Should be easy way to add an instrument like a cymbal to groove/beat/song in EZ3

[Craigdwill]

I’m ready to pull my hair out. It seems like any time I have a problem that should have a simple answer (and I’m sure there is one), it’s impossible to find when Googling the issue — or I find responses from 5 years ago that no longer apply.

I’m working in Pro Tools 10.2  Arstist subscription. I’m on a Macbook Air 2022, Apple M2 chip, running Sonoma 14.5, EZDrummer 3 version 30.6. It’s Sunday. The weather is chilly. There, that should cover everything.

Here’s my problem: This should be so easy to do. …

I’m working on a song that is almost complete. I have all the drums programmed in EZ Drummer 3, and they are almost exactly how I want them, except I decided I needed one thing added to my drums: a ride cymbal. There is no ride included in the grooves/fills I’m using.

Now, I know I can go into the Grid Editor and manually draw in every hit of the cymbal from beginning to end. But there must be an easier way. While Googling, I saw someone address this, saying that in the upper left of EZ Drummer, there is an option to Add an Instrument. Maybe it exists and it’s right in front of my face, but I don’t see that. Another response said to go to Edit->Add Instrument. That also doesn’t exist as far as I can see.

When I Google this, I just find posts and videos about how to install EZDrummer, and how to find grooves.

Do any of you kind, knowledgable people know how I can add a ride cymbal to my drum track without drawing every beat in manually? Of course I’d have to edit and adjust it, but I’d like to have a starting point.

Thanks in advance, because I’m sure it MUST be easy.

 

 

 

EZdrummer version: 3.0.6
Operating system: macOS Sonoma (14)

Topic

[Mick Avoidant]

I don’t think ‘Add Instrument’ is what you need. Have you tried putting the ride hits in one bar of Grid Editor, then copying and pasting into others?

[Bear-Faced Cow]

If you’re programming your groove within EZ Drummer, you can select Edit Play Style and if it is showing a Power Hand, drag it to the ride cymbal and adjust the amount of notes and velocity to taste.

jord

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Jordan L. Chilcott

Web Site: https://jordanchilcottmusic.com/

[Craigdwill]

That’s a great suggestion and it brings up another one of my problems. I can’t figure out how to copy and paste. Someone said just draw a marquee around the section like you would in other programs, but when I try to do that, I don’t get a marquee. It just plays or moves anything I touch. I believe I’ve tried holding Shift, Command, etc while trying to do this, and it hasn’t worked. I’d be thrilled if you can tell me the right way to do that on a Mac. Again, I’m sure it’s the easiest thing ever.

Thanks so much

 

 

EZdrummer version: 3.0.6
Operating system: macOS Sonoma (14)

[Bear-Faced Cow]

Standard Mac commands apply for copying and pasting. You can also drag and drop on the grid editor.  Edit Play Styles is all graphical so just turn some knobs and drag indicators.

jord

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Jordan L. Chilcott

Web Site: https://jordanchilcottmusic.com/

[Craigdwill]

Another good suggestion, but I don’t want to change anything I have now, just add.

EZdrummer version: 3.0.6
Operating system: macOS Sonoma (14)

[Craigdwill]

Another logical answer, however, my problem isn’t with the commands for copying and pasting. I’m a graphic designer, and can Control C and Control V all day long. The root of my problem is trying to select an area to copy. It’s easy with clips, but in the grid editor, I don’t seem to be able to drag my cursor across an area to select. When I try, it just moves or plays notes/beats. It doesn’t select diddly squat. I’m missing some tiny detail somewhere. That’s what is usually the problem. Thx

EZdrummer version: 3.0.6
Operating system: macOS Sonoma (14)

[Bear-Faced Cow]

If you are pressing your mouse or trackpad button while dragging, it should lasso the notes that were triggered by your device and mark the notes as selected. The selection should appear as highlighted notes as opposed to the notes that look like a simple diamond on the grid. From there you should be able to copy/paste or drag your selection.

jord

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Jordan L. Chilcott

Web Site: https://jordanchilcottmusic.com/

[Shootie]

Jorge nails your initial question with Edit Play Style.

As for selecting. Select the Groove in the Song Track, and then select the instrument lane in the Grid Editor. That’s the best way to select all of one instrument. Then shift select with the pointer tool or lasso drag to exclude from your selections.

Gonna be manual labor somewhere when not using Edit Play Style.

EZD3 Tutorials | EZBass Tutorials | Toontrack themed FB Group | Toontrack themed Discord Group

1

Thanked by: Bear-Faced Cow

[Craigdwill]

Shootie, I am honored that you replied to my question. You’re an awesome instructor with a soothing style, and I’ve learned a ton from you on your YouTube channel.

What I’m trying to do is very simple, or should be. Copying and pasting is the answer in this instance. Remember when I said there was probably some ridiculously simple detail I was overlooking?  Well, it was indeed. I had the pencil tool selected, not the pointer. That’s it!!! Such a big dummy. Anyway, problem solved, and thanks everyone for all the help. It’s greatly appreciated. Have a great Sunday.

 

 

EZdrummer version: 3.0.6
Operating system: macOS Sonoma (14)

2

Thanked by: Bear-Faced Cow and Shootie

[Shootie]

Great to hear! If you’re doing it constantly, the 1 and 2 keys will switch between the tools quickly.

EZD3 Tutorials | EZBass Tutorials | Toontrack themed FB Group | Toontrack themed Discord Group

[Bear-Faced Cow]

I’m with Shootie on this, even if he got autocorrected into calling me Jorge (don’t edit it). 😀

glad you’re up and running. Don’t worry… I’ve done the pencil thang once too often.

jord

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Jordan L. Chilcott

Web Site: https://jordanchilcottmusic.com/

[Craigdwill]

I knew it would be some simple things that people neglect to mention in their instructions because it’s such a small detail. Thanks for your help. You saved me from tearing my hair out 🙄

[Author]

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