ableton-mcp

Overview

AbletonMCP is a comprehensive Model Context Protocol server that bridges Claude AI with Ableton Live, enabling direct AI interaction with music production workflows. It offers 200+ tools covering nearly the entire Live Object Model, including transport control, track management, clip operations, MIDI editing, device manipulation, and AI-powered music generation. The server supports three integration methods: MCP for Claude Desktop/Cursor, a REST API for any LLM provider, and a Max for Live device for in-DAW workflows. This allows users to generate drum patterns, create basslines, control mix parameters, and automate complex arrangements through natural language commands.

Try asking AI

After installing, here are 5 things you can ask your AI assistant:

• play_session

  Start playing the current Ableton Live session

  Try:Start playing the sessionTry:Begin playback
• create_midi_clip

  Create a new MIDI clip in the specified track

  Try:Create a MIDI clip on track 1Try:Add a new MIDI clip
• adjust_track_volume

  Set the volume level of a specific track

  Try:Increase the volume of track 3Try:Set track 5 volume to -6dB
• generate_drum_pattern

  Generate a drum pattern in specified style

  Try:Create a house drum patternTry:Generate a hip-hop beat
• create_scene

  Create a new scene in the current set

  Try:Add a new scene after the current oneTry:Create verse scene
• load_device

  Load an instrument or effect onto a track

  Try:Load a synth on track 2Try:Add reverb effect to the master track
• quantize_clip

  Apply quantization to a clip's timing

  Try:Quantize the MIDI clip to 16th notesTry:Fix the timing of this clip
• create_bassline

  Generate a bassline in specified style

  Try:Create a walking basslineTry:Add a funk bassline
• set_tempo

  Change the session tempo

  Try:Set the tempo to 120 BPMTry:Make it faster at 140 BPM
• duplicate_track

  Duplicate an existing track with its contents

  Try:Duplicate the drum trackTry:Copy track 2 to track 4
• adjust_device_parameter

  Modify a parameter of a loaded device

  Try:Increase the filter cutoffTry:Set the reverb decay to 2.5s
• get_scale_notes

  Get notes for a specified musical scale

  Try:Show me the notes in C major scaleTry:List minor pentatonic notes

Comparable tools

Installation

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "AbletonMCP": {
            "command": "uvx",
            "args": ["ableton-mcp"]
        }
    }
}

FAQ

Which AI providers are supported?

AbletonMCP supports Claude Desktop via MCP, and also works with Ollama (local), OpenAI, Groq, and Claude API through the REST API or Max for Live device.

How do I troubleshoot connection issues?

Verify AbletonMCP is selected in Ableton's Control Surface settings, check that no other application is using port 9877, and restart both Claude and Ableton Live. Check Ableton's Log.txt for script loading errors.

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