Also, is there a way for [detonate] to output a list of pitches as it iterates through timed midi events? hmmmm....

I think detonate is a better object for what you are trying to do.

Load a MIDI file into detonate, send it a 'start' message, then send it 'next' messages to output each note. Notice that the leftmost outlet sends out the delta time (in ms) till the next note in the score; you could test that value, and if it's sufficiently small, say under 50 ms for example, that means that the next note is practically simultaneous with the current one, so you can send an additional 'next' message.

What you can do with [follow] is to split the MIDI file into two; one monophonic (including one single note from each chord) and a second one with the rest of the chords. Use [follow] with the monophonic file, and trigger the appropriate chords when the relevant indices are hit.

There used to be an example that worked very much like this, either in the help file or one of the Tutorials. I don't know if it's still there, however. A lot has changed since 1989.

"thw whole chord but not just sucessive notes ... i guess thats not really possible, chords are nothing more than sucessive notes in a serial protocol such as midi.

@Peter, I salvaged the tutorial example I think you're referring to, and posted it here:Example 1: Score following with the follow object

@Christopher, That example patch utilising detonate that way works perfectly.

Thank you so much Chris & everyone. This forum is always exceptionally helpful.