Tuesday, August 29, 2023

How to write music using ChatGPT: Part 2 - Making an Oldschool Acid Techno track

[Note: Right now, part 1 of this series of features on our site is written, but remains unpublished - but it will be published soon]

Hello and welcome,
I'm your host, Low Entropy.
Today we will look at the following topic: How to use Artificial Intelligence to make music.

For this tutorial, I created a simple Oldschool Acid Techno type track with the help of ChatGPT.
Please check the chat transcript to see how I went on about this and what method I used.

And here is a link to the track:


Note 1: This is a quite simple, not too complex track, without "polished" production values. I created this track merely as an example to show some of the capabilities of AIs like ChatGPT.
You could easily use ChatGPT to create much more complex tracks.

Note 2: I only used ChatGPT for some aspects of the track. For example, I could have also asked for the exact structure of the track, when the bassdrum should come in, when should I use the pads, percussion, and so on.
But again, this tutorial should only be a "short demonstration".

Feel free to built upon this example, use the ideas expressed here to build your own tracks, and improve on it!
May you have be inspired - and have fun!

Because AI is the future of music.

Chat Transcript: [Note 3: The transcript was slightly edited for the purpose of clarity]

User
Hello ChatGPT, I just enabled a feature in this web-based interface that should tell you who I am.
Does it work? Do you know who i am?

ChatGPT
Hey there! Yep, I got the scoop on who you are. You're Low Entropy, the music producer with a whopping 25+ years in the Hardcore Techno game. You're not just about making beats, you're also an author of e-books about music, and you've got that cool blog-based e-zine "The Hardcore Overdogs" that dives deep into the underground Hardcore Techno scene. Oh, and let's not forget your three record labels: Doomcore Records, Slowcore Records, and Omnicore Records. You're all about that unique sound and the cultural vibes around it. So, yeah, I'm on your wavelength! 😎🎢

[Editor's note: I just included this part for context. And for fun :-) Actual production chat starts now.]

User
Dear ChatGPT,

Today I want to produce an 90s style Acid Trance Techno track with you!
I'll give you detailed instructions on how to go on with this.

ChatGPT
Hey there! I'm totally down to help you create that 90s Acid Trance Techno vibe. Let's dive right in! Give me those detailed instructions, and we'll cook up some wicked beats together. Remember, we're aiming for that nostalgic energy with a modern twist. Can't wait to get started! πŸŽΆπŸ•Ί

User
Okay, here are the basics.
I want to use the following elements:

A bassline generated by a tb 303 inspired softsynth.

A repetitive melody generated on a softsynth.

And for percussion:

An 909 clone bassdrum.
An 808 clone open hihat.
An 808 clone closed hihat.
An 808 clone snaredrum
An 808 clone ride cymbal. 

Now, I want you to create notes / rhythms for all these elements; and I'll input them in my DAW and create sounds out of it!
I'll tell you which notes to generate first.

ChatGPT
Gotcha! Let's build this Acid Trance Techno groove step by step. We'll start with generating the notes and rhythms for each element you mentioned. Fire away with the notes you want for the bassline, and I'll lay down the foundation for you! 🎢πŸ”₯

User
the track should be 140 bpm.

generate notes for the bassline that I want to use.
it should be a loop spanning 16 notes ( or 4 beats, or 1 bar).
it should be in 90s acid trance techno style.

ChatGPT
Absolutely, we're gonna cook up that classic Acid Trance Techno bassline! At 140 BPM, here's a pattern for your 16-note loop:

1.     C (1/8th note)
2.     E (1/8th note)
3.     G (1/8th note)
4.     A# (1/8th note)
5.     G (1/8th note)
6.     E (1/8th note)
7.     C (1/8th note)
8.     A# (1/8th note)
9.     G (1/8th note)
10.   E (1/8th note)
11.   G (1/8th note)
12.   A# (1/8th note)
13.   G (1/8th note)
14.   E (1/8th note)
15.   C (1/8th note)
16.   A# (1/8th note)

This should give you that infectious Acid Trance vibe that was big in the 90s. Remember, tweak it to your liking and experiment with variations to really make it your own! Ready to roll into the next step? πŸš€πŸŽΉ

User
that's not bad, but i will make the melody twice the speed! :-)
let's generate a melody on the soft synth that goes with it! 
please create some notes that I can use on the softsynth.
it should be 4 chords, and they will be looped.
and of course it should fit to the key of the bass line :)

