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mcp_opendaw_create_funk_arrangement

Creates a James Brown / Parliament-style funk arrangement with funky drummer, slap bass, scratch guitar, and horn stabs across four tracks at specified BPM and root note.

Instructions

Create a full funk arrangement — funky drummer + slap bass + scratch guitar + horn stabs across 4 tracks.

James Brown / Parliament-Funkadelic style funk — vamp-based, not chord-progression-based:

  • Track 0: Drums — "Funky Drummer" pattern (Clyde Stubblefield, most sampled break in history): syncopated kick with ghost notes, snare with strong ghost accents, hi-hat with 16th-note syncopation. The groove that built hip-hop.

  • Track 1: Bass — slap bass: thumb (root, low) + pluck (octave/fifth, high) alternating, with dead notes (ghost) for percussive attack. The signature Larry Graham technique.

  • Track 2: Guitar — "scratch guitar" / "chank": 16th-note muted strumming on a single chord, with accents on specific 16ths. The rhythmic glue that makes funk tick — Niles Rodgers style.

  • Track 3: Horns — stabs: short, tight horn hits on the "and" of beats, responding to the vocal/instrumental lead. Brown-style section horn hits.

At 100 BPM (default), this creates the classic funk pocket — not too fast, deep in the groove. The vamp (one chord groove, not progression) is the fundamental difference from all other arrangements: pop/rock/jazz change chords, funk stays on one and makes it groove. 16th-note syncopation is the rhythmic DNA — every instrument plays 16ths with different accent patterns.

bpm: Tempo (90-115, default 100 = classic funk pocket). bars: Arrangement length (4-16, default 8). Funk vamps can go long. root: Root note (D is a classic funk key — D minor/D dominant). octave: MIDI octave for bass (2 = D2=38, standard funk bass register). unit_index: AU index with note tracks. drum_track / bass_track / guitar_track / horn_track: Track indices.

Returns notes created per track and total.

Example: create_funk_arrangement(bpm=100, root="D", bars=8) create_funk_arrangement(bpm=108, root="G", bars=16)

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
bpmNo
barsNo
rootNoD
octaveNo
velocityNo
bass_trackNo
drum_trackNo
horn_trackNo
start_beatNo
unit_indexNo
guitar_trackNo

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

The description discloses that the tool creates MIDI notes on specified tracks with specific patterns, and returns a summary of notes created. It does not mention whether it overwrites existing tracks or layers, nor does it discuss permissions or side effects. Given no annotations, the description provides moderate behavioral context but lacks some details expected for a creative action.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness3/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is front-loaded with the core purpose but becomes verbose with historical references (e.g., Clyde Stubblefield, Larry Graham) and extensive musical explanation. While informative, some sentences could be condensed without losing essential guidance for an AI agent.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's complexity (11 parameters, no annotations), the description covers the musical concept, parameter meanings (most), and return value. It lacks descriptions for two parameters and assumes familiarity with DAW conventions. Nevertheless, it is sufficiently complete for an agent to understand and use the tool correctly.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 0%, so the description bears full responsibility for explaining parameters. It describes most parameters (bpm, bars, root, octave, unit_index, track indices) with constraints and musical meaning (e.g., 'classic funk pocket' for 100 BPM). However, it omits 'velocity' and 'start_beat', leaving their semantics unclear. Overall, it adds significant value beyond the schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states 'Create a full funk arrangement' and details the four tracks (drums, bass, guitar, horns). It distinguishes itself from other arrangement tools by emphasizing the vamp-based approach, contrasting with chord-progression-based styles. The verb 'create' and specific resource 'funk arrangement' make the purpose unambiguous and distinct from siblings.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description explains that this tool is for funk arrangements and contrasts it with pop/rock/jazz by stating 'vamp-based, not chord-progression-based'. This implicitly tells the agent when to use this tool (for funk) and when not (for other genres). However, it does not explicitly list exclusion criteria or provide alternative tool names.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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