Episode 1 of Learn Ableton From Scratch: In this episode we learn how to navigate the software, using the many helpful keyboard shortcuts, and learn what the main four areas of the software do, and how they work together. We also learn to input basic drum notes and record/input other notes.

Useful Ableton Keyboard Shortcuts (for Mac):
BASIC NAVIGATION

Tab – Mixer view - arrangement view toggle
Shift + Tab - rack view - piano roll toggle
Command + Option + B – open close left hand categories browser
Hold command while adjusting volume – gives you adjustment control by .1s
Command + D – duplicates - copies sequencer measure
Command + E – cut
0 – make active - inactive audio or midi region
Command + 1 or Command +2 – adjusts grid size
Command + J = consolidate clips
Shift + Command + M – draws in a fresh sequencer block – i.e. before starting to write in drums
Command + G (on effects) - groups effects
Command + t - New Audio track
Command + Shift +t - New Midi track
Command + T -New Audio track
Command + L - Loop highlighted region
Command + B – Open Pen tool

AUTOMATION

A – toggle automation mode on/off
Option + hover over automation line – curvature of line
Shift + click one on automation point – allows to drag away to clear all automation

QUANTIZE

Command + U – Quantize
Command + shift + U – Quantize Settings
Command + 1
Command + 2 - Increase or decrease grid
Command + 3 – add triplets