Propellerhead's Figure-like Scales - New User Question

[Erol Brown]

When using Figure, I am able to obtain great sounding melodies from what to my eyes is essentially the same functionality as Push's Scale function. However, when I use Push's Scale function the results are less melodic. Notes do not seem to "fit" together as they do in Figure.

Do Figure's scale function and Push's scale offering provide the same functionality, or does Figure approach things differently?

Thanks for your patience on this very basic question.

Regards

[BoddAH]

IMHO there is two reasons for this:

1. Figure uses rhythmic presets for playing the notes, pretty much creating nice-sounding instant phrasing that will turn any bunch of notes from specific scale into a well-rounded melody. With Push, you play the notes yourself (although you can use the note-repeat function) and you have to get the timing right.

2. I know you can set this and use up to a whole 7 tone scale with Figure but in my experience most of the time you would use very few notes of a scale: playing a 5 tone pentatonic scale or even less (sometimes only 2 notes, the root and the perfect fifth) notes is pretty much idiot proof and will sound good whatever you do. Push generally uses full 7 tone scales by default. Technically Push enables you to avoid hitting "wrong" notes (out of scale) but when playing on a full 7 tone scale you still have to kind of know what you're doing if you don't want it to sound weird. Either spend a couple of years studying music theory and note relationships or just trust your ears. You might try to explore the pentatonic settings if you have trouble playing 7 tone scales.

I personally enjoy Push and Figure but they're completely different things. Figure is a fun little toy to get inspiration and instantly make good-sounding music but it's also VERY limited and basic. Push is an actual musical instrument and as such, even with Scale Mode, you will have to invest some time in it to actually make decent stuff. This obviously makes it more difficult to play but also gives you MUCH more freedom and nuances in your playing.

[Erol Brown]

Thanks - Genuinely good response.

Cheers