livepilot 1.9.15 → 1.9.17

package/livepilot/skills/livepilot-composition-engine/references/transition-archetypes.md

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+# Transition Archetypes Reference
+
+Common transition patterns returned by `plan_transition` and usable with `apply_gesture_template`.
+
+## Energy-Up Transitions
+
+### riser_sweep
+A filter or noise sweep that builds energy into the next section.
+
+- Duration: 2-8 bars
+- Implementation: ascending automation on filter cutoff (20% to 100%) plus optional white noise riser
+- Best for: verse-to-chorus, breakdown-to-drop
+- Tools: `set_clip_automation`, `apply_automation_shape(shape="exponential_rise")`
+
+### drum_build
+Progressive addition of percussion layers leading to the downbeat.
+
+- Duration: 2-4 bars
+- Implementation: add hi-hat rolls (increasing density), snare fills, kick pattern intensification
+- Best for: pre-chorus builds, intro-to-verse
+- Tools: `add_notes` for fill patterns, `set_track_volume` automation for gradual volume increase
+
+### harmonic_tension
+Build tension through suspended or unresolved harmony before resolving at the section boundary.
+
+- Duration: 1-4 bars
+- Implementation: sus4 or dominant 7th chord sustained over the transition, resolving on beat 1 of the new section
+- Best for: verse-to-chorus, bridge-to-final-chorus
+- Tools: `modify_notes` to alter chord voicings, `add_notes` for tension tones
+
+### stacking
+Gradually add instrumental layers, one per bar or phrase, building density.
+
+- Duration: 4-16 bars
+- Implementation: unmute tracks in sequence (percussion first, then bass, then harmony, then leads)
+- Best for: intro builds, post-breakdown rebuilds
+- Tools: `set_clip_automation` on track volume, `set_track_mute` for discrete layer adds
+
+## Energy-Down Transitions
+
+### strip_down
+Remove elements one by one to reduce energy before a quieter section.
+
+- Duration: 2-8 bars
+- Implementation: mute layers in reverse order of importance (effects first, then leads, then harmony, keeping bass and kick last)
+- Best for: chorus-to-verse, pre-breakdown
+- Tools: `set_track_mute`, `set_track_volume` automation with gradual decrease
+
+### filter_close
+Low-pass filter sweep closing down to muffle the sound.
+
+- Duration: 2-4 bars
+- Implementation: descending automation on master or bus filter cutoff (100% to 20-30%)
+- Best for: section endings, transitions to breakdowns
+- Tools: `set_clip_automation`, `apply_automation_shape(shape="exponential_fall")`
+
+### reverb_wash
+Increase reverb wet level to blur the previous section into the next.
+
+- Duration: 1-2 bars
+- Implementation: automate send level to reverb return (0% to 60-80%), then cut dry signal on beat 1
+- Best for: hard section changes where you want continuity of space
+- Tools: `set_track_send` automation, `set_clip_automation`
+
+## Neutral Transitions
+
+### hard_cut
+Instant transition with no preparation. The contrast itself creates impact.
+
+- Duration: 0 bars (instantaneous)
+- Implementation: no transition processing — the sections simply abut
+- Best for: drop entries after silence, genre-specific style (punk, some electronic)
+- Constraint: works best when the energy delta is extreme (silence to loud, or vice versa)
+
+### crossfade
+Gradual overlap of outgoing and incoming sections.
+
+- Duration: 1-4 bars
+- Implementation: outgoing section fades out while incoming fades in, overlapping by the crossfade duration
+- Best for: ambient, cinematic, smooth genre transitions
+- Tools: `set_clip_automation` on track volumes with opposing curves
+
+### fill_break
+A drum fill followed by a brief silence (1-2 beats) before the new section.
+
+- Duration: 1 bar
+- Implementation: drum fill on the last bar, then all instruments drop for 1-2 beats, new section enters on beat 3 or 4
+- Best for: rock, pop, funk section transitions
+- Tools: `add_notes` for the fill, `set_track_mute` or volume automation for the gap
+
+## Choosing the Right Archetype
+
+| From -> To | Recommended | Alternative |
+|------------|-------------|-------------|
+| Intro -> Verse | stacking | drum_build |
+| Verse -> Chorus | riser_sweep, drum_build | harmonic_tension |
+| Chorus -> Verse | strip_down | filter_close |
+| Verse -> Bridge | harmonic_tension | strip_down |
+| Bridge -> Final Chorus | riser_sweep + drum_build | harmonic_tension |
+| Chorus -> Breakdown | strip_down, hard_cut | filter_close |
+| Breakdown -> Drop | riser_sweep | drum_build + stacking |
+| Any -> Outro | strip_down, reverb_wash | filter_close |