How To Play Chords along with a MidiFile
If you haven't already done so, load a Project containing a MidiFile and a ChordFile
(See How to Generate Chords from a MidiFile or How To Insert Keys and Chords from An External Source to find out how to create a ChordFile.)
Open The PlayMap
This shows the current position in the MidiFile in a display that shows the generated chords rolling downwards as the music progresses. This makes it easier to improvise and play along with the MidiFile.
If possible, you should try to locate your keyboard below your computer screen, and resize the PlayMap so that your keyboard keys match the PlayMap display.
Choose which Method you want to use
There are 3 ways you can play chords: KeyboardMode, ChordMode, and the KBChord SwitchKey. These are explained below.
Whichever method you choose to use, you should click the Play Midi Button on the PlayMap to start playing the MidiFile, or the Play Audio Button to start playing a synchronised audio file. You can then use the midi keyboard to play along to it.
Play Chords using KeyboardMode
With KeyboardMode, the pitches that would normally play on a midi keyboard are played, subject to any transposition that may be set.
Play Chords using ChordMode
With ChordMode, the white notes of the keyboard are mapped to the current chord notes. This is easier to play, but does not allow non-chord notes to be played.
The current chord changes as the MidiFile is played. If a null chord is found, it will play the previous chord (if present).
If the first chord in the ChordFile is a null, nothing will sound until a non-null chord is reached.
Play Chords using KBChord SwitchKey
Set the Mode to Keyboard Mode. Then go to the PlayMap Menu > Configure > SwitchKeys/Pedal.
This will open up the SwitchKeys window. Here, you can select the dropdown menu KBChord and set it to a SwitchKey or sustain pedal. SwitchKeys are actioned from the bottom octave of your Midi keyboard, or the sustain pedal.
When the SwitchKey or sustain pedal is pressed down, your Midi keyboard will play the nearest chord note to the note played. If you are already playing the nearest chord note, it will play the next one up or down.
You can play block chords or arpeggios. However, if you play an arpeggio, you should keep the midi keys pressed down until you have finished playing the chord.
This will allow you to play chords when the SwitchKey is down, or non-chord notes when it is up.
The current chord changes as the MidiFile is played. If a null chord is found, it will play the previous chord (if present).
If the first chord in the ChordFile is a null, it will play the keyboard notes without change.