Layers

Layers allow you to play multiple musical lines simultaneously. This is essential for creating harmonies, accompaniments, and full arrangements.

Basic Syntax

Use the layer keyword with an array of parts:

scale Major = { R, M2, M3, P4, P5, M6, M7 }

let melody = | <1> <3> <5> <8> |
let bass = | R - - - P5 - - - |

layer [
  melody,
  bass
]

Layering with Effects

Each layer can have its own effects and volume:

scale Major = { R, M2, M3, P4, P5, M6, M7 }

let lead = | <5> <6> <7> <8> |
let pad = | [R, M3, P5] - - - |
let bass = | R - P5 - |

layer [
  lead |> room_reverb |> volume 0.9,
  pad |> hall_reverb |> volume 0.5,
  bass |> volume 0.7
]

Practical Example: Jazz Combo

set tempo = 120

scale Major = { R, M2, M3, P4, P5, M6, M7 }
scale Dorian = { R, M2, m3, P4, P5, M6, m7 }

; Lead line with bebop phrasing
let lead = |
  <1> <2> <3> <5>
  <8> <7> <6> <5>
  <4> <3> <2> <1>
  <1>~ - - -
|

; Comping chords (sparse, jazz style)
let comping = |
  [M3, m7]~ - - -
  - - [M3, m7]^ -
  - - - -
  - [M3, m7]~ - -
|

; Walking bass line
let walking_bass = |
  R M3 P5 M6
  m7 P5 M3 M2
|

; Metronome for practice
let click = metronome 4 4

layer [
  lead |> room_reverb,
  comping |> volume 0.6,
  walking_bass |> transpose (R - P8 - P8) |> volume 0.7,
  click |> volume 0.25
]

Layering Transformations

You can apply the same transformation to multiple layers:

scale Major = { R, M2, M3, P4, P5, M6, M7 }

let theme = | <1> <3> <5> <3> |

; Create harmony by transposing
let harmony_3rd = theme |> transpose M3
let harmony_5th = theme |> transpose P5

layer [
  theme,
  harmony_3rd |> volume 0.7,
  harmony_5th |> volume 0.6
]

Call and Response

Layers don't have to play simultaneously throughout. Use rests to create call-and-response patterns:

scale Major = { R, M2, M3, P4, P5, M6, M7 }

; Call (first voice plays, second rests)
let call = | <1> <3> <5> <3> - - - - |

; Response (first rests, second plays)
let response = | - - - - <5> <4> <3> <2> |

layer [
  call,
  response
]

Rhythmic Layers

Combine different rhythmic patterns:

scale Major = { R, M2, M3, P4, P5, M6, M7 }

; Melody: longer notes
let melody = | <1>~ - <3>~ - <5>~ - - - |

; Accompaniment: rhythmic pattern
let rhythm = | R R R R R R R R |:8

; Counter melody
let counter = | - - <5> <4> <3> <2> <1>~ - |

layer [
  melody,
  rhythm |> transpose (R - P8) |> volume 0.4,
  counter |> volume 0.6
]

Best Practices

1. Balance volumes: Lead voices louder, accompaniment softer
2. Use octave separation: Transpose bass lines down with transpose (R - P8)
3. Add space: Not every layer needs to play every beat
4. Apply effects judiciously: Different reverbs for different layers creates depth
5. Keep it simple: Start with 2-3 layers, add more as needed