How to use Arpeggiator device

Create rhythmic patterns from chords using Ableton Live's Arpeggiator MIDI effect.

MIDI & Instruments · intermediate level

Steps

  1. Load Arpeggiator on a MIDI track

    Drag Arpeggiator from Browser > MIDI Effects onto a MIDI track, before (to the left of) your instrument.

  2. Choose an arpeggio style

    Select from Up, Down, Up/Down, Random, or other patterns in the Style dropdown to determine note order.

  3. Set rate and gate

    Adjust Rate to control speed (synced to tempo). Use Gate to control note length — lower values create staccato, higher values create legato.

  4. Adjust steps and offset

    Use Steps to set how many octaves the arpeggio spans. Use Offset to shift the starting point of the pattern.

  5. Add groove and velocity

    Use the Groove amount for swing feel, and adjust the Velocity slider to add dynamic variation to the arpeggiated notes.

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