SEARCHING FOR A TONE DATA SET BASED ON A DEGREE OF SIMILARITY TO A RHYTHM PATTERN

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved technique for searching for a tone data set of a phrase constructed in a rhythm pattern that satisfies a predetermined condition of similarity to a rhythm pattern intended by a user. The user inputs a rhythm pattern via a rhythm input device. An input rhythm pattern storage section stores the input rhythm pattern into a RAM on the basis of clock signals output from a bar line clock output section and trigger data included in the input rhythm pattern. A rhythm pattern search section searches through a rhythm database for a tone data set presenting the highest degree of similarity to the stored input rhythm pattern. A performance processing section causes a sound output section to audibly output the searched-out tone data set.