Making beats online has never been easier. There are so many computer programs now that you hardly even need a drum machine or synthesizer anymore. and that gives the aspiring beat maker or producer a great advantage, because music equipment is not cheap. You can make your own beats with software that sounds just as good as thousands of dollars worth of studio equipment, but you have to know how it all works in the first place.
The first thing you should decide when you make your own beats is the style of the song. Do you want a fast miami booty bass beat? A sliky slow jam? Maybe you want a dirty down south banger, but first you need to figure out the tempo and the time signature. The tempo is how fast the song is. The time signature represents how many beats are in a measure. All of this information can be adjusted in the musical software. It's all about counting. Making beats is no more complicated than filling time slots with the appropriate beats.
If you are familiar with how to make your own beats you should already understand the different drum parts. Generally the programmed drum sounds mimic the parts of a live drum kit. The snare is usually the most prominent drum beat and keeps the time, while the bass kick booms below to the rythm of other instruments (bass or synth lines). Hi hats and other cymbals fill in the gaps with syncopation.
I find it helpful to make beats like this: first I decide on the tempo and time signature, then I assign the snare hit in the same place over the course of the measures. This sets a basic anchor point, like a metronome. Next, depending on how funky or solid I want the rythm to be I fill in the bass kick to add some rythm. If I have a melody, synth line, or bass line in mind already i'll match the bass kick to the rythm of the melody for support. Next I'll add in some hi hats (open and closed) to match the fastest notes of the melody. Adding and dropping bass beats and hi hat beats will definitely make your pattern more funky and you really have to just experiment at this point. Change the drum sounds too. An 808 snare might not be right but a distorted sampled snare might hit the spot perfectly. The same goes for all of the drum sounds - use your sound bank!
Once all of the three major drum parts are set fairly well (and you'll know when, because you won't be able to stand still) add in claps, bongo sounds, shakers, tambourine sounds, and other percussion sounds to add flavor and life to the beat. A little can go a long way here. Think of the "wine glass" sounding bells sampled on Run DMC's 'peter piper'. It doesn't take much to make a great beat, it just takes the right thing.
Another point that can't be left out is to listen to music you love and figure out what they are doing. If you listen to Dr. Dre and try to make one of his beats (i didn't say use one of his beats) then you will understand the placement of beats and notes in his patterns. Listen to James Brown and notice how he starts a lot of his rythm parts on "the one", or the first note of the the measure. It's usaully his most prominent beat, and then he uses the up beat (think reggae) to mix in the funk. Learn from the masters and listen, listen, listen. Make your own beats solid, unique and irresistable and you can't lose.
While some people swear by certain software (or hardware for that matter), it all comes down, once again, to preference. It’s always debatable which software provides the best tools, but the “best” tools is subjective and can differ from person to person. Just like how some people will swear on oath that the Mac is the best computer out, PC users will tell you otherwise, or vice versa. The best way to find out which one works best for you is to try them out. Luckily, like most software out, vendors usually offer users trial versions of there software or sometimes even no-time limit versions and instead disable some functions, such as saving or exporting your creations. This gives you the opportunity to try different ones out and see which one works best for you. Some people base their opinion on the different features a program offers while others may base their decision on how easy it is to use. For the purpose this guide, we’ll clue you in on the best software out there, that won’t break the bank. The centerpiece of your production studio will be your sequencer.
The Sequencer:
The sequencer will be the main production tool in your arsenal; so needless to say, it’s important to choose one that you’re most comfortable with and increases your productivity. In essence, the sequencer is the platform you will use to make your own beats on; from laying down your patterns to creating the foundation of your track. Two of the more popular loop-based software sequencers out there that hip-hop beat makers may use are Propellerhead’s Reason and Image-Line’s FL Studio (previously known as Fruityloops). This free online guide will focus on using FL Studio. FL Studio comes in three different flavors: the Producer Edition, the Fruity Edition, and the Express Edition. The Producer Edition is one of the more expensive editions at 9 and evidently has the most features, while the other two are and respectively. The Producer Edition is more of a pattern-based Digital Audio Workstation (or DAW) in the sense that it’s more than just a sequencer, but a “do-it-all” program and can be the standalone, centerpiece of your entire studio. For the sake of this free guide, you should have at least the Fruity Edition as the Express Edition cannot be used as a standalone sequencer and requires other software to control it. For more information on the different type’s available visit FL Studio’s software page.In my own opinion, FL Studio is the best value, as it’s only 9 for the Producer Edition compared to Reason’s 9 price tag and comes with a lifetime of free updates. That means whenever a newer version comes out, you can upgrade absolutely free! If you would like to try the software before buying it, trial versions are available for download at the Image-Line website.
