The Studio Tools

Piano Roll

The Piano Roll shows music the way a DAW does: notes as bars on a timeline against a piano. If you produce, it’s home; if you don’t, it’s the fastest way to understand how parts fit together rhythmically.

How to use it

  1. Open the tool and start the audio engine.
  2. Work with the roll: study how note lengths, spacing and overlaps create the feel of a part.
  3. Play along on your MIDI keyboard to connect what you see with what your hands do.

Pro tips

  • Stack a chord visually and you’ll see why close voicings get muddy low down — the bars crowd together. Spread them and watch the texture open.
  • Producers: sketch an idea here when inspiration hits away from your DAW, and screenshot it for later.