PUBLIC FAQ
Good questions.
Clearer connections.
What Barcotics is, why it exists, and how to get started.
About Barcotics
What is Barcotics?
Barcotics is a visual tool for creating and understanding rhythm. It gives you a grid of musical time to use as a reference: find where notes meet, compare patterns, and explore ideas for your own music.
Why call it a ruler for rhythm?
A ruler gives you reference points for measuring and comparing distances. Barcotics applies that idea to musical time, helping you see common points between notes and how rhythmic patterns relate.
Is Barcotics for making music or understanding it?
Both. Use the visual reference to develop your own patterns and investigate rhythms in music you already know. Experimenting, listening, and comparing are part of the learning process.
Do I need to know music theory?
You can begin with curiosity and a willingness to listen and experiment. The visual approach connects what you see with what you hear, and the tutorials will build on that connection.
Getting started
Which application will the tutorials use?
The first tutorials are being developed for Barcotics for Ableton, the Max for Live device used in Ableton Live. Each tutorial will identify the version it uses. Barcotics HTML is the browser edition, with its own workflow. Barcotics Standalone is planned and is not available yet.
Will the tutorials explain the controls or the musical ideas?
Both: how to use the tool, what you can do with it, and why a musical reference is useful. New tutorials are being prepared around the current Barcotics tool and will be added gradually.
Is the homepage demonstration the full tool?
No. The rhythm lab is a simplified demonstration of the idea behind Barcotics. It is not the full Barcotics tool.
How do I access tutorials and detailed help?
Sign in to visit the tutorial library and the Member & Tutorial FAQ. New tutorials will appear in the library as they are published. If you are new, create an account to get started.
How can I get in touch?
Use the Contact page for questions about Barcotics or help accessing your account.
Can I share feedback without an account?
Yes. Website feedback is open to everyone, with an optional email address. After sending it, save your private feedback link to check its status and read any reply. Feedback is not published on the website.
Account access
How do I reset my password?
Use the password-reset link below or choose Forgot Password? on the sign-in form. Enter your username or the email address associated with your account to request a reset link. You do not need to be signed in.
What if I cannot sign in or receive a reset email?
Check your spam or junk folder and make sure you used the email address associated with your account. If the email still does not arrive, or you no longer have access to that address, contact us for help. The Contact page is available without signing in.
Still finding your way?
Get in touch with a question about Barcotics, or sign in for the Member & Tutorial FAQ.
Contact Barcotics