Keeping Samples which contain multiple notes in Key

Sorry for the noob question but how do I keep samples with multiple notes in Key?

For example, I'm using maschine Jam, I set scale in Keyboard mode and load a sample which has 3 notes. It's fine that the root will be what I set using the Keyboard scale, but the other 2 notes played will not be in Key. Is the solution here to simply edit the sample and cut the other 2 notes out, or is there something easier I'm missing?

Additionally I know using "Tune" can help adjust pitch but keep note duration the same, is there any one I can adjust this on a per note basis? Let's say for example I want to use a sample to create a 4 chord progression, so I will use 4 chords and keep each chord the same duration. As far as I can see this isn't possible?

 

You gotta figure our what key it was written in. There is a plugin called SongKey MK2 by Hornet. It's like 15$ and it's well worth it. It tells you what Key things are written in. So if you find out your sample is in C major, but your song is in D major you have to pitch it up 2 semitones, (2 half-steps on the keyboard). Let me know if you have more questions. Tune is great if you are looking for the pitch of a 808 or another single note sample. Then you use the same method to get that pitch to correspond to C and then you can play it like an instrument.

 

I LOVE that plugin

 

Not to be a w@nker but, just wanted to point out that, C to D is one "whole step". Otherwise good information and tips.

 

Ok what everyone has said makes perfect sense, but I think I'm confusing myself.

The samples I'm using are from Maschine expansion packs. So if I load a sample, first I need to determine the key the sample is (surprised this isn't included in Maschine packs), then adjust the tune, and then set scale in Keyboard mode?

This is exactly what I was looking for thanks. Process seems overly convoluted, but it's what I was looking for.

 

Good catch, I meant to say 2 half-steps. I edited it now.

 

It depends if it's like a single note or a full melody or harmony. If it's a single note like an 808 for example it's easy. I'm assuming your using Ableton because you talked about Tuner? That is a great plugin that tells you what it's tuned to. In case of single sounds you want to "tune" them to C. That way once you turn on scale mode on your Maschine, it will play the correct notes. In other words, when you play C on your pad the sample will play a C as well. If your looking at like piano chords or a whole melody, you need to find out what Key it was written in. It's not as simple as using a tuner plugin, that won't work. But you can use a key finding plugin like the one I stated, and then either tune directly to your Key you're using, or tune to C again on the keyboard so you can play it up or down once you activate "scales" on your Maschine. Hope that helps man.

 

@Eddie Jag and @Concretezebra, do you guys find the SongKey plug to be accurate and consistently useful? I skimmed through a demo video and it seems to get the job done..

 

Yes, but if you have Ableton, which I think he does, it won't be a problem.

It's like 90% accurate. Sometimes gets confused the relative major or minor. But you can go either way really... It does a good job of picking out the chords as something is playing too if it's a less busy sample.