Saturday, March 3, 2012

Layering Samples Is The Secret To Constructing Great Drum Loops

By Ben Hanson


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 a lot of good producers use to make their drum loops really get people dancing.

The beat is the most fundamental aspect of the song. A perfectly serviceable rhythm can be achieved simply by striking one percussive instrument at regular intervals. Although this simple beat is enough to guide singers and musicians, the incorporation of additional percussion opens up entirely new vistas of rhythmic potential.

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.




About the Author:



No comments: