RPG Maker 2

RPG Maker 2

Music Creation Guide v3.0
In-Depth FAQ
Contact Information: [email protected]

v2.1 Contents
1. Update Information
2. Music Creation Forum
3. Music Creation Staff
4. General Information
5. Treble Clef>RPGM2 Transposition
6. Timing to Create Songs
7. Using your music in the game.
8. Tips for the Musician
9. Questions and Answers
10. My Sample Tunes
11. Sample Tunes Submitted by Others.
12. What to expect in the next update.
13. Thanks
14. Copyright Information

***---------------------------------------------------------***
*** Update Information ***
***---------------------------------------------------------***
v3.0 HEY! Im finally back. It has been a while (MY PS2 has been
in the shop for repairs.) but im here, and right back into
music creation for RPGM2. As far as the update goes, I have
added 4(!) new sections since the last release. The first
Is a short section called "Music Creation Forum" The next
Is a section crediting the newly formed "Music Creation Staff"
The third is a section titled "Tips for the Musician" which,
as the name states, gives helpful tips. Lastly, I have a
question and answer section in which I address frequently
asked questions that I recieve.

v2.0 A new section for fan-submitted custom music has been
added complete with an original composition by Jugem.
If you would like to have your creations posted in my
guide, send them to [email protected]

v1.3 Added the New sections for Using music IN your game, and
sample tunes. Good deal of information added.

v1.21/v1.22
Made minor changes to timing information. The information already
listed would make the notes generally too long.

v1.2 Added Quite a bit on timing. Just about all information that
may be needed to create great sounding music is now in the guide.

v1.1: A great deal more information on octaves and notation. A
section on timing has been added as well. Transposition
charts completly recomposed to include lower octaves.

v1.0: Base guide, details on transposition and "flute" notation.

***---------------------------------------------------------***
*** Music Creation Forum ***
***---------------------------------------------------------***
You heard me right! The RPG Maker Magazine has set up a special
forum just for Music Creation related discussion. This is a much
quicker way of getting your questions answered than sending me an
email because the entire Music Creation Staff usually checks the
forum daily. Be free to use the forum to ask a question or post
your newest masterpiece. The special Music Creation forum can be
found at: http://pub45.ezboard.com/frpgmakermagazinefrm83

***---------------------------------------------------------***
*** Music Creation Staff ***
***---------------------------------------------------------***
The Music Creation guide, as well as the general concept of music
creation on RPGM2 has grown from just a tiny seed into something
extraordinary. Many faces have become well known, and the rush
for new information on music creation has led me to hire some help.
Starting with the next issue, this guide will be co-authored by
the following people, each adding their own unique touch.

OblivionDragon-Me-Head FAQer/Scripter
SGT SARGE-Second in command.
Jugem-Master Musician/Scripter
LordIxzion-er...we will figure something out :p

!!!Attention: We are still in need of staff memebers, if you would
like to become a staff memeber, please contact me at:
[email protected]!!!

***----------------------------**---------------------------***
*** General Information ***
***----------------------------**---------------------------***

Treble Clef:
---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
--------------------o------------------------
---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------

The note on the above music staff is a "B Natural"
No matter what instrument is being played, the note is called the same,
and the above note will always be B natural. The often misunderstood
concept is that although it is the same note on any instrument, it
will not sound alike. This is because the instruments are
in different keys.

Here's a handy transposition chart. I have given each note a
"classification #", so finding the same number in each scale will give
you the exact same pitch.

Concert Pitch
(Flute, all mallets, oboe, all keyboards, C-tin whistle, C-Trumpet)
--------------------------------
C C# D D# E F F# G G# A A# B C
--------------------------------
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
--------------------------------

B-FLAT INSTRUMENTS:
(Bb Clarinet, Bb Trumpet, Soprano Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone (T.C)
---------------------------------
D D# E E# F# G G# A A# B B# C# D
---------------------------------
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
---------------------------------

E-FLAT INSTRUMENTS:
(Alto Clarinet, Alto Sax, Eb Horn, Baritone Sax, Eb Tuba (T.C.)
----------------------------------
A A# B B# C# D D# E E# F# G G# A
----------------------------------
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
----------------------------------

F-INSTRUMENTS:
French Horn
--------------------------------
G G# A A# B C C# D D# E F F# G
--------------------------------
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
--------------------------------

By comparing the numbers of each note, you can now easily transpose
between these instruments.
EX: A classification # of 1 for F-Instruments is G
A classification # of 1 for E-Flat Instruments is A
The pithes of these two notes will be the same because they have the
same classification #.

***------------------------***--------------------------------***
*** Treble Clef>RPGM2 ***
***------------------------***--------------------------------***

Alright! This is where the fun begins! </sarcasm>
In this section Im going to show you how you can transfer notes from the
treble clef into notes on RPGM2. Basically, what this means, is
if you know how to read music, you can program a lot of
pretty cool music. If you have sheet music, you can most
likely create the music in RPGM2.

