Mini-Notation

kr.p() parses a compact string notation into a pattern. It is a shorthand for building patterns without chaining Python calls.

Syntax

kr.p("x . x . x . . x")

Returns a Pattern object -- composable like any other pattern.

Tokens

Token	Meaning	Equivalent
x or X	Hit (percussive trigger)	kr.hit()
.	Rest	kr.rest()
~	Rest (alternative)	kr.rest()
-	Rest (alternative)	kr.rest()
C4, Cs4, C#4	Note by pitch name	kr.note("C4")

Grouping: []

Square brackets play tokens simultaneously (stacked):

kr.p("[C4 E4] G4 B4")    # C4 and E4 together, then G4, then B4
kr.p("[x x] . x .")      # double hit, rest, hit, rest

Repeat: *N

Repeat a token N times:

kr.p("C4*2 E4 G4")       # C4 C4 E4 G4 (C4 played twice)
kr.p("x*4")              # equivalent to kr.hit() * 4

Examples

Drum patterns

# Basic 4/4 kick
kr.play("kick", kr.p("x . . . x . . . x . . . x . . ."))

# Shorter: 4 hits with rests between
kr.play("kick", kr.p("x . x . x . . x"))

# Hi-hat 8ths
kr.play("hat", kr.p("x x x x x x x x"))

Melodic patterns

# Simple melody
kr.play("lead", kr.p("C4 E4 G4 ~ C5"))

# With simultaneous notes
kr.play("pad", kr.p("[C4 E4] [D4 F4] [E4 G4] ~"))

Composable

Mini-notation patterns support all the same transforms:

kr.play("kick", kr.p("x . x . x . . x").swing(0.67))
kr.play("hat", kr.p("x x x x").over(2))
kr.play("bass", kr.p("C3 E3 G3 ~").every(4, lambda p: p.reverse()))