This manual explains the structure and operation of GuitarStrokeHelper, a plugin for efficiently creating MIDI data for guitar performances.
Introduction
This plugin is a tool that combines Guitar TAB (fret positions) and Picking Patterns (strokes/string picking) to generate MIDI notes that can be played back in your DAW.
This plugin does not produce sound on its own
To hear audio, you need to route the MIDI to a separate instrument (guitar library/synth/sampler), or drag and drop the generated MIDI to an instrument track.
This is a MIDI output-only software
Data input is done through the plugin UI or by loading presets (MIDI keyboard input is also partially supported). Real-time performance input is not available.
Video Tutorials
DAW setup guides and tips
1. Overview
The interface is divided into five main areas.
- Top Left: TAB Editor
- Center: Pattern Track
- Bottom: Pattern Editor
- Right Side: Inspector
- Bottom Bar: Generate Area (the area with the large circular button)
Component Details
TAB Editor (Top Left)
An area for entering fret positions in a guitar tablature-like format. This is where you set up chords and melodies.
Pattern Track (Center)
An area for managing picking patterns as "blocks". You can easily copy and move patterns as grouped units.
Pattern Editor (Bottom)
An area for entering picking patterns (string plucking actions) separately from chords. You can configure Stroke settings, individual string input (1-6), and Key Switch (KS) settings.
Inspector (Right Side)
An area for fine-tuning performance nuances. You can specify picking timing, velocity, stroke speed, and more.
Generate Area (Bottom Bar)
Contains the Generate button for creating MIDI, Save/Load buttons for project files, and the Logo which opens the About window.
This plugin generates MIDI by combining TAB and picking patterns. MIDI will not be generated for sections where either data is missing.
Basic Workflow
- Set up fret positions in the TAB Editor.
- Create right-hand strokes and picking movements in the Pattern Editor.
- Fine-tune nuances (dynamics, timing) in the Inspector as needed.
- Repeat the above to compose the entire piece.
2. TAB Editor
The TAB Editor is where you manage fret positions. Unlike traditional tablature, you control position and duration like MIDI data rather than note values.
Basic Input and Editing
Entering Fret Positions
- New Entry: Double-click at the desired location (string/timing) to display a diamond-shaped marker (glyph).
- Setting the Number: With the glyph displayed, type a number directly and press Return (Enter) to confirm the fret number.
- Changing Position: With the glyph selected, press left/right arrow keys to adjust the fret number (0 for open, below 0 shows "×" for muted).
- Adjusting Length: Drag the edge of a note to adjust how long that position is held.
Move, Copy, and Delete
- Move: Select a note and drag it with the mouse.
- Multi-select: Drag from an empty area to select multiple notes at once for group operations.
- Copy: Select notes and drag while holding Option/Alt.
- Delete: Select notes and press the Delete key.
Menu Bar Settings
The menu bar at the top controls overall TAB Editor behavior.
- Grid: Change the timeline grid resolution.
- Scroll Lock: When enabled, synchronizes scrolling with the Pattern Track and Pattern Editor below.
- MIDI IN (Edit Mode): Enables changing fret positions using a MIDI keyboard.
- Display: Switch between "Fret" (fret number) and "Note" (pitch name) display.
- Import/Export: Save or load TAB data as files.
Import Note
Import overwrites from the playhead position for the length of the imported file. Set the position in your DAW before importing. We recommend saving your TAB data first so you can restore it if needed.
Time Signature Settings
To change the time signature mid-song, use the "TS (Time Signature) Event" feature.
- Setting Time Signature: Double-click on the timeline area (where bar numbers are displayed) to set the time signature (e.g., 6/8, 5/4). Time signatures can only be set at bar boundaries.
- TS Events: Click the "TS Events" button in the menu to view and manage (delete, etc.) all time signature changes.
Deleting an earlier TS event will also delete all subsequent TS events.
DAW Sync Note
Time signature settings in this tool do not automatically sync with your DAW. If you change the time signature in your DAW, you must manually set the same time signature in the TAB Editor.
3. Pattern Track
The Pattern Track is where you manage picking information as "blocks" created in the Pattern Editor below. (MIDI is only generated where both TAB fret data and picking data exist.)
Basic Block Operations
Blocks on the Pattern Track are the building units for your picking pattern arrangement.
- Create: Double-click on an empty area to create and place a New Pattern at that position.
- Move: Drag a block to move it to any position.
- Resize: Drag the right edge to adjust the block length.
- Select/Deselect: Click to select, Cmd+click to deselect.
- Multi-select: Shift+click to select multiple blocks.
- Copy: Drag while holding Alt/Option to duplicate a block.
Right-click (when selected): Context menu
- Save Pattern as Preset...: Save the pattern block as a preset
- Delete Pattern: Delete the pattern block (Delete key also works)
Preset Feature
A feature for efficiently reusing saved picking patterns.
- Using Presets: Load patterns you've saved previously. You can also import external pattern files using the Import button.
- Filtering:
- User button: Show only your saved presets
- Star mark: Show only "favorite" patterns
- Time signature selection: Show only patterns matching a specific time signature
Note: Factory presets are planned for a future update (timing TBD).
- Placing Presets: Select a preset and drag & drop it onto the Pattern Track.
