Beat Making
First Prepare Your Beat Samples and Define Your Preferred Sounds. Having the right assortment of beat samples and sounds at your fingertips can revolutionize your beat composition process. Explore my complimentary sample collection and explore Splice to initiate your journey with samples and sounds that impeccably align with your composition requirements.
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2. After getting your samples ready, it's time to familiarize yourself with your preferred DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Popular choices for DAWs include FL Studio, Logic Pro, MPC Beats, and many others.
3. Choosing your beat's mood simplifies the decision-making process Streamlining Sound Selection, Genre, and vibe.
4. Pick songs you like and keep them ready. You know what music you enjoy the most. Using ideas and sounds from the music you already know makes the whole process much easier.
Let’s get started-
There's no single correct method to begin; the world of beatmaking might feel overwhelming, but the most effective approach to conquer this challenge is to launch your DAW and dive right in.
Launch your DAW and initiate your instrument tracks. Commencing with 5-7 instruments for midi and 2 audio tracks for loops, if necessary, provides an excellent starting point. Remember, you can easily change or remove tracks as required
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Tempo
Utilizing pre-production research on your chosen genre, determine an optimal starting tempo. For example, in the case of trap music—my preferred genre—I typically gravitate towards the 140-160 BPM range. However, remember to prioritize what aligns with your specific requirements.
Chords
Beginning with chords can be complex. Chords, the backbone of your beat's harmony and mood, consist of multiple notes, often forming combinations of three or more notes from the key's root. In the chart below, notice the Roman numerals 1 through 7, which universally indicate the played chord in the selected key. For instance, in the key of F major, playing chord 4/ IV translates to Bbmaj or B flat major according to our chart. Additionally, notice in the chart of majors scale the chords are sequenced "Major, Minor, Minor, Major, Dominant, Minor, diminished". This holds across keys for the major scale. (Other scales follow their own distinct patterns.) Select your root note and build with the other notes in that key's major scale. Explore these chord charts to see which notes are played for different chords, Chord Chart 1 and Chord Chart 2 Armed with this insight, you're poised to explore chord progressions such as 1-3-5/ I-III-V or 2-4-6/ II-IV-VI.
|
Key |
I |
II |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
|
A |
Amaj |
Bmin |
C#min |
Dmaj |
E |
F#min |
G# Dim |
|
B |
Bmaj |
C#min |
D#min |
Emaj |
F# |
G#min |
A# DIm |
|
C |
Cmaj |
Dmin |
Emin |
Fmaj |
G |
Amin |
B Dim |
|
D |
Dmaj |
Emin |
F#min |
Gmaj |
A |
Bmin |
C# Dim |
|
E |
Emaj |
F#min |
G#min |
Amaj |
B |
C#min |
D# Dim |
|
F |
Fmaj |
Gmin |
Amin |
Bbmaj |
C |
Dmin |
E Dim |
|
G |
Gmaj |
Amin |
Bmin |
Cmaj |
D |
Emin |
F# Dim |
Drum Basics
Drum components typically include Kick, Snare, Hi-Hat, 808/Bass, and Percussion. Beginners often find it convenient to program drums within a 1/16th grid framework, where lines in the DAW form a grid-like pattern.
The Snare or Clap introduces rhythm, commonly aligning with either the 2 and 4 beats of your 4/4 time signature or the 3 beat.
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Remember tempo will affect how it sounds in the end.
Hi-Hats
When it comes to hi-hats, there's no one-size-fits-all approach, as patterns vary depending on the genre you're producing. For hip-hop and trap drums, a solid starting point is to position notes on the 1 and 2 within each beat.
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To infuse your beats with captivating texture and rhythm, consider incorporating hi-hat rolls. Trust your instincts while listening to your beat and placing hi-hats where you sense they fit best. It may not be flawless, but experimentation is key. (See example: observe the start of bar 2, where additional notes create a roll.) Adjusting the volume of these notes can introduce a human touch and reduce monotony.
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808
When it comes to placing your 808, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. It's often best to rely on your instincts and the feel of your beat. Listen closely and trust your ears. Much like with hi-hat rolls, position the 808 where it resonates harmoniously with your musical intuition.
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Kick
When it comes to adding kicks, I prefer to follow a similar pattern as with the 808. This not only enhances the punchiness of your 808 but also simplifies the process, especially for beginners. Remember, this isn't a fixed rule – feel free to experiment with different approaches that suit your genre and personal taste.
Melody
When it comes to crafting melodies, it's often easiest to stay within the key of your harmony. Melody is the part of your beat where a single, distinct note captures the listener's attention and lingers in their memory. Melodies are created by combining various rhythms and pitches. Building your melody on the foundation of your harmony can serve as a crucial piece and provide the desired sound for your composition. Tool to help with melody creation Here
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Structure
Creating a well-structured song is essential for engaging your audience
- Intro (4 to 8 bars): Begin with an intro that establishes the mood. This section, typically 4 to 8 bars long, is minimal and may introduce the main melody or a basic drum pattern.
- Verse (16 to 32 bars): The verse is where lyrics usually debut. It can vary from 16 to 32 bars, offering space for storytelling. Keep the beat relatively simple to spotlight the vocals.
- Chorus (8 to 16 bars): The catchy core of your song, the chorus, often repeats a central theme or hook. It's shorter than the verse, spanning 8 to 16 bars, and can incorporate more instrumentation and energy.
- Bridge (8 to 16 bars, optional): An optional section, the bridge, adds contrast and can break the verse-chorus structure. This segment, lasting 8 to 16 bars, may introduce fresh elements or a different chord progression.
- Verse 2 (16 to 32 bars): Similar to the first verse but with possible variations, such as additional instruments or lyrical changes.
- Chorus 2 (8 to 16 bars): Resembling the initial chorus, this part can feature additional layers or variations to maintain interest.
- Outro (4 to 8 bars): Wrapping up your song, the outro lasts 4 to 8 bars and often incorporates a gradual fade-out or musical resolution.
Crafting a compelling song structure allows you to tell your musical story effectively, capturing your audience's attention.
This journey is all about unleashing your unique artistic flair. Let these insights fuel your passion and take your beats to new heights. Your musical canvas is waiting—paint it with rhythm and joy. Here's to an exciting beat-making adventure! #BeatMaking #CreativeMusic #UnlockYourArt