How to make chords in FL Studio

Discover how to effortlessly make chords in FL Studio, from basic triads to advanced voicings, enhancing your melodic compositions.

MIDI & Instruments · intermediate level

Steps

  1. Open the Piano Roll

    In the Channel Rack (F6), right-click on an instrument channel and select 'Piano roll' (or press F7) to open the Piano roll editor for that instrument.

  2. Input the Root Note

    Click in the Piano roll grid to place a note for the root of your chord. Ensure the 'Snap to grid' setting is appropriate for your desired timing.

  3. Build Chord Voicings

    To build a major triad, add notes at intervals of 4 semitones (major third) and 7 semitones (perfect fifth) above the root note. For a minor triad, use 3 semitones (minor third) and 7 semitones.

  4. Experiment with Chord Tools

    Utilize the 'Stamp' tool within the Piano roll (wrench icon, then 'Strum' or 'Arpeggiate') to quickly create common chord voicings or creative patterns. Press Ctrl+Q to quickly quantize notes to the grid.

  5. Arpeggiate or Strum Chords

    Select the notes of your chord, then go to the Piano roll's wrench icon, and choose 'Strum' to humanize the timing, or 'Arpeggiate' to create arpeggiated patterns from your chord, adjusting the settings to your preference.

More FL Studio tutorials