Randomize (Auto-generate Picking Patterns)
Use "Randomize" to automatically generate new picking patterns based on specified conditions.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Density | How densely to fill picking events within the block |
| Stroke % | Percentage of strokes (multi-string plays) in generated picking |
| Main / Sub | Set the main note duration and its usage ratio |
| Velocity / Variation | Base velocity and range of dynamic variation |
| Strings | Select which strings to use (1-6) |
※ A single pattern block must be selected to apply random generation.
Export and Import
- Export: Save created patterns as external files.
- Import: Load previously saved external files for reuse.
Import Note
Import overwrites from the playhead position for the length of the imported file. We recommend saving your project using the Save button in the Generate Area first.
Other Menu Options
- Grid: Like the TAB Editor, you can change grid line resolution to adjust placement precision.
4. Pattern Editor & Inspector
The Pattern Editor is where you set detailed picking patterns for each block in the Pattern Track. A piano roll-like interface lets you control strokes, individual string picking, and key switches.
Editor Settings (Top Menu)
- Grid: Change the timeline grid resolution.
- Tuning Lock: Lock the tuning settings.
- Vel (Default Velocity): Set the default velocity for new picking events.
- Capo: Set capo position (up to fret 24) to easily transpose the overall tuning.
Entering and Editing Picking Patterns
To enter picking patterns, you must first create or select a pattern block.
When a pattern block is selected, the corresponding area is highlighted in the Pattern Editor.
- Entry: Double-click at the desired location to create a one-grid-unit block.
- Resize: Drag the edge of the block to extend it to the desired duration.
Even if you enter picking in the piano roll, no sound will be produced unless there's a corresponding fret position in the TAB Editor at that timing. Both left hand (TAB) and right hand (picking) must be present for notes to sound.
Changing Tuning:
Click the number at the left edge of each string and use left/right arrow keys to change the tuning.
Inspector Settings
When a block is selected, detailed settings appear in the Inspector on the right side.
Individual String (1-6) Settings
Displayed when an individual string block is selected.
- Velocity: Adjust the volume/intensity of the selected picking.
- Offset: Fine-tune the timing forward or backward from the grid.
Stroke (Multi-string) Settings
When a stroke block is selected, you can configure guitar-specific playing characteristics.
Anchor: Specify which string plays at the exact grid timing within the stroke.
Anchor Offset: Fine-tune the anchor string's timing to adjust the overall stroke timing.
Ignore: Specify strings to skip within the stroke. Useful for letting bass strings sustain while strumming the rest.
String Offset: Freely set the timing offset for each string.
- Direction: DOWN/UP - Select downstroke or upstroke
- Curve: SIMUL (simultaneous), LINEAR (even), ACCEL (accelerating), DECEL (decelerating)
- Multiplier: Scale timing differences from 0.1x to 2.0x
If strings before the anchor are set to play at the start of a pattern block, timing may fall outside the block range, causing MIDI to not generate correctly.
String Velocity: Freely set the velocity for each string.
- DOWN/UP: Presets for bass-heavy or treble-heavy dynamics
- Diff: Velocity change amount per string
- "=" button: Set all strings to equal velocity
- "SET" button: Randomize velocity within the specified range
Key Switch Settings
Key switches for changing articulations can be managed like picking events.
- Entry: Double-click in the key switch area to create, then drag to adjust length.
- Inspector settings:
- Note: Set MIDI note number (0-127)
- Velocity: Adjust key switch signal velocity
- Offset: Fine-tune key switch timing
5. Generate Area
The Generate Area at the bottom of the screen converts information from the TAB and Pattern Editors into final MIDI data for your DAW.
Generating and Updating MIDI
Use the large circular button in the center to generate MIDI data.
- Generate Button: Press to create MIDI data based on current editor contents. If MIDI is routed to an instrument, you can preview the sound.
- MIDI Button (Drag & Drop):
- Blue: MIDI is generated and up to date
- Gray: Changes pending or MIDI not yet generated (press Generate again)
Drag & Drop to DAW
Drag the MIDI button directly to your DAW timeline to place the generated MIDI.
Output Range
The output range can be switched between all data or selected blocks. A yellow dot on the MIDI button indicates the current mode.
- Selected blocks only: When pattern blocks are selected, a yellow dot appears on the MIDI button. Dragging exports only the selected range.
- All data: When nothing is selected, no yellow dot appears. Dragging exports all MIDI data.
Steps
- Confirm the MIDI button is blue (press Generate if gray).
- Click and drag the MIDI button to your DAW timeline.
About Button (Logo) and License
The logo at the right edge opens the About window.
- Information: View links to the official website and tool details.
- License Activation: Some features are limited without activation. Load your purchased license file to activate.
Activation Steps
- Click the logo at the bottom left to open the dialog
- Open the License tab
- Click Select License File... and choose your
.licensefile - On success, the status changes to Licensed
6. Common Operations
Scroll / Zoom
- Mouse wheel: Horizontal scroll
- Cmd/Ctrl + wheel: Zoom
7. Troubleshooting (FAQ)
Generated but MIDI button won't work
- The result may be empty (TAB or Pattern is empty, or everything is Mute/Ignore).
- Or the data is stale after editing. Press Generate again.
Edited but playback hasn't changed
This plugin outputs generated results, so you need to re-Generate after editing.
Time signature doesn't match DAW
- If no time signature events are set in the plugin, it receives the time signature from the DAW, applying it to all TAB data at that moment.
- If time signature changes mid-song, set matching changes in the plugin at the same timing as your DAW.
- Check plugin time signature events in the TAB Editor ruler (shown in orange) or via the TS Events button.