Learning Sequencers / Arpeggiators

[Negoba]

I've been learning how to use soft synths slowly - lots of great free VSTs and youtubers explaining the process.

A lot of the electronic music I hear seems to use a lot of arpeggiator or sequencer. That part of the process seems much more complex. At least making something actually musical.

Do folks here have a preferred "Beginner" arpeggiator / sequencer or places where they learned how to use those tools musically?

[simmo75]

Get Stepic, it’s all you need.
You’re welcome

[rACatkvr]

To get good arpegio’s you need to understand a bit of music theory. So I’d suggest learning a bit of that too.

[Negoba]

I've been playing guitar for a long time, and had to learn theory because it always seemed like others could do things by ear that I had to figure out in a more mathematical way. So I could easily just enter MIDI notes in arpeggio patterns over chord sequences based on previous knowledge from guitar.

However, the sequences and arpeggios I hear in electronic music have their own feel and sound, and I'm trying to learn how people go about making them interesting.

[Negoba]

I'm working on getting a new music computer up and running and will likely buy Stepic then. In the mean time, do people have suggestions on good freeware sequencers?

[chk071]

I'd recommend to get BlueARP, and read the well written manual.

Don't let the name deceive you, it's more of a step sequencer than an arpeggiator. Very intuitive though.