working in Ableton Live with a MIDI Controller

If you grabbed the October MIDI pack, you already have a set of drag-and-drop chords and scales ready to use. But the real magic happens when you learn how to turn these basic MIDI chords into your own unique progressions.

Whether you’re just starting or have been producing for years, this guide will show you five hands-on techniques to make your tracks more expressive, creative, and musical.

1. Reharmonization: Change One Note, Change Everything

What it means: A chord is just a group of notes played together. Reharmonization is swapping one note in a chord to give it a fresh feel.

Beginner-friendly steps:

1. Pick a chord from the MIDI pack, like Cmaj

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2. Choose one note in the chord, for example, E.

3. Swap it with another note from the same scale, like F or G.

4. Play it and listen. Notice how the emotion changes.

C major chord, both normal and reharmonized.

Advanced tip: Try swapping notes that are not in the original scale to create tension. Use this sparingly for an interesting flavor.

Mini exercise:

• Take three chords from the pack. Swap one note in each.

• Record a short 4-bar loop. Compare the original chords versus your reharmonized version. Which feels more unique?

2. Voice Leading: Smooth Transitions Between Chords

What it means: Voice leading is moving individual notes from one chord to the next in the smallest steps possible. It makes progressions sound smooth and professional.

Beginner-friendly steps:

1. Pick two chords, like Cmaj7 → Fmaj7.

2. Move each note to the closest note in the next chord instead of jumping all notes at once.

3. Play the sequence and listen for a natural flow.

Chord structure with and without voice leading

Advanced tip: Experiment with inversions. Flip the chord upside down or change the bass note to make transitions even smoother.

Mini exercise:

• Create three different voice leadings for the same chord pair.

• Notice how each version changes the emotional feel of the progression.

3. Layering with Non-Diatonic Notes: Add Flavor

What it means: Non-diatonic notes are notes outside the scale of your chord. Adding them creates tension, interest, and a modern sound.

Beginner-friendly steps:

1. Take a chord from the pack, like Dm7.

2. Add one extra note that isn’t in the scale (a passing tone).

3. Play it and notice the new color.

Advanced tip: Add a passing tone between chords to create suspense. This works well for transitions or builds in your track.

Chord structure example with and without passing tones

Mini exercise:

• Pick two chords and add a non-diatonic note to each.

• Experiment with resolving the tension in the next chord.

4. Rhythmic Variation: Make Chords Move

What it means: Chords don’t have to hit all at once. Changing the timing of notes makes your progression feel alive.

Beginner-friendly steps:

1. Break a chord into an arpeggio (play notes one after another).

2. Stagger the note lengths instead of having them all hit on the downbeat.

3. Play around with simple patterns and notice how the groove changes.

Advanced tip: Try syncopation or dotted rhythms to add a more complex feel.

Chord structure example with Arpeggio

Mini exercise:

• Pick a 4-chord progression.

• Try three different rhythmic patterns: straight, staggered, and syncopated.

• Choose the one you like best or combine elements for variety.

5. Mapping Chords to a Custom Progression: Your Mini Project

Now let’s put it all together. This mini-project will show you how to take chords from the pack and create a complete progression.

Beginner-friendly steps:

1. Pick a root chord.

2. Add one or two complementary chords from the pack.

3. Apply smooth voice leading.

4. Optionally add a non-diatonic note for tension.

5. Experiment with rhythmic variation.

6. Layer additional voicings if you like.

Advanced tip: Try reharmonization, voice leading, and non-diatonic notes in combination to create a richer, more professional progression.

Mini challenge:

• Build a 4-bar progression using these techniques.

• Record it.

• Change the start chord or flip inversions and listen to how the mood shifts.

Closing Thoughts

The October MIDI pack is more than a drag-and-drop tool. It’s a starting point for experimentation, learning, and creative growth. Reharmonize, lead your voices, add tension, play with rhythm, and map your own progressions.

No matter your skill level, these exercises will help you understand how chords interact, develop musical intuition, and make your tracks more expressive.

Next month, we will release a new pack with additional tools to expand your musical possibilities. Until then, download the October pack, try these exercises, and start building your own unique progressions.

Keep creating!!!!

-This Just In