The basic rhythm of kick and snare is easy to produce. Modern beat making software allows a complete novice to generate a reasonably decent rhythm in almost no time at all. There is one extremely useful trick that good producers use to make their drum loops really get people dancing.
The rhythm is meant to drive the song. In its most stripped down form, a beat consists simply of one percussive instrument. While this is often sufficient to create a formidable pulse over which to play instruments or sing, the addition of a second percussive sound increases the rhythmic options considerably.
The kick and the snare are the only really important elements in a modern beat. Everything else is embellishment. The problem many aspiring producers run into is that they can't get the right sound from these two basic instruments, and as a result their beats sound flat.
Layering sounds together is the key to making a truly bouncing bass sound. One very popular approach to creating a deep, thumping bass kick is to begin with a sample that has a decent amount of low end without being too booming. Adjusting the compression on this patch until a nice sharp attack followed by a short, deep boom is achieved will provide the first layer of the final kick.
To go with this first patch, a darker toned kick patch is often selected. The second sound is often largely dictated by genre, and producers may prefer a wide range of thicker sounds. Experimentation is the key to discovering the perfect match.
These two patches triggered together will provide that thick, punchy kick that good drum loops need. Creating grooves that get people dancing is easy with a strong bass beat. The kick can be the most important instrument of all.
The rhythm is meant to drive the song. In its most stripped down form, a beat consists simply of one percussive instrument. While this is often sufficient to create a formidable pulse over which to play instruments or sing, the addition of a second percussive sound increases the rhythmic options considerably.
The kick and the snare are the only really important elements in a modern beat. Everything else is embellishment. The problem many aspiring producers run into is that they can't get the right sound from these two basic instruments, and as a result their beats sound flat.
Layering sounds together is the key to making a truly bouncing bass sound. One very popular approach to creating a deep, thumping bass kick is to begin with a sample that has a decent amount of low end without being too booming. Adjusting the compression on this patch until a nice sharp attack followed by a short, deep boom is achieved will provide the first layer of the final kick.
To go with this first patch, a darker toned kick patch is often selected. The second sound is often largely dictated by genre, and producers may prefer a wide range of thicker sounds. Experimentation is the key to discovering the perfect match.
These two patches triggered together will provide that thick, punchy kick that good drum loops need. Creating grooves that get people dancing is easy with a strong bass beat. The kick can be the most important instrument of all.
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Have a look at OddGrooves' website for more tips on how to make your own drum loops? A selection of free drum loops is available for download.