Things You'll Need:
- Drum machine
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Step 1
Choose the path that is right for you: drum machine or computer program. All the steps afterward are exactly the same. But a drum machine will give you a more hands-on experience with creating rhythm, while the program will offer you a wider range of sounds but will require more pointing and clicking.
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Step 2
Set the tempo and time signature for your beat. For a simple start, you can just leave the tempo and the beat in their default positions, which should be four beats per measure at 120 beats per minute. Beats per minute, just like miles per hour, will speed up or slow down your beat. Time signature will indicate how many beats will play before the loop starts over. Four is very common, but you will find that more interesting beats have odd time signatures.
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Step 3
Locate a good kick drum and snare sound to use. These two drums are the basis for any beat. There will be a lot to choose from, so take your time and browse them all. When you’ve found them, select a button to trigger that sound (on a drum machine) or drag the sound onto your beat (in a program).
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Step 4
Hit record and play to hear the metronome. Most metronomes are set to quarter notes, but there are some drum machines and programs that will let you change that if you need to. Hit or place the kick on time with the beat. A simple beat construction would have the kick hit on beats one and three and the snare hit on beats two and four.
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Step 5
Add other elements to give your beat personality and texture. The next thing that would traditionally be added is the high hat, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be. There are many typical and unique sounds that are at your disposal and can be added in any way.
Comments
charkles said
on 6/25/2009 Sonic Pro is cool too! http://sonicproducerelite.blogspot.com/