Tutorial: Multi-Channel Song Arrangement

Level: Intermediate Estimated Time: 2-3 hours Prerequisites: Completed Basic Melody Tutorial, understanding of MIDI channels

Goal

In this tutorial, you will learn how to: - Create multi-channel MIDI arrangements - Layer multiple instruments (melody, bass, drums) - Use MIDI channel 10 for drums - Coordinate timing across multiple parts - Balance levels and pan positions - Structure a complete song arrangement

By the end, you'll have a working 4-channel song with melody, bass, chords, and drums.

Prerequisites

Before starting this tutorial, you should: - Have completed the Basic Melody Tutorial - Understand MIDI channels (1-16) - Know that channel 10 is reserved for drums in General MIDI - Understand basic music theory (melody, bass, harmony) - Have a General MIDI compatible player or DAW

What You'll Build

You'll create a 16-bar song with: - Channel 1: Lead melody (synth) - Channel 2: Bass line (bass) - Channel 3: Chord pads (strings) - Channel 10: Drum pattern (General MIDI drums)

Step 1: Create the Basic Structure

Let's start with the document structure and tempo setup.

Create a file named my_song.mmd:

---
title: "Multi-Channel Song"
author: "Your Name"
tempo: 120
time_signature: [4, 4]
midi_format: 1
ppq: 480
---

# Multi-Channel Song Arrangement
# 4 channels: Lead (Ch1), Bass (Ch2), Chords (Ch3), Drums (Ch10)

[00:00.000]
- tempo 120
- time_signature 4/4
- key_signature Cmaj
- marker "Intro"

What this does: - midi_format: 1: Format 1 MIDI file (multi-track, recommended for multiple channels) - key_signature Cmaj: C major key (no sharps or flats) - marker "Intro": Adds a text marker for DAW navigation

MIDI format comparison: - Format 0: Single track (all channels mixed together) - Format 1: Multi-track (each channel can have separate track) - Format 2: Multiple independent sequences (rarely used)

Test basic structure:

mmdc validate my_song.mmd

Should output: "✓ Validation passed"

Step 2: Add Channel 1 - Lead Melody

Let's add a simple lead melody on channel 1.

---
title: "Multi-Channel Song"
author: "Your Name"
tempo: 120
time_signature: [4, 4]
midi_format: 1
ppq: 480
---

# Multi-Channel Song Arrangement

[00:00.000]
- tempo 120
- time_signature 4/4
- key_signature Cmaj
- marker "Intro"

# ============================================
# CHANNEL 1 - LEAD MELODY
# ============================================

# Setup: Medium volume, slight right pan
[00:00.000]
- cc 1.7.90
- cc 1.10.72

# Bar 1-4: Opening melody
[00:00.000]
- note_on 1.E4 100 500ms

[00:00.500]
- note_on 1.G4 100 500ms

[00:01.000]
- note_on 1.C5 100 1000ms

[00:02.000]
- note_on 1.G4 100 500ms

[00:02.500]
- note_on 1.E4 100 1500ms

[00:04.000]
- note_on 1.D4 95 500ms

[00:04.500]
- note_on 1.F4 95 500ms

[00:05.000]
- note_on 1.A4 95 1000ms

[00:06.000]
- note_on 1.F4 95 500ms

[00:06.500]
- note_on 1.D4 95 1500ms

What this does: - Channel 1: Typically used for lead/melody in General MIDI - cc 1.7.90: Set channel 1 volume to 90 (fairly loud for lead) - cc 1.10.72: Pan slightly right (creates stereo space) - Notes: 8-bar phrase with C major (E-G-C) and D minor (D-F-A) patterns

Test with lead only:

mmdc compile my_song.mmd -o my_song.mid

You should hear just the lead melody.

Step 3: Add Channel 2 - Bass Line

Now add a bass line on channel 2 to provide foundation.

