# Strudel Live Coding Reference

Complete reference for generating Strudel patterns, optimized for Techno, Modular, and House styles.

## 1. Architecture & Core Structure

You (AI) generate the Strudel code directly. Every pattern must follow this structure using the **`$:` (Output naming)** style for independent track control.

### Basic Structure

```javascript
setcps(120/60/4) // BPM based notation (BPM/60/4)

$: s("bd*4").bank("tr909")
$: s("- sd - sd").bank("tr909").gain(0.8)
$: note("c2*8").s("sawtooth").lpf(300)

```

### When to use `stack()`

Use `stack()` only for grouping layers that share the same configuration or for applying global effects to a subset of patterns.

```javascript
$: stack(
  s("bd*4"),
  s("- sd - sd"),
  s("hh*16")
).bank("tr909").room(0.5) // Shared reverb and bank

```


## 2. Mini-Notation Syntax

Every operator has specific meaning.

### Timing & Layering

* **, (comma)** : Layering (Simultaneous Playback)
* Play sounds TOGETHER (not sequential!)
* `"bd,sd,hh"` = THREE sounds playing simultaneously
* `"bd*4, - sd - sd, hh*8"` = THREE separate rhythm layers


* *** (multiply)** : `"bd*4"` = 4 kicks per cycle
* **- (dash) or ~ (tilde)** : Rest/Silence
* **[] (subdivide)** : `"bd [hh hh]"` = kick then two fast hi-hats
* **<> (rotate)** : `"<bd sd hh>"` = one per cycle, rotating
* **@ (elongate)** : `"bd@2 sd"` = kick twice as long as snare
* **! (replicate)** : `"bd!3"` = three kicks same duration
* **? (random)** : `"bd?0.5"` = 50% chance to play
* **| (choice)** : `"bd|sd|hh"` = random selection per cycle
* **(n,m) (Euclidean)** : `"bd(3,8)"` = 3 beats in 8 steps
* **/ (slow)** : `"[bd sd]/2"` = pattern spans 2 cycles

### Patterns

* **`struct("1 0 1 1")`** : Use to mask melodic patterns with rhythmic triggers.
* **`iter(n)`** : Shifts the pattern every cycle.
* **`scramble(n)`** : Randomizes subdivisions.



## 3. Sound Sources & Banks

### Basic Drums

Simple names that work with all drum machine banks:

* **bd** (kick), **sd** (snare), **hh** (closed hat), **oh** (open hat), **cp** (clap)
* **cr** (crash), **rim** (rimshot), **ht/mt/lt** (toms), **cb** (cowbell), **perc** (percussion)

### Drum Machine Banks

Classic drum machines to use with `.bank()`:

* **Usage**: `s("bd*4, - sd - sd, hh*8").bank("tr808")`
* **Techno/House**: `tr909`, `tr808`, `tr606`, `tr707`, `tr727`
* **Vintage/Pop**: `linn`, `linnlm1`, `linnlm2`, `akailinn`, `dmx`
* **Beatmaking**: `mpc60`, `sp12`, `rx5`, `bossdr55`, `bossdr110`, `bossdr550`

### Synth Waveforms & Noise

* **Waveforms (and abbreviations)**:
* `sine` (or `sin`): smooth, pure tone
* `sawtooth` (or `saw`): bright, buzzy
* `square` (or `sqr`): hollow, woody
* `triangle` (or `tri`): mellow
* `pulse`: variable width
* `supersaw`: thick, rich (excellent for bass and leads!)


* **Noise**: `white`, `pink`, `brown`, `crackle` (use with `.density()`)

