User Manual

By default MASCHINE JAM is set to the chromatic scale of C and the 8x8 click-pad matrix
represent each semitone. By simply touching the Encoder you can display the Scale on-screen
overlay. This will provide an overview of the current settings and allow you to set a new root
note for the scale, a scale type, and select a chord mode; including harmonic, or one of the
predefined chord sets that can be triggered using a single click-pad from the 8x8 matrix.
Pad Layout
In addition to selecting a scale and chord, it is also possible to change the pad layout mode
from the standard to isomorphic.
The standard pad layout allows you to use the 8x8 grid matrix to play notes in the selected
scale from left to right in an ascending order, or descending order from right to left, just like a
traditional piano layout. The click-pads highlight the selected scale and display root note in
white.
The isomorphic pad layout allows you to play a chord or musical interval by playing a combina-
tion of notes in the same shape, no matter what key you play in. It’s easier to learn and play
than on a traditional piano layout. You don’t need to know musical theory, you just need to
know the formation for an interval. Learn the formation for a minor triad in one key, and use
the same formation in another. It’s always the same formation, regardless which key you play
in, so it’s easy to explore and experiment with harmonies and melodies. Simply set the key in
the scale engine and go right/left to go up/down the scale.
A list of basic isomorphic keyboard formations for MASCHINE JAM can be downloaded
from the Native Instruments website using the following link:
https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/maschine/production-systems/ma-
schine-jam/downloads/
Selecting a Scale, Chord and Pad Layout using the On-screen Overlay
To select items from the Scale on-screen overlay:
1. Switch the focus to a Sound slot containing a polyphonic instrument, or load one into the
desired Sound slot.
2. To enter Keyboard mode press SHIFT + PAD MODE (KEYBOARD).
3. Touch the Encoder.
⇨ The on-screen overlay will display the current Scale settings.
Recording and Editing Patterns
Creating Melodies and Harmonies
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