Abstract: A musical input device accepts user input and generates output data indicative of musical notes. Based on a selected musical scale, a first set of keys is configured, such that each key of the first set outputs a respective chord associated with the scale. A second set of keys may be configured to output individual notes from the scale, or chords that are associated with a different scale. The keys may be provided with visible indicia, such as a color indicating the root note of a chord. Visible indicia may indicate relationships between keys, such as a melody note that matches the root note of a chord. Control keys may be used to add notes to chords or modify notes in chords, such as by adding additional octaves to the output or modifying the voicing, inversion, or spread of a chord.

Abstract: An input device accepts user input and generates data indicative of notes, such as MIDI data. The input device includes a set of chord keys and a set of melody keys. A desired scale is selected, and the chord keys and melody keys are configured to utilize notes associated with that scale. The chord keys may be representative of all non-inverted chords associated with that scale. Inverted chords may be accessed using other keys or key combinations. Upon activation of an individual chord key, MIDI data representative of the notes in that chord is generated. Upon activation of an individual melody key, MIDI data representative of a single note from the scale is generated. Conflicts between notes associated with activated and released keys are resolved. Keys illuminated with a color associated with a particular note facilitate user recognition of that note in the chord keys and melody keys.