### General MIDI Instruments (`gm_` prefix)

* **Pianos/Keys**: `gm_piano`, `gm_epiano1`, `gm_epiano2`, `gm_harpsichord`, `gm_clavinet`
* **Bass**: `gm_acoustic_bass`, `gm_electric_bass_finger`, `gm_electric_bass_pick`, `gm_synth_bass_1`, `gm_synth_bass_2`, `gm_slap_bass_1`
* **Strings**: `gm_violin`, `gm_viola`, `gm_cello`, `gm_contrabass`, `gm_string_ensemble_1`, `gm_string_ensemble_2`, `gm_pizzicato_strings`, `gm_tremolo_strings`
* **Brass**: `gm_trumpet`, `gm_trombone`, `gm_tuba`, `gm_french_horn`, `gm_brass_section`
* **Winds**: `gm_flute`, `gm_piccolo`, `gm_clarinet`, `gm_oboe`, `gm_bassoon`, `gm_pan_flute`, `gm_tenor_sax`, `gm_alto_sax`, `gm_soprano_sax`, `gm_baritone_sax`
* **Synth Lead/Pad**: `gm_lead_1_square`, `gm_lead_2_sawtooth`, `gm_lead_3_calliope`, `gm_pad_warm`, `gm_pad_poly`, `gm_pad_new_age`, `gm_pad_bowed`, `gm_pad_metallic`, `gm_pad_halo`
* **Guitars**: `gm_acoustic_guitar_nylon`, `gm_acoustic_guitar_steel`, `gm_electric_guitar_clean`, `gm_electric_guitar_jazz`, `gm_electric_guitar_muted`, `gm_overdriven_guitar`, `gm_distortion_guitar`
* **Ethnic/Choir**: `gm_sitar`, `gm_koto`, `gm_kalimba`, `gm_bagpipe`, `gm_choir_aahs`, `gm_voice_oohs`, `gm_synth_choir`
* **Organs**: `gm_church_organ`, `gm_drawbar_organ`, `gm_rock_organ`, `gm_reed_organ`, `gm_percussive_organ`

### Sample Instruments (Natural sounds)

* **Melodic**: `piano`, `sax`, `kalimba`, `marimba`, `vibraphone`, `xylophone_hard_ff`, `glockenspiel`
* **Harmonic**: `folkharp`, `harp`, `harmonica`, `ocarina`, `recorder_alto_sus`, `recorder_soprano_sus`
* **Percussive**: `woodblock`, `clave`, `clap`, `cowbell`, `tambourine`, `shaker_large`, `shaker_small`
* **Textural**: `wind`, `oceandrum`, `space`, `insect`


## 4. Notes & Harmony

### Note Notation

* **Letters**: `$: note("c d e f")` (a-g)
* **MIDI**: `$: note("60 64 67")` (60 = middle C)
* **Octaves**: `$: note("c#4 eb5 f3")`
* **Chords (Mini-Notation)**: `$: note("c,e,g")` (Use commas for simultaneous notes)
* **Microtones**: `$: note("60.5 64.25")`

### Scales

* `$: n("0 2 4 7").scale("C:major")` (Scale degrees)
* `$: n("0 1 2 3").scale("D:minor")` (Different root)
* `$: n("0 2 4").scale("A2:minor:pentatonic")` (With octave)

**Common scales**:
major, minor, dorian, mixolydian, lydian, phrygian, major:pentatonic, minor:pentatonic, major:blues, minor:blues, harmonicMinor, melodicMinor, diminished, wholeTone

### Chords (Symbols)

* `$: chord("Cm").voicing()`
* `$: chord("C7#11").voicing()` (Extended)
* `$: chord("Dm/F").voicing()` (Slash chords)

### Frequency

* `$: freq("440 880")` (Direct Hz control)



## 5. Time Modifiers

* **.fast(n)** : Speed up by n (e.g., `.fast("<1 2 4>")`)
* **.slow(n)** : Slow down by n
* **.rev()** : Reverse pattern
* **.palindrome()** : Forward then backward
* **.iter(n)** : Rotate subdivisions each cycle
* **.ply(n)** : Repeat each event n times
* **.euclid(beats, steps)** : Euclidean rhythm
* **.euclidRot(beats, steps, rot)** : With rotation
* **.early(cycles)** : Shift earlier (in cycles)
* **.late(cycles)** : Shift later
* **.every(n, fn)** : Apply function every nth cycle
* **.when(cond, fn)** : Conditional application
* **.sometimesBy(prob, fn)** : Random with probability
* **.swing(n)** : Add swing
* **.segment(n)** : Sample n times per cycle (essential for sweeps!)



