7. Quantization and the Piano Roll

Quanitization is an easy way to fix problems in timing for a digital performance.

When you play a part using the keyboard you can click on the sound block and see the piano roll.

The piano roll allows you to click on notes (grey objects) and move them up and down to change the pitch. You can move them forward, backward, and lengthen or shorten them to change the duration and timing of each note.

You can also select "Quantize" from the "Edit" menu and select the length of the note you want to quantize to.

Using the Piano Roll


  • The piano roll allows you to move, shorten, lengthen, add, and delete notes.

  • It is called a piano roll because it is based on the paper rolls used in player pianos:

Copy of Player piano The Entertainer.mp4
  • To change the pitch of a note, click on the note and drag it up or down until you reach the pitch you want.

  • To change the duration of the note, hover over it until you see the tool with two arrows pointing in the opposite direction.

  • Click and drag to the right or left to change the length of the note.

Unit 2: Lesson 9: Quantizing

Overview and Discussion on Use of Quantizing and the Piano Roll

Assignment Instructions