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MajorJams Help Guide

MajorJams is a browser-based step sequencer. You build music by turning squares on in a grid, then combining melodies, bass, drums, pads, textures, and effects into a repeating loop or a simple scene-based song.

First Loop Tabs Grid Music Terms Scenes Workflow Projects FAQ Tips

Your First Loop

Choose a tab like `Drums` or `Lead`.
Click a few squares in the grid so they light up.
Press `Play` or tap `Space` to hear the pattern repeat.
Switch to another tab and add a bassline, melody, or texture.
Use a preset if you want a quick starting point.

You do not need music theory to get started. If it sounds good to you, you are doing it right.

Melody Tabs

`Lead` is your main tune. `Counter` and `Topline 2` add extra melodic answers or layers. `Pluck` gives you rhythmic stabs. `Vox` adds expressive top-line chops. `Bass` handles the main low notes, while `Sub` adds extra low-end support underneath. `Pad`, `Harmony`, `Chords`, and `Arp` fill out the harmony in different ways.

Rhythm And Atmosphere

`Drums`, `Perc`, and `Perc FX` build the beat and add little movement details. `Texture` and `Atmos` add background space like hiss, bloom, drift, or wash. `FX` is for bigger transitions, hits, sweeps, and movement.

How The Grid Works

Left to right is time. Top to bottom changes the note or sound lane. Each column is a step in the loop.

`Simple tap mode`: click once to turn a square on, click again to turn it off.
`Full mode`: extra clicks can add `Accent` or `Chance` behavior.
`Accent`: plays that step more strongly.
`Chance`: plays that step only some of the time.

You can also drag across the grid to paint or erase several squares quickly.

Useful Music Words

`Tempo`: the speed of the music.
`Key`: the home note the music centers around.
`Scale`: the set of notes the melodies will use.
`Swing`: shifts the rhythm slightly so it feels less rigid.

Harmony Words

`Chord`: several notes played together.
`Pad`: a soft sustained layer that fills space.
`Arp` or `Arpeggio`: notes from a chord played one at a time.
`Texture`: background sound or atmosphere rather than a clear melody.

Patterns, Scenes, And Song Flow

`Pattern A` and `Pattern B` let you make two versions of the same idea. `Scene Mode` lets you arrange those patterns into sections like `Intro`, `Drop`, or `Outro`.

Use the scene controls in `Arrange` to rename scenes and choose Pattern A or B.
Use the small mute chips to turn tracks off in specific scenes.
Use `Copy`, `Up`, and `Down` to shape the order of your arrangement.
Try the scene templates if you want a quick song structure.

A Simple Workflow That Usually Sounds Good

Start with `Drums`, `Bass`, and maybe `Sub` so the loop has rhythm and weight.
Add `Chords` or `Pad` to give the track harmony.
Write a simple `Lead` and keep it sparse at first.
Add `Counter`, `Vox`, `Arp`, or `Texture` only if the loop still has space.
Use `FX` at transitions rather than all the way through.

If a loop starts to feel crowded, mute one layer and listen again. A lot of good music works because each part has room.

Saving And Exporting

Use the `Project` panel to save named ideas, duplicate them, import them, or export them. You can also export MIDI and audio from there.

Keyboard Shortcuts

`Space`: Play / Stop
`1` to `0`, plus `-`, `=`, `[`, `]`, `\`, `;`, and `'`: Switch tabs
`A` / `B`: Switch pattern
`Delete`: Clear current track
`Ctrl/Cmd + S`: Save
`Ctrl/Cmd + Z`: Undo

Projects

Projects let you keep different ideas without overwriting the last one. Save often, especially when you make a change you like.

`Save`: stores the current idea.
`Duplicate Project`: makes a copy so you can experiment safely.
`Export Project`: saves a `.majorjams.json` file you can keep or share.
`Import Project`: brings that file back into MajorJams.

Presets And Templates

Presets are there to give you a strong starting point. Scene templates do the same thing for arrangement.

Use a preset if you want instant inspiration.
Use a scene template if you already like your sounds but want a better song flow.
Change one or two tracks first before changing everything at once.

Common Questions

Why does my loop sound messy?

Usually it means too many parts are competing. Try muting one melodic tab, using fewer notes, or lowering how often chance steps fire.

Why does it feel repetitive?

Use Pattern B, add scene changes, or let one scene mute the drums, bass, or lead for contrast.

What if I do not know music theory?

That is completely fine. Use presets, keep your patterns simple, and listen for what feels good. The key and scale tools help keep notes working together.

What is the easiest way to make something full?

Try this combination: drums, bass, chords or pad, one lead, one texture layer, and a few FX at the end of sections.

Simple Tips For Better Loops

Start with drums and bass before adding lots of melody.
Use fewer notes than you think. Space often sounds better than clutter.
Let one part lead and keep the others supportive.
Use `Texture` and `FX` to make the track feel bigger, not busier.
If a loop feels too rigid, try `Humanize` or add a few chance steps.
If you get stuck, load a preset and change just one or two tracks first.