Automatic accompaniment device with variable music introduction pattern

Abstract

An automatic accompaniment device equipped with a CPU that controls, via a bus, a ROM that stores a plurality of rhythm patterns including introduction patterns, fill-in patterns and normal patterns. The device also includes a sound source circuit that generates musical sounds based on rhythm pattern data that is supplied after being selected by switches on an operation panel. In operation, the performer selects an introduction pattern to begin the automatic accompaniment. If the performer desires a shorter introduction, the performer activates a switch on the operation panel that causes a fill-in pattern to begin at a musically natural point in the introduction pattern. The fill-in pattern is shorter than the introduction pattern and provides a musically natural and smooth transition to the normal pattern. Thus, it is possible to end an introduction pattern at an optional point without imparting a musically unnatural quality to the automatic accompaniment.