First, a quick intro before we get down to buisness.

Looking back to the charts above, you will notice that there are notes
numbered from 1-13. Each of these notes has a counter-note on RPGM2.
This is managed by manipulating the pre-recorded RPGM2 Instrument sound
effects. By varying the pitch of the notes from -12 to 12 in RPGM2,
a great variety of songs can be created. You must be aware though, that
there are certain limitations on this type of music creation.
For example, only a few instrument sounds are avaliable, but most people
should be able to make due with this. The music will still sound
good, but just not orchastra quality.

Alright, on to the stuff you actually want to hear about :p

You will probably recognize the table below. The second row is
the upper-octave pitch in RPGM2 that is equal to the concert pitch.
The third row represents the lower-octave pitch in RPGM2 that is equal to
the concert pitch.

Let me explain octaves really fast for you non-music people. Both
the pitches 0 and -12 are the note "C" but they are one octave
apart. Both of the notes sound the same in terms of pitch,
but the -12 pitch is an octave lower.

The Following chart is true for all of RPGM2 preloaded
instrument sfx.

How to use the chart: Look above the the charts where I first
gave the classification numbers. Find the specific note you want to
play, and in which key, and then match it up with its classification
number. Return to this chart and find the same classification number.
Under this number is the pitch you will need to use in RPGM2 to
get the same tone.

--------------------------------------------------
Classification #: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
--------------------------------------------------
RPGM2 Upper-Octave: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
--------------------------------------------------
Lower octave: -12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0
--------------------------------------------------

***------------------------------------------------------------***
*** Timing operations for Creating Songs ***
***------------------------------------------------------------***

One cannot simply just string notes together carelessly and hope to
have created an outstanding piece of music to rival Peer Gynt. You have
to understand the basics of music the be able to program a nice sounding
melody in RPGM2.

Music is composed of a huge variety of Notes and Rests, each lasting
a certain amount of time, depending on the speed of the music.

For Example: If a piece of music is in 4/4 time, that means that there
are 4 beats a measure. A whole note takes up 4 beats.
A half note takes 2 beats, A Quarter Note takes 1 Beat.
An Eighth Note takes 1/2 of a beat.
A Sixteenth note takes 1/4 of a beat, and so forth.
For each of the notes I described, there is also a rest. During the period
of a rest, nothing occurs but silence. The exact oposite of a note, but
counted in the same way.

Each note in RPGM2 can have a set length, or tempo. This is
one way to vary the length of notes, but is very limited. For optimal
sound, always set the tempo of the note as low as it will go, and use
the following procedure.

To implement the right length that the notes and rests should be,
you must use a wait command in RPGM2. An average whole note would be about
a 80F wait time in RPGM2, as would a whole rest.

To create a whole note/rest: When you get into scripting, select the sound
you want to use by selecting the sound effect and setting the pitch.
After you insert the sound effect into the switch, select Other>Wait and
then select 48F. This will make your note wait the appropriate amount of time.
A rest is done in the same way, BUT the wait will not follow a note, you
script a wait time of 80F and nothing more.

The same process can be used to create Half-Notes,Quarter-Notes,Eighth Notes
etc. but the wait time you program will vary. For example, use the
above process but substitute the following wait times:

Dotted Half Note/Rest (3 counts): 36F
Half Note/Rest (2 Counts): 24F
Dotted Quarter Note/Rest (1 1/2 Counts): 18F
Quarter Note/Rest (1 Count): 12F
Eighth Note/Rest (1/2 Count): 6F
Sixteenth Note/Rest (1/4 Count):3F

Now just one more thing. To get the optimal effect, the tempo for these
notes should be very low, and right after the "wait" you should use
the "stop" script under the "music" heading. This will ensure that
your notes will not run into each other and clash in a very ugly way.

You should be able to use this data, and your new knowledge of the notes
that can be used in RPGM2 to create some pretty interesting stuff. I am
going to see what I can come up with and you can bet I will have loads
of sample tunes in the Next Update!

***------------------------------------------------------------***
*** Using the music you create! ***
***------------------------------------------------------------***
This is probably just me, but I think some of you may actually want to use
the music you create IN your game :p. After you get the scripting set up, this
is the really easy part. Just create an event using the Music script you made,
and say for example you want to use this music as your BGM, just set the event
to auto start and you are set. Place this event in the exact same way as you
would any other event. If you decide to use your music as BGM, be sure that
you change the type of script from Content to Action. This will allow the
event to be executed, playing your music, and you to walk around and do
whatever at the same time. :)

Edit: The Scripts by Jugem and I are very good examples on how to use
your music in the system itself. You might want to take a close
look at them.

