How do arpeggiators actually work?

[Neds Newt]

I know what arpeggiation is, and I know the effect when inputed manually. I was playing around with the arpeggiation on Ableton and I can't for the life of me figure out what it's actually doing. I know what every parameter actually does (it explains it on the side) but I can't figure out how it's arpeggiating. If I record a simple chord progression, is it just arpeggiating them?
I'm just a bit confused and tired here.

[BevOh]

Its just playing notes higher and lower than the root notes?

[ZimmermanStudios]

It takes your input note and plays a pre-set (and often editable) pattern of notes relative to that note in intervals at a specified rate. It's like a mini-melody that you transpose around the keyboard.

Have I answered your question?

[Toric]

I know what arpeggiation is, and I know the effect when inputed manually. I was playing around with the arpeggiation on Ableton and I can't for the life of me figure out what it's actually doing. I know what every parameter actually does (it explains it on the side) but I can't figure out how it's arpeggiating. If I record a simple chord progression, is it just arpeggiating them?
I'm just a bit confused and tired here.

It's playing a pattern based on the chords you are playing and the input you have selected in the arpeggiator. So lets say you are playing a C Major chord with a 1/8th pattern starting on the third, it would play E G C E G C E C G E C G . Pardon me if I got that wrong, I'm having a hard time concentrating right now.
You can also pick patterns. I forgot what some of them are called, but there's like a 3 up 1 down or 3 up 2 down etc.

C major chord 3 up 1 down - C E G E G C G C E C E G and back down and so fourth. You also need to pick how many octaves it goes up.


HTH.

-T

[Neds Newt]

I know what arpeggiation is, and I know the effect when inputed manually. I was playing around with the arpeggiation on Ableton and I can't for the life of me figure out what it's actually doing. I know what every parameter actually does (it explains it on the side) but I can't figure out how it's arpeggiating. If I record a simple chord progression, is it just arpeggiating them?
I'm just a bit confused and tired here.

It's playing a pattern based on the chords you are playing and the input you have selected in the arpeggiator. So lets say you are playing a C Major chord with a 1/8th pattern starting on the third, it would play E G C E G C E C G E C G . Pardon me if I got that wrong, I'm having a hard time concentrating right now.
You can also pick patterns. I forgot what some of them are called, but there's like a 3 up 1 down or 3 up 2 down etc.

C major chord 3 up 1 down - C E G E G C G C E C E G and back down and so fourth. You also need to pick how many octaves it goes up.


HTH.

-T

OH, that makes a lot of sense. So that "up and down" "up" parameter determines the direction. No wonder people say it's so mechanical, haha. I'd rather do it myself. Thanks for the fast responses guys.

[Toric]

not a problem! glad I could help!