Roland BK-5 Electronic Keyboard User Manual


 
Rhythm functions
Backing Keyboard BK-5
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8. Rhythm functions
The BK-5 contains a function that plays back automatic accompaniments called “rhythms”. This section explains how to
take advantage of the BK-5’s accompaniments.
Volume balance between the
backing and the real-time parts
If the rhythm accompaniment is too loud or too soft
with respect to the real-time parts you are using, you
can change the balance with the [BACKING] and [KEY-
BOARD] buttons:
When the [BACKING] or [KEYBOARD] button is pressed,
the “BALANCE” pop-up window appears, showing the
current setting:
After about 3 seconds, the pop-up window disappears
again.
About the rhythms
The BK-5 can generate interactive accompaniments
based on the rhythm you select. Each rhythm is a typical
accompaniment for a given musical genre. The BK-5
comes with over 300 internal rhythms divided over 6
families (see the RHYTHM FAMILY section on the front
panel).
The melodic accompaniment parts of the selected
rhythms follow the chords you play on the keyboard.
Using rhythms
The “interactive” aspect about the rhythms is that you
can change the key of the accompaniment simply by
playing different notes or chords. Additionally, you can
select different variations (more or less complex
arrangements) for the active rhythm. The BK-5 provides
several buttons for this.
START/STOP
This button is used to start and stop rhythm playback.
While a rhythm is running, the button’s indicator
flashes red on the first beat of each bar, and green on
the remaining beats.
NOTE
You can also start (and stop) rhythm playback simply by
playing on the keyboard. See the next function. (The Start/
Stop function can also be assigned to an optional foot-
switch.)
SYNC START
This button activates and switches off the “Sync
Start” or “Sync Start/Stop” function. Pressing it sev-
eral times allows you to select one of the following
options:
Function
[SYNC START]
indicator
Explanation
Sync Start Lights red Rhythm playback can be
started by playing a note or
chord. Press [START/STOP] to
stop rhythm playback.
BK-5_US.book Page 27 Monday, November 14, 2011 12:43 PM