***------------------------------------------------------------***
*** Tips for the Musician ***
***------------------------------------------------------------***

* The timing that I have listed in the guide is an ESTIMATE. There are
very many styles of music and tempos to go along with them, and you
may have to vary the timing operations slightly to get just the perfect
length you want.

* For legato style music, follow the procedure that I have already stated above
Yep, ^ Up there ^ Easy enough? :)

* For very stacatto style music, you may also wish to place short wait commands
after the stops you place. For Example: Play**** , wait 5f , stop music ,
WAIT 2f , play****
This will give a short pause in the middle of the two notes.

* The beginner to Music Creation will probably want to stay to single scored
pieces. (Only one instrument is playing one melody. There is no counter-melody
or percussion.)

* For beginners using Single Scored pieces, to get a better sound you may like
to try copying the script you create, and then changing the sound volume and
maybe even the instrument. When all the scripts are activated together, the
same general melody will play, but it will sound more full, as if an ensemble
is playing the piece instead of a bad solo. :)

***------------------------------------------------------------***
*** Questions and Answers ***
***------------------------------------------------------------***
Q. How do create music?
A. This is the most common question I get, and if you have to ask
this question, do not feel embarrased. It takes A LOT of time
to learn the scripting system of RPGM2, and you must do that
before you have a chance of creating any good music. Just remember,
this is not a guide for beginers of RPGM2. I strongly suggest that
you figure out the basics before you start trying to create music, then,
reading this guide over again will be sure to help you out.

Q. How do I access the Music Creation Editor?
A. The sad, simple answer is, there is not a Editor in itself. If there was
an editor, things would be much easier. Instead, as pointed out in this guide,
you must use RPGM2's Scripting System to create music. While this guide is not
necessarily for beginners, I may decide in the future to include a brief section
outlining the basics of RPGM2

Q. What can I do to Help the Music Creation guide?
A. Thanks so much for asking! I am looking for dedicated staff to help me
maintain this wonderful guide. Write to [email protected] with
the subject of "Music Staff" and Im sure we can find something for you!

Q. When is the next update coming out?
A. I never know when I am going to feel like sitting down and working on the guide
so, there is never really a tight schedule. Although, I do usually try to inform
readers about a week in advance of a new update on the RPGM2 board at Gamefaqs.
(http://www.gamefaqs.com)

Q. I made a great piece of music that I would like in the guide, how can I get it
there?
A. Great! We would love to have sample music of any kind to help readers learn how
to create their own masterpieces. You can send an email to
[email protected] with the subject "music submission." Rest assured
that you will be fully credited for your creation.

Keep those questions coming!

***------------------------------------------------------------***
*** My Sample Tunes! ***
***------------------------------------------------------------***
Coming NEXT UPDATE (I promise :p)
You and Me (Jazz)
Do not Go Gentle Into That Good Night
La Forza del Destino

***------------------------------------------------------------***
*** Sample Tunes Submitted by others! ***
***------------------------------------------------------------***
"Untitled" by Jugem:
Instrument Script 1 (Content):

Other: Wait 144F
Sound: SFX [Snare] Volume = 50 Pitch = 0 Tempo = 100
wait 16F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
wait 8F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
wait 8F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
wait 4F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
wait 4F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
wait 4F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
wait 148F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 16F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 8F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 8F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 4F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 4F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 4F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 4F
Drum2: v = 40, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 24F
Drum2: v = 40, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 16f
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 8F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 16F
Drum2: v = 40, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 80F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 16F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 8F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 8F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 4F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 4F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 4F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 4F
Drum2: v = 40, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 24F
Drum2: v = 40, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 16F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 8F
Snare: v = 50, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 16F
Drum2: v = 40, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 128F

Instrument Script 2 (Content):

