{"id":5096,"date":"2021-08-12T15:30:47","date_gmt":"2021-08-12T14:30:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/?p=5096"},"modified":"2023-06-11T17:31:28","modified_gmt":"2023-06-11T16:31:28","slug":"change-pitch-sample-ableton","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/change-pitch-sample-ableton","title":{"rendered":"How To Change The Pitch Of A Sample In Ableton"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:52.428571428571%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:52.428571428571%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:52.428571428571%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:52.428571428571%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:52.428571428571%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>In this article, I explain how to change the pitch of a sample in Ableton Live in a few simple steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Transpose&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To see the transpose and detune functions, it helps to click on an&nbsp;<strong>audio<\/strong><strong> <\/strong><strong>sample<\/strong>&nbsp;on an audio track.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&nbsp;<strong>left-click<\/strong>&nbsp;on the sample&nbsp;<strong>twice<\/strong>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<strong>arrangement view<\/strong>&nbsp;and notice in the clip view below that there is a&nbsp;<strong>transpose <\/strong>(1)&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>detune <\/strong>(2)<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>option for the clip.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"367\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-1-Transpose-1.jpg\" alt=\"Step 1 Transpose 1\" class=\"wp-image-5303\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-1-Transpose-1.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-1-Transpose-1-300x157.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"367\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20700%20367'%3E%3Crect%20width='700'%20height='367'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Step 1 Transpose 1\" class=\"wp-image-5303 eager-load\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-1-Transpose-1.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-1-Transpose-1.jpg.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-1-Transpose-1.jpg.webp 700w, https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-1-Transpose-1-300x157.jpg.webp 300w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The transpose knob allows for&nbsp;<strong>pitch<\/strong><strong> shifting<\/strong><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>an audio clip up to forty-eight semitones above or beneath the original audio sample&rsquo;s pitch.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<strong>detune<\/strong>&nbsp;function allows you to tune the sample between semitones by 50 degrees (called &lsquo;<strong>cents<\/strong>&lsquo;).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So if you set the <strong>detune dial<\/strong> to <strong>25ct<\/strong>, your sample will be tuned halfway between the current semitone and the next higher semitone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use the transpose and detune dials to tune an element (say, a kick drum sample), although there are many ways to use these functions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Use The Warp Functions&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For this example, I have transposed my sample up by 12 semitones. However, when you change the pitch of a sample, sometimes this results in unwanted tempo changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To fix this, you need to transpose the sample with the <strong>warp <\/strong><strong>mode<\/strong><strong> <\/strong>set to on and then cycle through the warp algorithms to find one that naturally pitch shifts the sample.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"367\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-2-Use-the-warp-functions-.jpg\" alt=\"Step 2 Use the warp functions \" class=\"wp-image-5304\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-2-Use-the-warp-functions-.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-2-Use-the-warp-functions--300x157.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"367\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-2-Use-the-warp-functions-.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Step 2 Use the warp functions \" class=\"wp-image-5304 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-2-Use-the-warp-functions-.jpg.webp 700w, https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-2-Use-the-warp-functions--300x157.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-2-Use-the-warp-functions-.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the type of sample, the algorithmic choice may differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, beat samples tend to be pitched and warped more successfully with the<strong> beat <\/strong>algorithm. Ambient and tonal samples pair well with the <strong>tones<\/strong> algorithm, whereas harsher\/noisier sounds pair better with the <strong>textures<\/strong> algorithm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>complex<\/strong> and <strong>complex pro<\/strong> algorithms are best used for a vocal sample.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is best to cycle through these algorithms and listen to the repitched sample to see which warp algorithm produces the desired result within your expected tempo.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Check The Pitch&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Apply Ableton&rsquo;s Tuner Effect to the track with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/reverse-sample-ableton\">sample<\/a> that you have just transposed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then playback the sample and check the pitch using the <strong>Tuner<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see in the screenshot, my sample is too sharp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"367\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-3-Check-the-pitch-.jpg\" alt=\"Step 3 Check the pitch \" class=\"wp-image-5305\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-3-Check-the-pitch-.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-3-Check-the-pitch--300x157.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"367\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-3-Check-the-pitch-.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Step 3 Check the pitch \" class=\"wp-image-5305 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-3-Check-the-pitch-.jpg.webp 700w, https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-3-Check-the-pitch--300x157.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-3-Check-the-pitch-.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>I want to make sure that the sample sits at C.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Adjust The Pitch Using The Detune Function&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To adjust the sample, <strong>double-left-click<\/strong> on the sample to see the<strong> <\/strong><strong>clip<\/strong><strong> view<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using my sample as an example, I know that the sample&rsquo;s pitch is in the vicinity of C. Therefore, I do not want to transpose it to any semitone above or beneath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, I want to slightly pitch shift the audio sample to make it flatter to get closer to C.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To do this, I <strong>left-click<\/strong> and <strong>hold down<\/strong> on the mouse button on the <strong>Detune Screen <\/strong>and <strong>pull down<\/strong> on the mouse to lower the sample&rsquo;s pitch by a matter of cents instead of whole semitones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"367\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-4-Adjust-the-pitch-using-the-detune-function-.jpg\" alt=\"Step 4 Adjust the pitch using the detune function \" class=\"wp-image-5306\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-4-Adjust-the-pitch-using-the-detune-function-.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-4-Adjust-the-pitch-using-the-detune-function--300x157.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"367\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-4-Adjust-the-pitch-using-the-detune-function-.