## 6. Audio Effects

### Filters (Shape the Sound)

* **Low-Pass** (removes highs, makes darker/warmer):
* `.lpf(freq)`: Cutoff 0-20000 Hz
* `.lpq(res)`: Resonance 0-50


* **High-Pass** (removes lows, makes thinner):
* `.hpf(freq)`: Cutoff 0-20000 Hz
* `.hpq(res)`: Resonance 0-50


* **Band-Pass** (only center frequencies):
* `.bpf(freq)`: Center frequency
* `.bpq(res)`: Resonance


* **Vowel Filter**:
* `.vowel("a e i o u ae aa oe ue")`: (Options: a, e, i, o, u, ae, aa, oe, ue, etc.)



### Filter Envelopes (Animated Sweeps)

* `.lpenv(semitones)`: LP sweep depth
* `.lpa(time)`: LP attack
* `.lpd(time)`: LP decay
* `.lps(level)`: LP sustain
* `.lpr(time)`: LP release
* *(Same for HP: `hpenv`, `hpa`, `hpd`, `hps`, `hpr`)*
* *(Same for BP: `bpenv`, `bpa`, `bpd`, `bps`, `bpr`)*

### Amplitude Envelope (ADSR - Volume Over Time)

* `.attack(time)`: Attack (or `.att()`)
* `.decay(time)`: Decay (or `.dec()`)
* `.sustain(level)`: Sustain 0-1 (or `.sus()`)
* `.release(time)`: Release (or `.rel()`)
* `.adsr("att:dec:sus:rel")`: Combined e.g., `"0.1:0.2:0.7:0.5"`

### Gain & Dynamics

* `.gain(level)`: Volume 0-1 (can exceed 1)
* `.velocity(level)`: Note velocity 0-1
* `.postgain(level)`: After effects
* `.compressor("thresh:ratio:knee:att:rel")`

### Distortion & Saturation

* `.distort(amount)`: Wavefold distortion 0-10+ (try 2-8)
* `.dist(amount)`: Alias for distort
* `.crush(bits)`: Bit crushing 1-16 (4-8 for grit)
* `.shape(amount)`: Alternative waveshaping
* **.coarse(factor)**: Sample rate reduction (Chrome only!)

### Modulation (Movement & Character)

* `.vib(hz)`: Vibrato rate (4-8 Hz typical)
* `.vibmod(depth)`: Vibrato depth in semitones
* `.vib("hz:depth")`: Combined (e.g., `"6:1"`)
* `.fm(index)`: FM synthesis brightness 0-10+
* `.fmh(ratio)`: FM harmonicity (2=octave)
* `.fmattack(time)`: FM envelope attack
* `.fmdecay(time)`: FM envelope decay
* `.tremolosync(rate)`: Tremolo rate in cycles
* `.tremolodepth(depth)`: Tremolo intensity 0-1
* `.phaser(rate)`: Phaser speed
* `.phaserdepth(depth)`: Phaser amount

### Space & Time (Reverb/Delay)

* `.orbit(n)`: Assign to orbit (orbits share effects!)
* `.room(level)`: Reverb wet 0-1 (try 0.3-0.8)
* `.room("level:size")`: Combined (e.g., `".5:8"`)
* `.roomsize(size)`: Room size 0-10
* `.roomfade(time)`: Fade duration
* `.roomlp(freq)`: Darken reverb tail
* `.delay(level)`: Delay wet 0-1 (try 0.3-0.6)
* `.delay("level:time:fb")`: Combined (e.g., `".5:.125:.8"`)
* `.delaytime(time)`: Delay time in cycles (0.125, 0.25, 0.5)
* `.delayfeedback(fb)`: Feedback 0-1 (keep under 1!)
* **.pan(pos)**: Stereo 0-1 (0=left, 0.5=center, 1=right)
* **.jux(fn)**: Apply function to the right channel only
* **.juxBy(amount, fn)**: With amount control

### Sample Manipulation

* `.chop(n)` - Divide into n pieces
* `.slice(n, pattern)` - Slice and select: `.slice(8, "0 4 2 6")`
* `.striate(n)` - Granular chopping
* `.begin(pos)` - Start point 0-1
* `.end(pos)` - End point 0-1
* `.speed(rate)` - Playback speed (negative = reverse)
* `.loop(1)` - Enable looping
* `.loopAt(cycles)` - Stretch to fit cycles
* `.fit()` - Match event duration
* `.cut(group)` - Cut group (stop overlaps)



