Riff for Bitwig

A powerful MIDI pattern generator for Bitwig Studio using Scribbletune's unique bracket notation system.

What is Riff?

Riff is a free, open-source Bitwig controller script that generates musical MIDI patterns with recursive subdivisions. Originally created as a VST3 plugin, Riff is now available natively in Bitwig Studio.

Perfect for quickly sketching basslines, leads, melodies, percussion and chord progressions without falling into repetitive patterns. The randomization keeps things fresh while staying musical.

Watch the Demo Video

Features

Two Generation Modes

• Riffs: Monophonic patterns for basslines and melodies
• Chords: Polyphonic chord progressions

16 Pattern Styles

• Pulse
• Sparse Pulse
• Melody
• Sparse Melody
• Counterpoint
• Syncopated
• House Groove
• Off Beat
• Roll
• Fill
• Breakbeat
• Buildup
• Conversation
• Stutter
• Hypnotic
• Simple

Musical Controls

• 12 Scales: Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian, Harmonic Minor, Pentatonic Major, Pentatonic Minor, Blues, Chromatic
• Scale Filtering (Riffs mode): All, Odd, Even, First Half, Second Half, Thirds
• 7 Chord Progressions (Chords mode): I-V-vi-IV, I-IV-V, vi-IV-I-V, I-vi-IV-V, ii-V-I, I-V, I-IV
• Pattern Combinations: A, AAAB, ABAC, ABBB, ABCD, AAABAAAC, ABACABAD
• Note Lengths: 16n, 8n, 4n, 2n, 1n, 2m, 4m
• Pattern Reuse: Generate variations or completely new patterns

Installation

macOS

1. Download Riff.control.js
2. Copy the file to: ~/Documents/Bitwig Studio/Controller Scripts/
3. Restart Bitwig Studio
4. Go to Settings → Controllers
5. Click Add controller and select Scribbletune → Riff

Windows

1. Download Riff.control.js
2. Copy the file to: %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Bitwig Studio\Controller Scripts\
3. Restart Bitwig Studio
4. Go to Settings → Controllers
5. Click Add controller and select Riff

Linux

1. Download Riff.control.js
2. Copy the file to: ~/Bitwig Studio/Controller Scripts/
3. Restart Bitwig Studio
4. Go to Settings → Controllers
5. Click Add controller and select Riff

Quick Start

1. Create or select an empty MIDI clip in the Bitwig arranger
2. In the controller settings, configure your musical parameters:
   • Choose your Root Note and Octave
   • Select a Scale (e.g., Ionian for major, Aeolian for minor)
   • Pick a Pattern Style (try "pulse" or "melody" to start)
3. Click Generate!
4. Listen and iterate - each click generates a fresh pattern

The Bracket Notation System

Riff uses Scribbletune's bracket notation language to describe patterns:

• x = root note
• R = random note from the scale
• - = rest (silence)
• [...] = subdivide (play the enclosed pattern twice as fast)

Examples:

• x-x- = root, rest, root, rest (simple pulse)
• [xx] = two quick root notes in one beat
• [x-][R-] = quick root-rest, then quick random-rest
• [x[xx]] = root note, then two super-quick root notes

Brackets can be nested infinitely, creating complex rhythmic patterns from simple notation.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Feel free to:

• Report bugs or request features via Issues
• Submit pull requests with improvements
• Share your favorite pattern combinations
• Add new pattern styles or chord progressions

Development

The script is written in JavaScript using Bitwig's Controller Script API v17.

Key files:

• Riff.control.js - Main controller script

To modify:

1. Edit Riff.control.js
2. Copy to your Controller Scripts folder
3. Restart Bitwig or reload the controller

License

MIT License - see LICENSE file for details

Credits

Created by Walmik Deshpande

Part of the Scribbletune project - a suite of tools for algorithmic music composition.

Links

• Scribbletune: https://scribbletune.com
• Demo Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pxa6T1t0Ips
• Issues & Support: GitHub Issues
• Other Scribbletune Projects: https://github.com/scribbletune/plugins

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Made with ♥ for the Bitwig community