Add this section after the lead melody:

# ============================================
# CHANNEL 2 - BASS LINE
# ============================================

# Setup: High volume, center pan
[00:00.000]
- cc 2.7.100
- cc 2.10.64

# Bar 1-4: Root notes following chord progression
[00:00.000]
- note_on 2.C2 100 2000ms

[00:02.000]
- note_on 2.C2 90 2000ms

[00:04.000]
- note_on 2.D2 100 2000ms

[00:06.000]
- note_on 2.D2 90 2000ms

# Bar 5-8: Same progression, add walking pattern
[00:08.000]
- note_on 2.C2 100 1000ms

[00:09.000]
- note_on 2.E2 90 1000ms

[00:10.000]
- note_on 2.C2 90 1000ms

[00:11.000]
- note_on 2.G2 85 1000ms

[00:12.000]
- note_on 2.D2 100 1000ms

[00:13.000]
- note_on 2.F2 90 1000ms

[00:14.000]
- note_on 2.D2 90 1000ms

[00:15.000]
- note_on 2.A2 85 1000ms

What this does: - Channel 2: Typically bass in General MIDI - cc 2.7.100: Louder than lead (bass needs presence) - cc 2.10.64: Center pan (bass usually centered for power) - C2, D2: Low notes (2 octaves below middle C) - Bars 1-4: Whole notes on root (C, D) - Bars 5-8: Walking bass pattern (root, third, root, fifth)

Bass note explanation: - C2: Root of C major chord (bar 1-2, 9-10) - D2: Root of D minor chord (bar 3-4, 13-14) - E2, G2: Walking notes (third and fifth of C major) - F2, A2: Walking notes (third and fifth of D minor)

Test lead + bass:

mmdc compile my_song.mmd -o my_song.mid

You should hear melody with bass foundation.

Step 4: Add Channel 3 - Chord Pads

Add sustained chord pads on channel 3 for harmonic fullness.

# ============================================
# CHANNEL 3 - CHORD PADS (STRINGS)
# ============================================

# Setup: Medium-low volume, slight left pan
[00:00.000]
- cc 3.7.75
- cc 3.10.56

# Bar 1-4: C major chord (C-E-G)
[00:00.000]
- note_on 3.C3 70 4000ms
[@]
- note_on 3.E3 70 4000ms
[@]
- note_on 3.G3 70 4000ms

# Bar 5-8: D minor chord (D-F-A)
[00:04.000]
- note_on 3.D3 70 4000ms
[@]
- note_on 3.F3 70 4000ms
[@]
- note_on 3.A3 70 4000ms

# Bar 9-12: C major chord again
[00:08.000]
- note_on 3.C3 75 4000ms
[@]
- note_on 3.E3 75 4000ms
[@]
- note_on 3.G3 75 4000ms

# Bar 13-16: G major chord (G-B-D)
[00:12.000]
- note_on 3.G3 75 4000ms
[@]
- note_on 3.B3 75 4000ms
[@]
- note_on 3.D4 75 4000ms

What this does: - Channel 3: Typically used for strings/pads in General MIDI - [@]: Simultaneous timing marker (plays at same time as previous event) - Three-note chords: Play all notes simultaneously - Lower velocity (70-75): Pads sit in background - Long duration (4000ms): Sustained whole notes - Slight left pan (56): Balances lead's right pan (72)

Chord voicings: - C major: C3-E3-G3 (root position) - D minor: D3-F3-A3 (root position) - G major: G3-B3-D4 (root position, creates resolution)

Test with all harmonic instruments:

mmdc compile my_song.mmd -o my_song.mid

You should hear melody, bass, and chord pads working together.

Step 5: Add Channel 10 - Drum Pattern

Add drums on channel 10 (General MIDI drum channel).

# ============================================
# CHANNEL 10 - DRUMS (GENERAL MIDI)
# ============================================

# Setup: High volume for drums
[00:00.000]
- cc 10.7.110

# Bar 1-2: Basic kick and snare pattern
# Kick on beats 1 and 3
[00:00.000]
- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms    # Kick (note 36 = C1)

[00:01.000]
- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms    # Kick

# Snare on beats 2 and 4
[00:00.500]
- note_on 10.D1 110 100ms    # Snare (note 38 = D1)

[00:01.500]
- note_on 10.D1 110 100ms    # Snare

[00:02.000]
- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms    # Kick

[00:02.500]
- note_on 10.D1 110 100ms    # Snare

[00:03.000]
- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms    # Kick

[00:03.500]
- note_on 10.D1 110 100ms    # Snare

# Bar 3-4: Add hi-hat on eighth notes
[00:04.000]
- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms    # Kick
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 90 100ms    # Closed hi-hat (note 42 = F#1)

[00:04.500]
- note_on 10.D1 110 100ms    # Snare
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 85 100ms    # Hi-hat

[00:05.000]
- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms    # Kick
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 90 100ms    # Hi-hat