## 7. Pattern Factories

* **`stack(p1, p2, ...)`** - Play patterns simultaneously (Primary for rich music!)
* **`seq(p1, p2, ...)`** - Sequence patterns in one cycle (fastcat)
* **`cat(p1, p2, ...)`** - One pattern per cycle (slowcat)
* **`run(n)`** - Generate a pattern from 0 to n-1
* **`silence`** - No output (equivalent to `-`)



## 8. Advanced Modulation (Modular Style)

### Modulation (Fluent Signal Syntax)

* **LFO Gain**: `gain(sine.range(.5, 1).fast(2))`
* **Filter Sweeps**: `lpf(sawtooth.range(200, 4000).slow(4))`
* **Vibrato**: `vib("6:0.5")` (rate:depth)



## 9. Style Templates

### A. Deep Minimal Techno

```javascript
setcps(128/60/4)

$: s("bd*4").bank("tr909").gain(1.2)
$: s("- [hh|oh] - hh").bank("tr909").gain(0.8).jux(iter(4))
$: s("rim(3,8)").bank("tr606").room(0.3).delay(0.4)
$: note("c1*16").s("sine").lpf(sine.range(40, 120).slow(8)).gain(0.9)

```

### B. Modular Melodic Chaos

```javascript
setcps(100/60/4)
const mel = () => note(run(8).scale("C:minor:pentatonic")).scramble(4);

$: mel().s("supersaw").lpf(1200).lpq(10).room(0.5).slow(2)
$: s("bd(5,8)").bank("tr808").distort(1.5)
$: s("cp").at(3).room(1).rev()

```

### C. Classic House / Deep House

```javascript
setcps(124/60/4)

$: s("bd*4").bank("tr909").gain(1.1)
$: s("- [cp|sd] - [cp|sd]").bank("tr909").gain(0.9)
$: s("hh*8, - oh").bank("tr909").gain(0.7)
$: chord("<Cm7 F9 Bbmaj7 G7alt>").voicing().s("gm_epiano1")
    .room(.6).delay(.4).slow(2)
$: note("c2*2").s("saw").lpf(sine.range(100, 300).slow(4)).gain(0.8)

```

### D. Dark Synthwave (80s retro)

```javascript
setcps(100/60/4)

$: s("bd*4, - sd - sd, hh*16, - - oh -").bank("tr808").gain(1.1)
$: note("a0 [ - a0] [ - a0] a0").s("saw").lpf(sine.range(60, 150).slow(8)).gain(0.9)
$: chord("<Am Fmaj7 G7 Em7>").voicing().s("gm_pad_warm").room(0.8).slow(4).gain(0.7)
$: note("<a4 c5 d5 e5>*2").s("supersaw").lpf(800).delay(0.4).jux(rev)

```

### E. Drum 'n' Bass (Fast & Breaky)

```javascript
setcps(174/60/4)

$: s("bd - - [sd - bd] - bd sd -").bank("tr808").gain(1.1)
$: s("hh*16").gain(sine.range(0.4, 0.9).fast(8)).pan(sine.range(0.2, 0.8).slow(4))
$: note("c1").s("sin").lpf(sawtooth.range(40, 150).slow(8)).gain(0.8)
$: note(run(8).scale("C:minor:pentatonic")).s("gm_lead_1_square")
    .struct("1(3,8)").room(0.5).jux(rev)

```

### F. Deep Ambient / Texture

```javascript
setcps(60/60/4)

$: chord("<Fmaj9 G13 Em7b9 Am11>").voicing().s("gm_pad_halo")
    .room(0.9).slow(4).gain(0.6).jux(rev)
$: note(run(12).scale("F:lydian")).s("vibraphone")
    .room(0.8).delay(0.5).slow(8).scramble(8).pan(sine.range(0.1, 0.9).slow(16))
$: note("f1").s("sin").lpf(sine.range(40, 80).slow(12)).gain(0.5).slow(4)

