Making music with the Donner DDP-60: A tutorial for Rhythms and Auto Chords
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Mastering the digital piano can be an exhilarating journey, especially when you have a versatile instrument like the Donner DDP-60 at your fingertips. In this article, I'll walk you through three essential features that will elevate your playing experience: selecting different instrument voices, choosing rhythms, and playing along with auto chords. Whether you're just starting your musical journey or looking to expand your repertoire, mastering these functions will enhance your creativity and enjoyment. Join us as we explore each feature in detail, providing step-by-step instructions and tips to help you make beautiful music with your Donner DDP-60.
When choosing different: 1. voices or instruments, 2. rhythms, and 3. demo songs, you will be using the button “TONE/DEMO/RHYTHM.”
VOICE
To select a different voice/instrument, press “TONE/DEMO/RHYTHM” + a key in the highest octave.
Each instrument corresponds to a number between 0 and 127. The manual has a full list of the instruments. We will use a select few today.
To select an instrument, press the button “FUNCTION,” and type the 3-digit number. The number pad is a certain section of the keyboard starting on the B below bass C. B1 C2 D3 E4 F5 G6 A7 B8 C9 D0
“honky tonk piano” is number 3, press 003 or DDD
”violin” is number 40, press 040 or DED
rhythm
Now, let’s select a rhythm and play a song.
To select a rhythm, press “TONE/DEMO/RHYTHM” + a key from treble G to high C. Press the START/STOP button.
To select an rhythm, press the button “FUNCTION,” and type the 3-digit number. The number pad is a certain section of the keyboard starting on the B below bass C. B1 C2 D3 E4 F5 G6 A7 B8 C9 D0
The rhythms are fun, but let’s do more! We can add simple chords into the music. To turn on the Auto Chords feature, press “FUNCTION” + lowest A. To turn off the Auto Chords, press “FUNCTION” + lowest B
Now the music has more instrumentation going on.
You can play any MAJOR chord by simply playing that single letter in the lowest 2 octaves. C MAJOR can be played by C only, C+E, C+E+G.
In order to play a MINOR chord, you need to play the letter + a minor third. C minor can be played as C+Eb or C+Eb+G
For example:
Cm= C+Eb Dm= D+F Em=E+G Fm=F+Ab Gm=G+Bb Am=A+C Bm= B+D
Grab your favorite FAKE book and play along using Auto Chords and Rhythms.
Now, let’s take it one more step.
Let’s add an intro and an ending to our song. To do this, press “FUNCTION” + lowest D# before pressing START/STOP. This will add some prerecorded music before the regular beat begins. (don’t forget to also turn on the Auto Chords).
Play your song
Automatically add a pre-recorded ending by pressing “FUNCTION” + lowest D#