[00:05.500]
- note_on 10.F#1 85 100ms    # Hi-hat only

[00:06.000]
- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms    # Kick
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 90 100ms    # Hi-hat

[00:06.500]
- note_on 10.D1 110 100ms    # Snare
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 85 100ms    # Hi-hat

[00:07.000]
- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms    # Kick
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 90 100ms    # Hi-hat

[00:07.500]
- note_on 10.D1 110 100ms    # Snare
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 85 100ms    # Hi-hat

What this does: - Channel 10: Reserved for drums in General MIDI specification - Note numbers = drum sounds (not pitches): - C1 (36): Bass Drum / Kick - D1 (38): Snare Drum - F#1 (42): Closed Hi-Hat - Short duration (100ms): Drums are percussive - High velocity (110-120): Drums need to punch through - [@] for simultaneous: Hi-hat plays with kick/snare

General MIDI drum map (channel 10): - C1 (36): Bass Drum 1 - C#1 (37): Side Stick - D1 (38): Snare Drum 1 - D#1 (39): Hand Clap - E1 (40): Snare Drum 2 - F1 (41): Low Tom - F#1 (42): Closed Hi-Hat - G1 (43): Low-Mid Tom - G#1 (44): Pedal Hi-Hat - A1 (45): Mid Tom - A#1 (46): Open Hi-Hat - B1 (47): Low-Mid Tom - C2 (48): High-Mid Tom - C#2 (49): Crash Cymbal 1 - D2 (50): High Tom - D#2 (51): Ride Cymbal 1

Test complete arrangement:

mmdc compile my_song.mmd -o my_song.mid

You should hear a complete band: melody, bass, chords, and drums!

Step 6: Add Structure and Markers

Let's expand to a complete 16-bar song with sections.

Update your file with complete structure:

---
title: "Multi-Channel Song"
author: "Your Name"
tempo: 120
time_signature: [4, 4]
midi_format: 1
ppq: 480
---

# Multi-Channel Song - Complete Arrangement
# Channel 1: Lead Melody (Synth)
# Channel 2: Bass Line
# Channel 3: Chord Pads (Strings)
# Channel 10: Drums

# ============================================
# INTRO - Bars 1-4
# ============================================

[00:00.000]
- tempo 120
- time_signature 4/4
- key_signature Cmaj
- marker "Intro"

# Channel setup
[00:00.000]
- cc 1.7.90      # Lead volume
- cc 1.10.72     # Lead pan (slight right)
- cc 2.7.100     # Bass volume
- cc 2.10.64     # Bass pan (center)
- cc 3.7.75      # Pads volume
- cc 3.10.56     # Pads pan (slight left)
- cc 10.7.110    # Drums volume

# Lead melody - Intro
[00:00.000]
- note_on 1.E4 100 500ms
[00:00.500]
- note_on 1.G4 100 500ms
[00:01.000]
- note_on 1.C5 100 1000ms
[00:02.000]
- note_on 1.G4 100 500ms
[00:02.500]
- note_on 1.E4 100 1500ms

# Bass - Intro (root notes)
[00:00.000]
- note_on 2.C2 100 2000ms
[00:02.000]
- note_on 2.C2 90 2000ms

# Pads - Intro (C major chord)
[00:00.000]
- note_on 3.C3 70 4000ms
[@]
- note_on 3.E3 70 4000ms
[@]
- note_on 3.G3 70 4000ms

# Drums - Intro (simple kick/snare)
[00:00.000]
- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms
[00:00.500]
- note_on 10.D1 110 100ms
[00:01.000]
- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms
[00:01.500]
- note_on 10.D1 110 100ms
[00:02.000]
- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms
[00:02.500]
- note_on 10.D1 110 100ms
[00:03.000]
- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms
[00:03.500]
- note_on 10.D1 110 100ms

# ============================================
# VERSE - Bars 5-8
# ============================================

[00:04.000]
- marker "Verse"

# Lead - Verse melody
[00:04.000]
- note_on 1.D4 95 500ms
[00:04.500]
- note_on 1.F4 95 500ms
[00:05.000]
- note_on 1.A4 95 1000ms
[00:06.000]
- note_on 1.F4 95 500ms
[00:06.500]
- note_on 1.D4 95 1500ms

# Bass - Verse (walking pattern)
[00:04.000]
- note_on 2.D2 100 1000ms
[00:05.000]
- note_on 2.F2 90 1000ms
[00:06.000]
- note_on 2.D2 90 1000ms
[00:07.000]
- note_on 2.A2 85 1000ms