```


## 10. Critical Generation Rules

1. **ALWAYS start with `setcps(NUMBER)**`: This is required at the very beginning! Always use `setcps(BPM/60/4)`.
2. **Default to `$: ` Style**: Always separate tracks using the `$: ` notation for independent control.
3. **Rests**: Always use `-` instead of `~`.
4. **Modulation**: Use fluent signal syntax: `signal.range(min, max).fast(n)`.
5. **Layering**: Always include: 1. Rhythmic (Drums), 2. Harmonic (Bass/Chords), 3. Texture/Melody.
6. **Wide Stereo**: Use `.jux()` or `.pan()` for professional depth.
7. **No Simplify**: Keep mini-notation rich (e.g., use `(3,8)` or `[hh!3]`).
8. **Return ONLY executable code**: No explanations, comments, or extra markdown outside the code block (when generating code).
9. **Validate all sound names**: Only use verified sounds from the lists above (`tr909`, `gm_*`, etc.).

## 11. Extended Documentation Index (Full List)
These URLs provide deep technical details and conceptual foundations. 

### 11.1. Workshop & Getting Started
- Strudel Overview: https://strudel.cc/workshop/getting-started/
- First Sounds: https://strudel.cc/workshop/first-sounds/
- First Notes: https://strudel.cc/workshop/first-notes/
- First Effects: https://strudel.cc/workshop/first-effects/
- Pattern Effects: https://strudel.cc/workshop/pattern-effects/
- Workshop Recap: https://strudel.cc/workshop/recap/

### 11.2. Core Syntax & Manuals
- Coding Syntax Detail: https://strudel.cc/learn/code/
- Mini Notation Detail: https://strudel.cc/learn/mini-notation/
- Mondo Notation Detail: https://strudel.cc/learn/mondo-notation/
- Pattern Functions Intro: https://strudel.cc/functions/intro/
- Patterns Detail: https://strudel.cc/technical-manual/patterns/
- Time Modifiers: https://strudel.cc/learn/time-modifiers/

### 11.3. Sound Sources & Synthesis
- Samples Detail: https://strudel.cc/learn/samples/
- Synths Detail: https://strudel.cc/learn/synths/
- Csound Integration: https://strudel.cc/learn/csound/
- Registering a sound: https://strudel.cc/technical-manual/sounds/

### 11.4. Modulation & Theory
- Continuous Signals: https://strudel.cc/learn/signals/
- Random Modifiers: https://strudel.cc/learn/random-modifiers/
- Conditional Modifiers: https://strudel.cc/learn/conditional-modifiers/
- Accumulation: https://strudel.cc/learn/accumulation/
- Tonal Functions: https://strudel.cc/learn/tonal/
- Understanding Cycles: https://strudel.cc/understand/cycles/
- Understanding Pitch: https://strudel.cc/understand/pitch/
- Chords and Voicings: https://strudel.cc/understand/voicings/
- Alignment & Combination: https://strudel.cc/technical-manual/alignment/

### 11.5. Advanced & Specialized
- Effects Detail: https://strudel.cc/learn/effects/
- Hydra Video Synth: https://strudel.cc/learn/hydra/
- Visual Feedback: https://strudel.cc/learn/visual-feedback/
- Music MetaData: https://strudel.cc/learn/metadata/
- Xen Harmonic Functions: https://strudel.cc/learn/xen/
- Strudel vs Tidal: https://strudel.cc/learn/strudel-vs-tidal/
- Recipes: https://strudel.cc/recipes/recipes/

### 11.6. Hardware & Input/Output
- MIDI, OSC and MQTT: https://strudel.cc/learn/input-output/
- Input Devices: https://strudel.cc/learn/input-devices/
- Device Motion: https://strudel.cc/learn/devicemotion/
- Using Strudel Offline: https://strudel.cc/learn/pwa/

### 11.7. Project & Development
- Project Start: https://strudel.cc/technical-manual/project-start/
- Packages: https://strudel.cc/technical-manual/packages/
- Strudel REPL: https://strudel.cc/technical-manual/repl/
- Documentation Guide: https://strudel.cc/technical-manual/docs/
- Testing (Development): https://strudel.cc/technical-manual/testing/

