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mcp_opendaw_create_arabic_percussion

Create Arabic percussion with darbuka, daf, and zills, using rhythms maqsum, baladi, saidi, ayoub, malfouf, and chiftetelli.

Instructions

Create an Arabic/Middle Eastern percussion ensemble — darbuka, daf, and zills.

Middle Eastern percussion is built on the interplay between the darbuka (tabla, goblet drum) playing the core rhythm with dum (low) and tek/ka (high) strokes, the daf (frame drum) providing sustained resonance and rolls, and zills (sagat, finger cymbals) adding shimmering accents. The rhythms are cyclical with distinctive asymmetry — maqsum has a characteristic gap between dum strokes that creates tension.

The stroke vocabulary: DUM — Low, resonant center stroke on darbuka (bass register) TEK — High, ringing rim stroke (right hand, accented) KA — High, snapping rim stroke (left hand, lighter) SLAP — Sharp, accented stroke (mid register)

rhythms: "maqsum" — The most common Arabic rhythm: D-T- -T-D- -T-. 4/4, 8 beats. Dum on 1 and 4.5, tek on 2, 3, 5.5, 7. The "mother of all Arabic rhythms". Used in almost all Arabic pop, classical, and folk music. "baladi" — Urban Egyptian version of maqsum: D-D- -T-D- -T-. Dum on 1 and 1.5 (double dum), tek on 3, 5.5, 7. Heavier, more driving. The "baladi groove" of Cairo. "saidi" — Upper Egyptian rhythm: D-T- -T-D-D- -T-. 4/4. Dum on 1, 4.5, and 5 (double dum). Tek on 2, 3, 6.5, 7. From the Said region. Used in Saidi dance and music. "ayoub" — 2/4 cyclical rhythm: D- -T- -D-D-. 4 beats. Dum on 1, 3, 3.5. Tek on 2. Used in Sufi trance, zar ceremonies, and religious processions. "malfouf" — 2/4 fast rhythm: D- -T- -T-. 3 beats. Dum on 1, tek on 2, 2.5. Used in fast entrances, processions, and folk dances. "Running" feel. "chiftetelli" — 8/4 slow rhythm: D- -T- -T- -D- -T-. 8 beats. Dum on 1 and 5.5, tek on 2.5, 3.5, 7.5. Used in Turkish and Greek music, belly dance slow sections.

Args: bars: Pattern length in bars (2-16, even). rhythm: Rhythm name (maqsum, baladi, saidi, ayoub, malfouf, chiftetelli). velocity: Base velocity 0-1. unit_index: AU index. track_index: Note track index. start_beat: Starting beat position. darbuka_pitch: Darbuka MIDI pitch (36 = C1). daf_pitch: Daf (frame drum) MIDI pitch (42 = F#1). zills_pitch: Zills (finger cymbals) MIDI pitch (50 = D2).

Returns notes created, instrument breakdown, stroke types, and rhythm info.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
barsNo
rhythmNomaqsum
velocityNo
daf_pitchNo
start_beatNo
unit_indexNo
track_indexNo
zills_pitchNo
darbuka_pitchNo

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes
Behavior3/5

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

With no annotations, the description must carry the behavioral disclosure burden. It does convey that the tool creates an ensemble and returns notes/instrument breakdown, but it omits side effects such as whether it appends to an existing region or replaces notes, and any prerequisites. There is no contradiction with annotations (none provided).

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 well-structured with headings for strokes, rhythms, and args, and it front-loads the purpose. However, it is lengthy with extensive educational detail on each rhythm pattern; while informative, this detail could be trimmed to a more concise summary without losing invocation-critical information.

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 cultural specificity and 9-parameter schema, the description covers the musical context, rhythm definitions, stroke vocabulary, and return values. The output schema (not shown in text) likely covers exact return fields, and the description provides a high-level of that. It would benefit from explicit mention of what the tool does not alter or how it interacts with existing tracks, but overall it is complete enough for an agent to select and invoke.

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's Args section is essential. It adds ranges ('bars: 2-16, even'), valid values for rhythm, velocity range, and pitch meanings with MIDI equivalents. It leaves unit_index and track_index slightly ambiguous ('AU index', 'Note track index') but still adds substantial value beyond the bare 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 opens with a specific verb and resource: 'Create an Arabic/Middle Eastern percussion ensemble — darbuka, daf, and zills.' This clearly states the tool's function and distinguishes it from sibling percussion tools (e.g., create_djembe_ensemble, create_reggae_percussion) by naming the specific instruments and cultural context.

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 provides clear context by stating this is for Arabic/Middle Eastern percussion, and the rhythm names (maqsum, baladi, saidi, etc.) make the use case explicit. However, it does not explicitly mention when not to use it or name alternative tools for other percussion styles, stopping short of a 5.

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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