ChordEase 1.0.14 introduces new mapping function for tonal palettes

The latest version of ChordEase includes a new mapping function for a system of tonal palettes, called the "Numbers" system. This system purposefully limits the number of scale tones in use at any one time, in order to facilitate melodious intervals and allow consistent management of dissonance.

Input notes are mapped to a four-note subset of the current heptatonic scale, called a group. Seven different groups are available, and they gradate smoothly in their tension or distance from the tonal center. Each group has two variants, one for major chords and one for minor chords.

The triad plus the seventh (1, 3, 5, 7) are chord tones, while the remaining scale tones (2, 4, 6) are tensions. The groups can be viewed as tonal palettes ranging from mostly chord tones to mostly tensions. At one extreme, group 1 - 5 contains the triad, and therefore sounds consonant, warm, or red. At the other extreme, group 2 - 6 contains all three tensions, and therefore sounds dissonant, cool, or blue. The groups in between gradually add tensions, or gradually remove them.

As long as you continue to use the same group, you're maintaining a consistent degree of dissonance relative to the chord changes. Think of the group setting as a tension knob. By changing it periodically you can vary the mood of your improvisation.

The Numbers system was popularized by tenor saxophonist and music educator Jerry Bergonzi in his book "Inside Improvisation, Vol 1: Melodic Structures."

Download: http://chordease.sourceforge.net/download.html
Release notes: http://chordease.sourceforge.net/relnotes.html
Numbers help topic: http://chordease.sourceforge.net/Help/Parts_bar/Lead.htm…