Here is a walkthrough of the Track Builder, with screenshots. Arrangements created with the Track Builder can be transformed into chord symbols and inserted into lessons. You may also be interested in our Track Builder FAQ and our Track Guide. If you still have questions, try posting it to the FretBuzz forum about ActiveBass.

1. Track Parameters 2. Inserting Chords/Rests 3. Playback Parameters 4. The Track

1. Track Parameters

The track parameters allow you to change the length of your track, the format (i.e. style) of your track, and the number of chords played per measure.

• Length - The length of your track in measures (40 maximum). • Format - The format of the arrangement that is used when your track is played back. Each format has its own characteristic musical elements, but there is some randomness applied. • Resolution - The number of chords played per measure. If you change this, you will see the number of chord slots in The Track change. A selection of '2 chords/measure' means there are twice as many slots as '1 chord/measure' and chords in the track will play twice as fast (this is often referred to as "harmonic rhythm").

2. Inserting Chords/Rests

Chords can be inserted into your track by choosing the radio button that matches the root and the quality of your desired chord. Rests can be inserted by simply clicking "Insert Rest"

• Inserting Chords - Find the root (i.e. C, Eb, A, etc.) of the desired chord in the columns provided. Then, find the quality (i.e. Major, Minor, Dim7, etc.) of the desired chord in the rows provided. If your desired quality is not 'Major' or 'Minor', you may need to find it in the drop-down menu. Click the radio button corresponding to the intersection of the desired root and quality. This chord will automatically be inserted into The Track and the currently editable measure will advance to the next slot. • Inserting Rests - Simply click on the "Insert Rest" button. If your resolution is '1 chord/measure', then a whole note rest will be inserted into The Track and the currently editable measure will advance to the next slot. If your resolution is '2 chords/measure', then a half note rest will be inserted into The Track and the track will be advanced.

3. Playback Parameters

Playback parameters allow you to adjust the individual volumes of instruments used for the arrangement, and to play all or any part of the track.

• Volumes - All styles contain a piano, bass, and drum part. You can change the volumes of any of these instruments to 100% (full volume), 75%, 50%, 25%, or 0% (no volume). These parameters allow you to effectively "mix" your track. • Playback - The "Stop" and "Play" icons allow you to control the playback of your track. The start and end measures let you specify a subset of the track to playback..

4. The Track

The Track displays the current progression comprising the track. You can specify which measure to edit by clicking on that measure in the track.

• Current Slot - The currently editable slot is shown in green. If you decide to insert a chord or rest, your selection will appear in this slot, and the slot will be advanced. • Changing Slot - You can change the currently editable slot by simply clicking on the slot you want to edit in the track. • Adjusting Your View - You can change how much or how little you see of the track by grabbing the frame border located above the track and sliding it up or down.

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