Thanks. I found a great tutorial on creating rhythm patterns. I am obviously new to this keyboard, and like every keyboard I buy, you run into things you wanted to do that it can't. I guess at such a low price, you can't have it all. I was hoping the sliders would control volume on splits and layers. However, the sequencer and rhythm patterns are very powerful. And when you plug this into an amplifier, the sounds are quite good. Being a performing musician, I need the real time controls to use on a gig. but it will be a great practice keyboard or one sound at a time on a gig. and maybe I'll be inspired to write again!