The Sound Editor:
Just like software sequencers, there are several sound editors available. The basic function of a sound editor is to edit wave files which can be especially helpful with sample-based production. Sample-based production essentially is using samples (a portion of an audio track) as the foundation to your music. These samples can be obtained from old records, sample CDs, or recorded from an instrument. With that in mind, the sound editor is particularly helpful when “chopping” up loops or drum breaks, or sampling sounds as it gives you a close-up visual representation of the sound file you’re working on. Whether using your own samples, sound banks, or synthesizers, you’ll find a sound editor extremely helpful and essential to your home studio. Some of the more popular sound editors include Adobe Audition, Propellerhead’s Recycle, and Sony’s Sound Forge. I have personally grown accustomed to using Adobe Audition (formerly known as Cool Edit) for my own sound editing needs and it retails for 9. Just like the software sequencers I mentioned earlier, there are shareware versions available and I highly recommend trying them all to find out which you’re most comfortable with using. Fortunately, if you don’t want to spend another 9 right away, the Producer Edition of FL Studio 6 comes with a standard wave editor with some basic features such as record, cut, copy, paste, etc. Here is a quick look at wave editor in FL Studio Producer Edition.While some people swear by certain software (or hardware for that matter), it all comes down, once again, to preference. It’s always debatable which software provides the best tools, but the “best” tools is subjective and can differ from person to person. Just like how some people will swear on oath that the Mac is the best computer out, PC users will tell you otherwise, or vice versa. The best way to find out which one works best for you is to try them out. Luckily, like most software out, vendors usually offer users trial versions of there software or sometimes even no-time limit versions and instead disable some functions, such as saving or exporting your creations. This gives you the opportunity to try different ones out and see which one works best for you. Some people base their opinion on the different features a program offers while others may base their decision on how easy it is to use. For the purpose this guide, we’ll clue you in on the best software out there, that won’t break the bank. The centerpiece of your production studio will be your sequencer.
The Sequencer:
The sequencer will be the main production tool in your arsenal; so needless to say, it’s important to choose one that you’re most comfortable with and increases your productivity. In essence, the sequencer is the platform you will use to make your own beats on; from laying down your patterns to creating the foundation of your track. Two of the more popular loop-based software sequencers out there that hip-hop beat makers may use are Propellerhead’s Reason and Image-Line’s FL Studio (previously known as Fruityloops). This free online guide will focus on using FL Studio. FL Studio comes in three different flavors: the Producer Edition, the Fruity Edition, and the Express Edition. The Producer Edition is one of the more expensive editions at 9 and evidently has the most features, while the other two are and respectively. The Producer Edition is more of a pattern-based Digital Audio Workstation (or DAW) in the sense that it’s more than just a sequencer, but a “do-it-all” program and can be the standalone, centerpiece of your entire studio. For the sake of this free guide, you should have at least the Fruity Edition as the Express Edition cannot be used as a standalone sequencer and requires other software to control it. For more information on the different type’s available visit FL Studio’s software page.In my own opinion, FL Studio is the best value, as it’s only 9 for the Producer Edition compared to Reason’s 9 price tag and comes with a lifetime of free updates. That means whenever a newer version comes out, you can upgrade absolutely free! If you would like to try the software before buying it, trial versions are available for download at the Image-Line website.
The Sound Editor:
Just like software sequencers, there are several sound editors available. The basic function of a sound editor is to edit wave files which can be especially helpful with sample-based production. Sample-based production essentially is using samples (a portion of an audio track) as the foundation to your music. These samples can be obtained from old records, sample CDs, or recorded from an instrument. With that in mind, the sound editor is particularly helpful when “chopping” up loops or drum breaks, or sampling sounds as it gives you a close-up visual representation of the sound file you’re working on. Whether using your own samples, sound banks, or synthesizers, you’ll find a sound editor extremely helpful and essential to your home studio. Some of the more popular sound editors include Adobe Audition, Propellerhead’s Recycle, and Sony’s Sound Forge. I have personally grown accustomed to using Adobe Audition (formerly known as Cool Edit) for my own sound editing needs and it retails for 9. Just like the software sequencers I mentioned earlier, there are shareware versions available and I highly recommend trying them all to find out which you’re most comfortable with using. Fortunately, if you don’t want to spend another 9 right away, the Producer Edition of FL Studio 6 comes with a standard wave editor with some basic features such as record, cut, copy, paste, etc. Here is a quick look at wave editor in FL Studio Producer Edition.
