# Variation chaining **URL:** \ **Category:** Archive\ **Tags:** duplicate, play\ **Created:** [May 8, 2023, 6:03pm UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/variation-chaining/2809 "2023-05-08T18:03:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![dsp](https://backstage.polyend.com/user_avatar/backstage.polyend.com/dsp/32/5574_2.png) [@dsp](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/dsp)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2023, 6:03pm UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/variation-chaining/2809/1 "2023-05-08T18:03:41Z")
Possibility of chaining pattern variations. ### What is the problem? It’s possible to chain patterns but not variations. ### What do you want to achieve? Play, lets say, 4 variations of a pattern one after another simply by pressing the variations pads - chaining them. ### Are there any workarounds? Making one pattern from each variation and playing them in pattern mode. ### Any links to related discussions? - [Chained variations](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/record-chained-variations-for-longer-midi-sequences-and-comping/738) ### Any references to other products? Elektron products have such option for patterns. ---
**Author:** ![icaria36](https://backstage.polyend.com/user_avatar/backstage.polyend.com/icaria36/32/2337_2.png) [@icaria36](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/icaria36)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2023, 7:03pm UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/variation-chaining/2809/2 "2023-05-08T19:03:49Z")
Hi @dsp, welcome to Backstage! Is your wish covered by this one already approved and welcoming votes? [Record chained variations for longer MIDI sequences and comping](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/record-chained-variations-for-longer-midi-sequences-and-comping/738). ---
**Author:** ![ambivalence](https://backstage.polyend.com/user_avatar/backstage.polyend.com/ambivalence/32/296_2.png) [@ambivalence](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/ambivalence)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2023, 7:07pm UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/variation-chaining/2809/4 "2023-05-08T19:07:13Z")
yeah, it also was discussed here in the comments: > [@Track reset after X steps/bars](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/track-reset-after-x-steps-bars/2364): > > What is the problem? Currently it is not possible to make a track reset on the Play after a defined amount of time independently of its length. What do you want to achieve? Simpler creation of music with polyrhythms or polymeters. The Play allows to create tracks with different lengths and tempos, but in many situations you want to reset to sync back the rhythms. Good examples of the types of rhythms sought can be found for instance in the music of Meshuggah. See [https://www.youtube.com/watch?…](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwrSvpjdK-w) the thread you linked had the same wish in its core, but in order to make it simpler that wish was edited according to one specific use case: not only chaining, but the ability to record long sequences using **rec** feature. it’s up to the team whether it’s a duplicate or not. I can only add that it would be great not only to chain them in a simple manner, but to create sophisticated sequences out of them, like described in this patterns related wish: > [@Allow patterns to play in certain orders and certain times - Song Mode](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/allow-patterns-to-play-in-certain-orders-and-certain-times-song-mode/116): > > What is the problem? In the Play’s [Song Mode](https://polyend.com/manuals/play/#first-steps--basics) it’s only possible to play individual patterns, or chain them sequentially. This basic implementation of Song Mode misses the possibility to easily create and update song structures. What do you want to achieve? Allow patterns to be played in ANY order, not just sequentially or individually. In a true Song Mode it should be possible to play pattern 1 (x4), then pattern 2 (x2), then pattern 1 (x2), then pattern 3 (x4) etc. This would allow song struct… something like: you press the first variation three times, then the second one. that would mean 3x the first one, 1x the second one always in this order. if user manually activates the second already chained variation with no hotkeys, Play could continue to play that chain when that variation’s sequence ends. user could have many variations: some of them chained, some not. there could be many chains. last, but not least: > [@Choose how often a pattern or variation will be randomly played](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/choose-how-often-a-pattern-or-variation-will-be-randomly-played/922): > > [It was suggested](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/variation-pattern-randomizer-on-the-play/575/10) to make a separate wish for this, but let’s keep in mind that it is meant to be used with these wished features: [Pattern randomizer for Play](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/pattern-randomizer-for-play/921)[Variation randomizer for Play](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/variation-pattern-randomizer-on-the-play/575/11) If you want this feature implemented, please vote for the two wishes above as well. What is the problem? When it comes to randomization, it’s important to allow the player to predetermine chances. So, if you have a project with, let’s say, 15 patterns, you’ll probably don’t want to play all of them randoml… votes for these wishes are welcomed. ---
**Author:** ![dsp](https://backstage.polyend.com/user_avatar/backstage.polyend.com/dsp/32/5574_2.png) [@dsp](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/dsp)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 6:31am UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/variation-chaining/2809/5 "2023-05-09T06:31:42Z")
Yes, I didn’t look into this thread, but it’s there in the comments: - [Track reset after X steps/bars - #16 by icaria36](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/track-reset-after-x-steps-bars/2364/16) ---
**Author:** ![icaria36](https://backstage.polyend.com/user_avatar/backstage.polyend.com/icaria36/32/2337_2.png) [@icaria36](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/icaria36)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2023, 6:32am UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/variation-chaining/2809/6 "2023-05-16T06:32:10Z")
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