MIDI EFFECTS:

ARPEGGIATOR

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ARPEGGIATOR

The Arpeggiator is a MIDI effect in Logic Pro that takes held notes or chords and transforms them into rhythmic, sequenced patterns. It’s a powerful tool for generating motion, texture, and driving rhythmic ideas in genres like EDM, pop, ambient, and film music.

Key Features

Mode / Direction — Choose how notes cycle (Up, Down, Up-Down, Random, etc.).
Rate — Syncs the note pattern to your project tempo (e.g., 1/8, 1/16, triplets).
Octave Range — Spread the arpeggio across multiple octaves automatically.
Pattern Grid Editor — Define which steps play, their length (gate), and velocity.
Swing — Add groove to the rhythm by offsetting alternate steps.
Variation — Introduce randomness or variation to the pattern to avoid repetition.
Latch — Hold a chord / note, and the arpeggio continues even after releasing keys.
Velocity Scaling — Modify the velocity of the generated notes for expression.

Best Use Cases

Creating rhythmic motion on synth pads or leads (sound on sound)
Building driving sequences in electronic music
Crafting dynamic, evolving ostinatos for film or game scoring
Live performance, where patterns can continue while playing other lines
Turning simple chords into complex arpeggiated patterns
Teaching students how rhythm, note order, and velocity shape musical feel

Popular Song Examples

Odesza — “A Moment Apart”
Ellie Goulding — “Lights”
Cyndi Lauper - "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"
Vangelis - "Blade Runner - End Titles"
Daft Punk — “Around the World”
Imogen Heap — “Hide and Seek”
Coldplay — “Clocks” (5:08)

ARPEGGIATOR EFFECT ONLINE MANUAL

Workflow Tips

Use the Latch function when performing chord changes so the pattern keeps going.
Start with a 1 or 2-octave range to keep things simple and musically coherent.
Use the Pattern Grid to sculpt custom arpeggio rhythms — not just repeating notes.
Apply swing to give the arpeggio a more human / groovy feel.
Combine the Arpeggiator with other MIDI effects (e.g., Chord Trigger) to generate richer progressions.
Automate Rate or Variation for evolving patterns in different song sections.

LISTEN to this POD about the ARPEGGIATOR Plugin

FAMOUS USES

(These songs didn’t necessarily use Logic’s Arpeggiator itself, but they showcase moments

where arpeggiated or sequenced note patterns are central to the production.)

A Moment Apart

Odesza — “A Moment Apart”

Timestamp: 0:18–0:42

Use: Rising synth arpeggios create momentum and emotional lift in the intro.

Lights

Ellie Goulding — “Lights” (3:31)

Timestamp: 0:10–0:27

Use: Bright, shimmering synth arpeggios establish the hook and atmosphere.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Cyndi Lauper–“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” (3:58)

Timestamp: 0:00–0:12

Use: Bright synth pattern outlining broken-chord movement, functioning like an arpeggiated hook.

Blade Runner

Vangelis – “Blade Runner” (4:40

Timestamp: 0:32–1:02

Use: Driving synth arpeggios create futuristic motion and rhythmic propulsion.

LOGIC VIDEO TUTORIALS

Arpeggiator - Part 1

MusicTechHelpGuy gives a full tutorial on how to use Logic Pro's Arpeggiator. (22:21)

Arpeggiator - Part 2

MusicTechHelpGuy demonstrates how to use Logic Pro's Arpeggiator's Latch feature. (22:21)

Arpeggiator Step Sequences

Jono changes a pad part using the Arpeggiator in Logic Pro . (11:43)

5 Creative Tricks

MusicTechHelpGuy demonstrates a few creative ways to use the Arpeggiator in Logic Pro . (19:32)

Easy Synthwave Bass

MusicTechHelpGuy provides a YouTube short on how to create an easy synth bass part with Arpeggiator. (0:58)

80s Bass

Point Blank Music School creates an 80s arpeggiator synth part using Retro Synth and Arpeggiator in Logic. (10:52)

Drag and Drop

MusicTechHelpGuy shows you how to take an arpeggiator part and drag it into the piano roll. (0:58)

Arpeggiator Tutorial

Sun Dog provides a short tutorial on how to use Logic Pro's Arpeggiator. (6:19)

SOURCE ARTICLES

SOURCE ARTICLES YOU CAN READ:

VOCABULARY

1. Arpeggiator: A MIDI tool that automatically plays the notes of a chord in a sequence instead of all at once.

2. Chord: A group of notes played together at the same time.

3. Step: A single note in the arpeggiator sequence.

4. Pattern: The order in which the arpeggiator plays the notes of a chord (e.g., up, down, up/down, random).

5. Rate: How fast the arpeggiator plays the notes, often synced to the song’s tempo.

6. Gate: Controls the length of each arpeggiated note (short, medium, long).

7. Octave Range: Determines how many octaves the arpeggiator will span when playing a chord.

8. Swing: Shifts the timing of every other note to create a groovier, less robotic feel.

9. MIDI Input: The notes or chords you play on a MIDI controller or keyboard that the arpeggiator uses.

10. MIDI Output: The sequence of notes the arpeggiator sends to the instrument or synth.

11. Direction: Determines whether the arpeggiator plays notes ascending, descending, alternating, or randomly.

12. Velocity: The strength or loudness of each arpeggiated note.

13. Probability: A setting that makes some notes play only part of the time, adding variation.

14. Hold: Keeps the arpeggiator running even after you release the keys on your MIDI controller.

15. Transpose: Shifts the arpeggiated sequence up or down by a set number of semitones.

QUIZZES

MANUAL

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