RingFingerUP! Media is a music producer who has produced for several Canadian, Juno-nominated artists. He is now working as a web producer and hopes to shed some light on computer-based production. For more information on computer-based production, he's created a free, online guide on how to make your own beats using your own computer, FL Studio, and accompanying software.
Have you ever wanted to get started making your own rap, hip hop, or r&b beats, but didn't want to spend the money on expensive studio equipment? Well thanks to the digital age more and more ways are becoming available to make your own beats at home. Most people aren't familiar with the technical aspects of most desktop software, and the initial investment can cost almost as much as a studio itself. The easiest way to start making your own beats is to get a membership at an online beat making website.
There are some websites that simply offer the service of having an online beat maker. About half of these websites are flash "games" that let you fiddle around making your own beats. THESE are not what we need, they lack basic important functions like mp3 export, multiple tracks, preset loops and beats, etc. I would suggest becoming a member at a site that offers the most bang for your buck. Make sure that with membership they give you some way to improve your skills, not just leave you hanging trying to learn how to use their beat making software.
One great website to start making your own beats is called Sonic Producer. This website offers great value, which to me is important especially in the economic downturn. I want to make sure I get the most value for my dollar. Think about this: a trip to the studio is going to run you anywhere from 0-00+ dollars. Desktop sequencers are in a league of their own too: expect to pay 0+ dollars. A Sonic Producer membership is available for . Just twenty nine dollars.
The beat maker alone is worth three times that much: it has a 16 track sequencer, 8 dj pads, keyboard sets, mp3 exportability (important to people who want to burn their beats to cds), and a huge preset beat and loop library. But that's just the beat maker. As I said I like value: with membership they give you access to thousands of free videos on everything you've ever wanted to know about making beats. Everything from how to master their software to how to setup a keyboard or synth to integrate into your beats.
As you can see, it's much cheaper to make your own beats online than it is to make them in a studio session or with expensive desktop software. With websites like Sonic Producer, you don't have to make such a heavy initial investment to experiment in expressing yourself through digital music. Some may find it's not for them, and that's why they offer a full refund. However others will find their skills increasing by the day; I have seen many beginners go from no experience to licensing their first beat to a local or national hip hop artist. So it can be done. If you're ready to get started on your beat making journey, check out this site: make your own beats online.
While some people swear by certain software (or hardware for that matter), it all comes down, once again, to preference. It’s always debatable which software provides the best tools, but the “best” tools is subjective and can differ from person to person. Just like how some people will swear on oath that the Mac is the best computer out, PC users will tell you otherwise, or vice versa. The best way to find out which one works best for you is to try them out. Luckily, like most software out, vendors usually offer users trial versions of there software or sometimes even no-time limit versions and instead disable some functions, such as saving or exporting your creations. This gives you the opportunity to try different ones out and see which one works best for you. Some people base their opinion on the different features a program offers while others may base their decision on how easy it is to use. For the purpose this guide, we’ll clue you in on the best software out there, that won’t break the bank. The centerpiece of your production studio will be your sequencer.
The Sequencer:
The sequencer will be the main production tool in your arsenal; so needless to say, it’s important to choose one that you’re most comfortable with and increases your productivity. In essence, the sequencer is the platform you will use to make your own beats on; from laying down your patterns to creating the foundation of your track. Two of the more popular loop-based software sequencers out there that hip-hop beat makers may use are Propellerhead’s Reason and Image-Line’s FL Studio (previously known as Fruityloops). This free online guide will focus on using FL Studio. FL Studio comes in three different flavors: the Producer Edition, the Fruity Edition, and the Express Edition. The Producer Edition is one of the more expensive editions at 9 and evidently has the most features, while the other two are and respectively. The Producer Edition is more of a pattern-based Digital Audio Workstation (or DAW) in the sense that it’s more than just a sequencer, but a “do-it-all” program and can be the standalone, centerpiece of your entire studio. For the sake of this free guide, you should have at least the Fruity Edition as the Express Edition cannot be used as a standalone sequencer and requires other software to control it. For more information on the different type’s available visit FL Studio’s software page.In my own opinion, FL Studio is the best value, as it’s only 9 for the Producer Edition compared to Reason’s 9 price tag and comes with a lifetime of free updates. That means whenever a newer version comes out, you can upgrade absolutely free! If you would like to try the software before buying it, trial versions are available for download at the Image-Line website.
The Sound Editor:
Just like software sequencers, there are several sound editors available. The basic function of a sound editor is to edit wave files which can be especially helpful with sample-based production. Sample-based production essentially is using samples (a portion of an audio track) as the foundation to your music. These samples can be obtained from old records, sample CDs, or recorded from an instrument. With that in mind, the sound editor is particularly helpful when “chopping” up loops or drum breaks, or sampling sounds as it gives you a close-up visual representation of the sound file you’re working on. Whether using your own samples, sound banks, or synthesizers, you’ll find a sound editor extremely helpful and essential to your home studio. Some of the more popular sound editors include Adobe Audition, Propellerhead’s Recycle, and Sony’s Sound Forge. I have personally grown accustomed to using Adobe Audition (formerly known as Cool Edit) for my own sound editing needs and it retails for 9. Just like the software sequencers I mentioned earlier, there are shareware versions available and I highly recommend trying them all to find out which you’re most comfortable with using. Fortunately, if you don’t want to spend another 9 right away, the Producer Edition of FL Studio 6 comes with a standard wave editor with some basic features such as record, cut, copy, paste, etc. Here is a quick look at wave editor in FL Studio Producer Edition.While some people swear by certain software (or hardware for that matter), it all comes down, once again, to preference. It’s always debatable which software provides the best tools, but the “best” tools is subjective and can differ from person to person. Just like how some people will swear on oath that the Mac is the best computer out, PC users will tell you otherwise, or vice versa. The best way to find out which one works best for you is to try them out. Luckily, like most software out, vendors usually offer users trial versions of there software or sometimes even no-time limit versions and instead disable some functions, such as saving or exporting your creations. This gives you the opportunity to try different ones out and see which one works best for you. Some people base their opinion on the different features a program offers while others may base their decision on how easy it is to use. For the purpose this guide, we’ll clue you in on the best software out there, that won’t break the bank. The centerpiece of your production studio will be your sequencer.
The Sequencer:
The sequencer will be the main production tool in your arsenal; so needless to say, it’s important to choose one that you’re most comfortable with and increases your productivity. In essence, the sequencer is the platform you will use to make your own beats on; from laying down your patterns to creating the foundation of your track. Two of the more popular loop-based software sequencers out there that hip-hop beat makers may use are Propellerhead’s Reason and Image-Line’s FL Studio (previously known as Fruityloops). This free online guide will focus on using FL Studio. FL Studio comes in three different flavors: the Producer Edition, the Fruity Edition, and the Express Edition. The Producer Edition is one of the more expensive editions at 9 and evidently has the most features, while the other two are and respectively. The Producer Edition is more of a pattern-based Digital Audio Workstation (or DAW) in the sense that it’s more than just a sequencer, but a “do-it-all” program and can be the standalone, centerpiece of your entire studio. For the sake of this free guide, you should have at least the Fruity Edition as the Express Edition cannot be used as a standalone sequencer and requires other software to control it. For more information on the different type’s available visit FL Studio’s software page.In my own opinion, FL Studio is the best value, as it’s only 9 for the Producer Edition compared to Reason’s 9 price tag and comes with a lifetime of free updates. That means whenever a newer version comes out, you can upgrade absolutely free! If you would like to try the software before buying it, trial versions are available for download at the Image-Line website.
The Sound Editor:
Just like software sequencers, there are several sound editors available. The basic function of a sound editor is to edit wave files which can be especially helpful with sample-based production. Sample-based production essentially is using samples (a portion of an audio track) as the foundation to your music. These samples can be obtained from old records, sample CDs, or recorded from an instrument. With that in mind, the sound editor is particularly helpful when “chopping” up loops or drum breaks, or sampling sounds as it gives you a close-up visual representation of the sound file you’re working on. Whether using your own samples, sound banks, or synthesizers, you’ll find a sound editor extremely helpful and essential to your home studio. Some of the more popular sound editors include Adobe Audition, Propellerhead’s Recycle, and Sony’s Sound Forge. I have personally grown accustomed to using Adobe Audition (formerly known as Cool Edit) for my own sound editing needs and it retails for 9. Just like the software sequencers I mentioned earlier, there are shareware versions available and I highly recommend trying them all to find out which you’re most comfortable with using. Fortunately, if you don’t want to spend another 9 right away, the Producer Edition of FL Studio 6 comes with a standard wave editor with some basic features such as record, cut, copy, paste, etc. Here is a quick look at wave editor in FL Studio Producer Edition.
RingFingerUP! Media is a music producer who has produced for several Canadian, Juno-nominated artists. He is now working as a web producer and hopes to shed some light on computer-based production. For more information on computer-based production, he's created a free, online guide on how to make your own beats using your own computer, FL Studio, and accompanying software.