# Pads - Verse (D minor chord)
[00:04.000]
- note_on 3.D3 70 4000ms
[@]
- note_on 3.F3 70 4000ms
[@]
- note_on 3.A3 70 4000ms

# Drums - Verse (add hi-hat)
[00:04.000]
- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 90 100ms
[00:04.500]
- note_on 10.D1 110 100ms
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 85 100ms
[00:05.000]
- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 90 100ms
[00:05.500]
- note_on 10.F#1 85 100ms
[00:06.000]
- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 90 100ms
[00:06.500]
- note_on 10.D1 110 100ms
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 85 100ms
[00:07.000]
- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 90 100ms
[00:07.500]
- note_on 10.D1 110 100ms
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 85 100ms

# ============================================
# CHORUS - Bars 9-12
# ============================================

[00:08.000]
- marker "Chorus"

# Increase lead volume for chorus
[00:08.000]
- cc 1.7.105

# Lead - Chorus (higher notes)
[00:08.000]
- note_on 1.G4 110 500ms
[00:08.500]
- note_on 1.C5 110 500ms
[00:09.000]
- note_on 1.E5 110 1000ms
[00:10.000]
- note_on 1.C5 110 500ms
[00:10.500]
- note_on 1.G4 110 1500ms

# Bass - Chorus
[00:08.000]
- note_on 2.C2 100 1000ms
[00:09.000]
- note_on 2.E2 90 1000ms
[00:10.000]
- note_on 2.C2 90 1000ms
[00:11.000]
- note_on 2.G2 85 1000ms

# Pads - Chorus (C major, higher velocity)
[00:08.000]
- note_on 3.C3 75 4000ms
[@]
- note_on 3.E3 75 4000ms
[@]
- note_on 3.G3 75 4000ms

# Drums - Chorus (full pattern)
[00:08.000]
- note_on 10.C1 127 100ms
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 95 100ms
[00:08.500]
- note_on 10.D1 115 100ms
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 90 100ms
[00:09.000]
- note_on 10.C1 127 100ms
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 95 100ms
[00:09.500]
- note_on 10.F#1 90 100ms
[00:10.000]
- note_on 10.C1 127 100ms
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 95 100ms
[00:10.500]
- note_on 10.D1 115 100ms
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 90 100ms
[00:11.000]
- note_on 10.C1 127 100ms
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 95 100ms
[00:11.500]
- note_on 10.D1 115 100ms
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 90 100ms

# ============================================
# OUTRO - Bars 13-16
# ============================================

[00:12.000]
- marker "Outro"

# Reduce lead volume
[00:12.000]
- cc 1.7.85

# Lead - Outro (resolution)
[00:12.000]
- note_on 1.D4 100 500ms
[00:12.500]
- note_on 1.G4 100 500ms
[00:13.000]
- note_on 1.B4 100 1000ms
[00:14.000]
- note_on 1.C5 90 2000ms

# Bass - Outro (resolve to C)
[00:12.000]
- note_on 2.G2 100 2000ms
[00:14.000]
- note_on 2.C2 95 2000ms

# Pads - Outro (G major then C major)
[00:12.000]
- note_on 3.G3 75 2000ms
[@]
- note_on 3.B3 75 2000ms
[@]
- note_on 3.D4 75 2000ms

[00:14.000]
- note_on 3.C3 70 2000ms
[@]
- note_on 3.E3 70 2000ms
[@]
- note_on 3.G3 70 2000ms

# Drums - Outro (simplified, fade out)
[00:12.000]
- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms
[@]
- note_on 10.F#1 90 100ms
[00:12.500]
- note_on 10.D1 110 100ms
[00:13.000]
- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms
[00:13.500]
- note_on 10.D1 110 100ms
[00:14.000]
- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms
[00:15.000]
- note_on 10.C1 100 100ms

[00:16.000]
- text "End of song"
- end_of_track

What this does: - 16-bar structure: Intro (4) → Verse (4) → Chorus (4) → Outro (4) - Markers: Help navigate in DAW - Dynamic changes: Volume increases for chorus, decreases for outro - Chord progression: C → D minor → C → G → C (common pop progression) - Drum variation: Builds from simple to full pattern

Compile final version:

mmdc compile my_song.mmd -o my_song.mid
mmdc compile my_song.mmd --format table  # View event timeline