Voice Male: v = 60, p = -7, t = 300
Wait: 48F
Voice Male: v = 60, p = -5, t = 300
Wait 48F
Voice Male: v = 60, p = -4, t = 300
Wait 48F
Apply Together
Voice Male: v = 20, p = -8, t = 300
Voice Male: v = 60, p = -2, t = 300
Wait 48F
Apply In Order
Apply Together
Voice Women: v = 20, p = -12, t = 320
Voice Male: v = 60, p = -7, t = 300
Wait 48F
Apply In Order
Apply Together
Voice Women: v = 20, p = -10, t = 320
Voice Male: v = 60, p = -5, t = 300
Wait 48F
Apply In Order
Apply Together
Voice Women: v = 20, p = -9, t = 320
Voice Male: v = 60, p = -4, t = 300
Wait 48F
Apply In Order
Apply Together
Voice Women: v = 20, p = -7, t = 320
Voice Male: v = 60, p = -2, t = 300
Wait 48F
Apply In Order
Apply Together
Voice Women: v = 20, p = -12, t = 320
Voice Women: v = 35, p = -7, t = 350
Voice Male: v = 60, p = -7, t = 300
Wait 48F
Apply In Order
Apply Together
Voice Women: v = 20, p = -10, t = 320
Voice Women: v = 35, p = -7, t = 350
Voice Male: v = 60, p = -5, t = 300
Wait 48F
Apply In Order
Apply Together
Voice Women: v = 20, p = -9, t = 320
Voice Women: v = 35, p = -7, t = 350
Voice Male: v = 60, p = -4, t = 300
Wait 48F
Apply In Order
Apply Together
Voice Women: v = 20, p = -7, t = 320
Voice Women: v = 35, p = -7, t = 350
Voice Male: v = 60, p = -2, t = 300
Wait 48F
Apply In Order
Apply Together
Voice Women: v = 20, p = -12, t = 320
Voice Women: v = 35, p = -7, t = 350
Voice Male: v = 60, p = -7, t = 300
Wait 48F
Apply In Order
Apply Together
Voice Women: v = 20, p = -10, t = 320
Voice Women: v = 35, p = -7, t = 350
Voice Male: v = 60, p = -5, t = 300
Wait 48F
Apply In Order
Apply Together
Voice Male: v = 60, p = -5, t = 450
Piano: v = 100, p = -5, t = 100
Wait 32F
Apply In Order
Apply Together
Voice Male: v = 60, p = -7, t = 800
Piano: v = 100, p = -11, t = 100
Wait 16F
Apply In Order
Apply Together
Voice Male: v = 60, p = -8, t = 300
Piano: v = 100, p = -12, t = 100
Wait 48F
Apply In Order

Instrument Script 3 (Content):

Wait 384F
Piano: v = 100, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 16F
Piano: v = 100, p = +3, t = 100
Wait 8F
Piano: v = 100, p = +2, t = 100
Wait 8F
Piano: v = 100, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 8F
Piano: v = 100, p = +2, t = 100
Wait 8F
Piano: v = 100, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 16F
Piano: v = 100, p = -5, t = 100
Wait 32F
Piano: v = 100, p = +8, t = 100
Wait 16F
Piano: v = 100, p = +10, t = 100
Wait 8F
Piano: v = 100, p = +8, t = 100
Wait 8F
Piano: v = 100, p = +7, t = 100
Wait 8F
Piano: v = 100, p = +5, t = 100
Wait 8F
Piano: v = 100, p = +4, t = 100
Wait 16F
Piano: v = 100, p = +5, t = 100
Wait 32F
Piano: v = 100, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 16F
Piano: v = 100, p = +3, t = 100
Wait 8F
Piano: v = 100, p = +2, t = 100
Wait 8F
Piano: v = 100, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 8F
Piano: v = 100, p = +2, t = 100
Wait 8F
Piano: v = 100, p = 0, t = 100
Wait 16F
Piano: v = 100, p = -5, t = 100
Wait 16F
Piano: v = 100, p = +11, t = 100
Piano: v = 100, p = + 7, t = 100
Wait 16F
Piano: v = 100, p = +12, t = 100
Piano: v = 100, p = +4, t = 100
Wait 96F

Music Script (Action):

Script Branch: Repeat: Flag [Off (Fixed)] Off
Apply Together
Script: Call [InstrumentScript1]
Script: Call [InstrumentScript2]
Script: Call [InstrumentScript3]
Apply In Order
Script: Branch End

***------------------------------------------------------------***
*** What to expect in the next update. ***
***------------------------------------------------------------***

More sample tunes! Aren't you excited?!

Maybe a little info on my SECRET PROJECT! This SECRET PROJECT will make
music creation much more simple.

***------------------------***--------------------------------***
*** Thanks ***
***------------------------***--------------------------------***
A HUGE THANKS to Gamefaqs.com for being the first host of my Music
Creation Guide!

Lord Ixzion and the RPG Maker Magazine:
http://www.rpgmmag.com

The RPG Maker Pavilion
http://www.rpgmpavilion.com

For help with transposition charts and explinations:
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Marble/9607/transpose.htm

For musical Scores:
David Cadle and Jody Dunn, Crestview High Big Red Machine

The entire Music Creation Staff team!

Also, thanks to enterbrain for such a great game and Agetec for localizing
RPGM2

***------------------------------------------------------***
*** Copyright Information ***
***------------------------------------------------------***
Copyright 2003 Justin Stephens.

This guide may only be posted on the following sites:

Gamefaqs <www.gamefaqs.com>

RPG Maker Pavilion <www.rpgmpavilion.com>

RPG Maker Magazine <www.rpgmmag.com>

IGN <faqs.ign.com>

TrinitySoft

If this guide is seen on any other site without my permission, please
contact me at [email protected]

All trademarks and copyrights contained in this document are owned by their
respective trademark and copyright holders.