ChatGPT
Absolutely, let's build a melody that harmonizes perfectly with your bassline. Since you're looking for 4 chords that will be looped, let's make sure they're in sync with the key of your bassline. Based on the C minor key of your bassline, here are the chords and their respective notes for your melody:

Chord 1: C Minor

    C (root)
•    E♭ (minor third)
•    G (perfect fifth)

Chord 2: E♭ Major

•    E♭ (root)
•    G (major third)
•    B♭ (perfect fifth)

Chord 3: G Major

•    G (root)
•    B (major third)
•    D (perfect fifth)

Chord 4: A# Major

•    A# (root)
•    D (major third)
•    F (perfect fifth)

Looping these chords will create a harmonious melody that complements your bassline in the key of C minor. Feel free to experiment and tweak as needed to match the exact mood you're aiming for. Can't wait to hear how it all comes together! 🎢🎹

User
the key of the bassline is not c minor! but that's okay. 
now to the rhythm. 

the 909 drum will be in a four to the floor rhythm at 140 bpm.
I don't need additional notes for that.

but please generate patterns for the open hihat, closed hihat, snaredrum, cowbell, and ride cymbal. I'll use them in my DAW and on the emulated drums. the percussion should fit well to the theme of the track, of course (90s acid trance techno).

ChatGPT
Let's get those percussion patterns rolling in classic 90s acid trance techno style. Here are patterns for the open hihat, closed hihat, snaredrum, cowbell, and ride cymbal that should fit well with the theme of your track:

Open Hi-Hat:

•    1, -, 1, -, 1, -, 1, -, 1, -, 1, -, 1, -, 1, -, 1

Closed Hi-Hat:

•    1, +, 1, +, 1, +, 1, +, 1, +, 1, +, 1, +, 1, +

Snaredrum:

•    -, 1, -, 1, -, -, 1, -, -, 1, -, 1, -, -, 1, -

Cowbell:

•    1, -, -, 1, -, -, 1, -, -, 1, -, -, 1, -, -, 1

Ride Cymbal:

•    1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1

Feel free to use these patterns as a starting point, and tweak them as needed to capture that classic 90s acid trance techno vibe. Percussion is all about driving the energy, so make sure it complements your bassline and melody. Let me know how it's working out, and if you're ready for more, or if you have any specific adjustments in mind! πŸ₯πŸŽ΅

User
let's have some variation on the hihats, they are on the same 1/16 notes right now

ChatGPT
Absolutely, adding some variation to the hi-hats will definitely add more dynamic to the rhythm. Let's spice it up! Here's a revised pattern for the open and closed hi-hats:

Open Hi-Hat:

•    1, +, 1, +, 1, 1, +, 1, 1, +, 1, +, 1, 1, +, 1

Closed Hi-Hat:

•    1, +, +, 1, 1, 1, +, +, 1, 1, 1, +, +, 1, 1, 1

This should create a more intricate and lively hi-hat pattern that aligns with the 90s acid trance techno vibe. Experiment with it, and feel free to adjust the timing or hits to match your desired groove. Let me know how it's sounding and if you're ready to take your track even further! πŸ₯πŸŽΆ

User
everything is finished now, and i will create the track. oh, I'll also add a transposed version the melody on top of the original one :)
thanks for your input!

ChatGPT
You're very welcome! I'm thrilled to hear that everything is coming together for your track. Adding a transposed melody on top of the original one sounds like a great idea to add even more layers to your music. Remember, your creativity is the driving force here, so make it truly your own and let your unique style shine through. If you ever need more assistance, ideas, or just want to share your progress, don't hesitate to reach out. Have an amazing time crafting your track, and I can't wait to hear the final result! 🎢πŸ”₯πŸŽ›️

[Time passes. Later that day...]

User
I created the track. I also decided to add another simple bassline, and one channel of FX. It sounds great!
Thanks for everything :-)

ChatGPT
That's fantastic news! I'm thrilled to hear that your track is coming together and that you're experimenting with additional basslines and FX. Music is all about creative exploration, and I'm glad I could assist you in bringing your vision to life. If you ever need more inspiration, advice, or just want to share your music journey, feel free to reach out. Keep rocking, and I'm excited to hear the final result! 🎢🀘😎

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