Complete Code

The complete 16-bar song is shown in Step 6 above. Key features:

• 4 distinct channels with different roles
• Clear song structure with markers
• Dynamic arrangement (quiet intro → loud chorus → quiet outro)
• Proper GM drum mapping on channel 10
• Balanced mix (volume and pan settings)
• Chord progression that resolves properly

Troubleshooting

Problem: Drums sound like piano notes

Solution: Ensure you're using channel 10:

- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms  # Correct (channel 10)
- note_on 1.C1 120 100ms   # Wrong (channel 1 = melody)

Problem: Can't hear all instruments

Possible causes: 1. Volume imbalance - Check CC#7 values:

- cc 1.7.90    # Lead
- cc 2.7.100   # Bass (louder)
- cc 3.7.75    # Pads (softer)
- cc 10.7.110  # Drums (loudest)

1. GM bank not loaded - Ensure your MIDI player uses General MIDI soundbank

2. Channel limit - Some players only support 8 simultaneous channels

Problem: Timing feels off between channels

Solution: All channels must use same timing markers:

# Correct - bass and drums at same time
[00:00.000]
- note_on 2.C2 100 1000ms    # Bass
[@]
- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms     # Drum (simultaneous)

# Wrong - different times
[00:00.000]
- note_on 2.C2 100 1000ms    # Bass
[00:00.001]
- note_on 10.C1 120 100ms     # Drum (1ms late!)

Problem: Chords sound muddy

Solutions: 1. Voice chords higher: Use C3-E3-G3 instead of C2-E2-G2 2. Reduce pad volume: Try cc 3.7.60 instead of 75 3. Use wider voicings: C3-G3-E4 (root, fifth, third) 4. Pan pads away from bass: Pads left (40), bass center (64)

Problem: MIDI format 0 vs 1 confusion

Explanation: - Format 0: All channels in one track (simpler, less DAW support) - Format 1: Each channel can be separate track (better for editing)

Use midi_format: 1 in frontmatter for multi-channel songs.

Next Steps

Now that you understand multi-channel arrangement, try:

1. Add more instruments: Try channels 4-9 for guitar, organ, etc.
2. Use program change (PC): Switch instruments mid-song
3. Add expression: Use CC#11 for dynamic swells
4. Create drum fills: Add crash cymbals (C#2) and toms (F1-D2)
5. Learn device control: See Device Control Tutorial
6. Use variables: Define chord voicings with @define
7. Add loops: Repeat patterns with @loop

Advanced Techniques

Technique 1: Layered Lead Sound

Stack two channels for thicker lead:

# Channel 1: Bright synth
[00:00.000]
- cc 1.7.85
- cc 1.10.72
- note_on 1.C4 100 1000ms

# Channel 4: Detuned synth (simultaneous)
[@]
- cc 4.7.70
- cc 4.10.56
- note_on 4.C4 95 1000ms

Technique 2: Call and Response

Alternate between channels for musical conversation:

# Channel 1 asks
[00:00.000]
- note_on 1.C4 100 500ms
[00:00.500]
- note_on 1.E4 100 500ms

# Channel 5 answers
[00:01.000]
- note_on 5.G4 100 500ms
[00:01.500]
- note_on 5.C5 100 500ms

Technique 3: Counter-melody

Add independent melody on another channel:

# Main melody (channel 1) - ascending
[00:00.000]
- note_on 1.C4 100 1000ms
[00:01.000]
- note_on 1.E4 100 1000ms

# Counter-melody (channel 5) - descending
[00:00.000]
- note_on 5.C5 80 1000ms
[00:01.000]
- note_on 5.A4 80 1000ms

Additional Resources

• General MIDI Instrument List
• General MIDI Drum Map
• MML Specification - Complete language reference
• Example: 01_multi_channel_basic.mmd
• Device Control Tutorial - Control hardware devices
• Basic Melody Tutorial - Single-channel foundations

Summary

In this tutorial, you learned:

• How to structure multi-channel MIDI arrangements
• Using channel 1 for lead melody
• Using channel 2 for bass line
• Using channel 3 for chord pads
• Using channel 10 for General MIDI drums
• Balancing levels with CC#7 (volume)
• Creating stereo space with CC#10 (pan)
• Building song structure with markers
• Coordinating timing across multiple channels
• General MIDI drum note mapping

You now have the skills to create complete multi-instrument arrangements with MML. Experiment with different instrument combinations and song structures!