Using the step sequencer’s mono and legato modes

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Use these recently added features of Logic Pro’s Step Sequencer to create great bass parts

Thanks to the 10.7 update, Mono and Legato modes have been added to Logic Pro’s Step Sequencer to help you create groovier basslines

Logic’s 10.7 update has added a couple of extra features to the Step Sequencer to help with creating basslines, namely the new Mono and Legato modes. Most basslines are monophonic, meaning that they only play one note at a time, but the Step Sequencer usually allows you to input multiple notes per step to create chords. When inputting notes in Mono mode, however, you can only enter one note per step, making Mono mode the ideal choice for bass parts. Meanwhile, the addition of Legato mode makes it possible to tie adjacent notes together for smoother transitions between different pitches.

Life in Mono

Step-by-step Using Mono and Legato modes

1 Select sound

On a new software instrument track, choose Synthesiser>Bass>Hard Tech Bass from the library. This loads up an instance of ES2 with an appropriate synth bass preset.

2 Create region

Create a new pattern region on the track by right (or ctrl)+clicking in Tracks and selecting ‘Create Pattern Region’. The Step Sequencer grid opens below Tracks.

3 Set key

Use this popup to set the pattern key to C Natural Minor. This keeps everything in key, limiting your note choices for the pattern to the notes within the C natural minor scale.