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Step 4 Adjust the pitch using the detune function \" class=\"wp-image-5306 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-4-Adjust-the-pitch-using-the-detune-function-.jpg.webp 700w, https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-4-Adjust-the-pitch-using-the-detune-function--300x157.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Step-4-Adjust-the-pitch-using-the-detune-function-.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In this instance, I needed to go quite low to reach my desired pitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you will see, I detuned the sample by minus <strong>21 cents<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To check the sample&rsquo;s pitch, <strong>left-click<\/strong> on the <strong>Device Viewer<\/strong> Selector down the <strong>bottom right<\/strong> of the screen to see the track&rsquo;s effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There we find the<strong> tuner effect <\/strong>that I loaded up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Go ahead and playback the sample to check its pitch by playing back the sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It may take a few rounds of adjusting, using the <strong>detune <\/strong>option on the sample clip, but you will get there. See&hellip;&nbsp;Much better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"367\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Successfully-change-the-pitch.jpg\" alt=\"Successfully change the pitch\" class=\"wp-image-5307\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Successfully-change-the-pitch.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Successfully-change-the-pitch-300x157.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"367\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Successfully-change-the-pitch.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Successfully change the pitch\" class=\"wp-image-5307 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Successfully-change-the-pitch.jpg.webp 700w, https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Successfully-change-the-pitch-300x157.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Successfully-change-the-pitch.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ&nbsp;&ndash; How To Change The Pitch Of A Sample In Ableton<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1628195074594\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How do you change the octave of a sample in Ableton?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>To change the octave of a sample in Ableton, transpose the sample up by 12 semitones like I have done here in this example.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1628195091001\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How do you change the key of a song in Ableton?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>If you want to change the overall key of a song in Ableton, you can upload the whole song as a WAV file into Ableton and then transpose it. For example, if the music is in the key of C, transposing it up two semitones will change the key to D. This sounds easy, but it does not work all the time. Depending on the scales of the song, it may be hard to accurately change the key of the song just by transposing it. To change the song&rsquo;s key properly, you may need to rework the song&rsquo;s central musical theme. The key is based on (such as the bassline or chord progression) and rebuild everything around it (including drum samples, which depending on your style of music, may also need to be repatched and tuned using the steps given here).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1628195112585\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Which sampling instrument is your sample in now?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>None, I am just adjusting the raw sample. Sometimes I find it helps to repitch a sample to the desired pitch and then consolidate it (by clicking on the clip and pressing <strong>Ctrl-J<\/strong>) before loading the sample into a sample instrument like Ableton&rsquo;s Simpler.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1628195206409\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How do you change the pitch of a sample but not the time?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Ah, see &ndash; this is the issue many of us face when we transpose or detune a sample. To ensure that the sample&rsquo;s time (e.g., tempo) does not change, you must make sure that you transpose the sample with the warp function. Then you choose the warping algorithm that best suits the type of sample. You will notice that some warping functions keep the repitched sample in a much closer tempo than others.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1628195226096\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How do you modulate pitch in Ableton?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Select the clip that you want to modulate. In the envelopes box on the Clip View, select the drop-down menu from the Control Chooser and select Transposition Modulation. Set your automation points. This, in a nutshell, is how you modulate pitch in Ableton.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1628784336808\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How do you go down an octave in Ableton?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Similar to the last point, but transpose your sample down 12 semitones instead.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this article, I explain how to change the pitch of a sample in Ableton Live in a few simple steps. Step 1: Transpose&nbsp; To see the transpose and detune functions, it helps to click on an&nbsp;audio sample&nbsp;on an audio track.&nbsp; I&nbsp;left-click&nbsp;on the sample&nbsp;twice&nbsp;in the&nbsp;arrangement view&nbsp;and notice in the clip view below that there is &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":5308,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[105,27],"tags":[82,76],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":105,"label":"Ableton"},{"value":27,"label":"Tips And Techniques"}],"post_tag":[{"value":82,"label":"Ableton"},{"value":76,"label":"Ableton Tips"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Copy-of-Step-4-Adjust-the-pitch-using-the-detune-function-.jpg",700,367,false],"author_info":{"display_name":"Casey Scott","author_link":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/author\/ca53y5c0tt"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":105,"name":"Ableton","slug":"ableton","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":105,"taxonomy":"category","description":"Create and produce music like a pro with our Ableton category. Find tutorials, tips, and tricks to enhance your workflow and unleash your creativity.","parent":27,"count":74,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":105,"category_count":74,"category_description":"Create and produce music like a pro with our Ableton category. Find tutorials, tips, and tricks to enhance your workflow and unleash your creativity.","cat_name":"Ableton","category_nicename":"ableton","category_parent":27},{"term_id":27,"name":"Tips And Techniques","slug":"tips-and-technique","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":27,"taxonomy":"category","description":"Stuck and not sure what to do?\r\n\r\nWe\u2019ve got tips, tricks, and techniques that will help you get things moving.","parent":75,"count":262,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":27,"category_count":262,"category_description":"Stuck and not sure what to do?\r\n\r\nWe\u2019ve got tips, tricks, and techniques that will help you get things moving.","cat_name":"Tips And Techniques","category_nicename":"tips-and-technique","category_parent":75}],"tag_info":[{"term_id":82,"name":"Ableton","slug":"ableton","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":82,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":93,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":76,"name":"Ableton Tips","slug":"ableton-tips","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":76,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":76,"filter":"raw"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5096"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5096"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5096\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6676,"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5096\/revisions\/6676"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5308"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5096"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5096"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.homemusicmaker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5096"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}