The bass line would be a simple arpeggio set to "Org Note" type.

There's not a step sequencer. There's a pattern sequencer or linear sequencer.

And then you always have the option of creating a MIDI file outside of MODX using any software tools (including ones that give you a step sequencer interface) then importing that MIDI file to either the pattern or linear sequencers for further integration.

I would probably convert the end result to an arpeggio (drums would use "Fixed" type) and then "triggering" -- or changing grooves -- can be accomplished by pressing a different SCENE button.

Answered my own questions! Yay!

Found this for the drum pattern:
Synth Tips | Beat Making using the Pattern Sequencer | MODX/MONTAGE

and this for the bass line:
Synth Tips | Creating a simple User Arpeggio | MODX/MONTAGE

I'm almost ready to help others! 🙂 Well, not really.

The 8th note pattern seems like it would already be a stock arpeggio. Although figuring out which one does what is not something the documentation tries to communicate. In other words, it does usually take less time to learn how to make a user arpeggio and deal with that than it does to find what you're looking for in the arpeggios.

Sorry Jason,

I didn't see your first post when I responded. Thank you for the help!

I don't mind. I think it's cool you're digging in and finding the answers on your own. It reflects positively on the resources available that you're able to get around on your own.

Thank you, that was nice of you to say.

Some Timely Tips:-

- You will need to download the MODX Supplementary Manual in order to learn how to use the Pattern Sequencer and create User Arpeggios with the Pattern Sequencer.

- "Tracks" as described in the Pattern Sequencer text, correspond to PARTS. This is not made clear at all, and is a common tripping point (if you see !No Data! - you tripped). You will need to realise this when creating User Arpeggios. For example, if your Drums are in Part 3, to make a User Arpeggio for the Drums, you will need to specify Track 3 (I.e. Part 3). This will become clearer once you start making your own Arpeggios.

- Stating the obvious, learn the general operating system for Arpeggios - Fixed, Original Notes, Holding, Looping etc. You will need this knowledge or reference to hand. As ever, once you start experimenting, you'll understand the differences.

- Watch out for "ARP Play Only" and "Triggering" especially for Drums.

- "Scenes" allow you to change Drum Arpeggios (e.g. Verse, Chorus etc)

- You could record a whole song's Drums in just 1 Arpeggio (I think you have up to 256 Bars). The easier way is to make entire "loopabable" sections, including Fills (e.g. Verse, Chorus etc). This would also be a good point to look at and consider "Chaining" in the Pattern Sequencer. Sometimes I find it more convenient to just pre-record and "play" the Drums direct off the Sequencer (like playing a recorded Backing Track).

Thank you all. Great info, especially the video Bill posted. Very useful.