Most producers start out by learning how to create simple beats- and it's possible that you could spend the rest of your career simply working on them. For budding producers, one of the challenges is creating a solid beat without stretching themselves too thin. When you begin to make your own beats, it can be more intimidating than it really needs to be.
In this video, I’ll discuss what makes a good beat and show you how to make one.
What tools do you need to make a beat?
You don’t need a huge selection of tools to make some serious hip-hop beats. In this video you’ll find what I think is a reasonable list of shortcuts for beginner beat-makers as well as some possible future purchases that can give your tunes an even better sound.
Sample library
A deep sample library is the most helpful tool when first learning how to craft killer beats. Inevitably, the samples available to you will affect your composition decisions. Recording your own samples can be pretty tedious and you might find that it's quicker to search online for a properly licensed sample that can be used legally. Sites like Splice or Sounds.com have a huge library of sounds that are relative, clear and easy to find.
DAW
A DAW is a software you can use to record, edit, and produce your beats. Many DAWs exist on the market, so it's important to do some research to find which one is the best for you. But this software will allow you to layer multiple instrument tracks on top of each other to create your own one-of-a-kind beat.
MIDI controller
Whereas you can certainly set up a drum groove by clicking MIDI notes into your DAW, being able to play the drum groove really helps to internalize the process of creating rhythms. The more you can feel the rhythm, rather than just see it visually, the easier it will be to make beats that people will really enjoy. That’s why I recommend using a dedicated MIDI controller and plugging it into your computer to make beats.
Mixing and mastering software
Mixing and mastering software will really help bring that extra level of professional polish to your beats. This type of software specializes in optimizing the volume, panning, balance and various other aspects of audio tracks. They can also be used to create new sound effects and synthesize new instruments.
What makes a good beat?
A good beat should have variation and repetition to keep the listener interested. Without any repetition, the listener doesn’t really have anything to latch onto, which can cause the music to feel unstructured. It’s the producer’s job to find the right compromise between variation and repetition to create something that’s interesting but still relatively accessible to a non-musical listener. This is where "repetitive beats" become so pervasive that they can be almost suffocating but finding a balance between the two is especially important. When crafting my own beats, I like to begin with a bass line. Most of the time, the majority of people's beats can be broken down into only a few standard elements. These are kick, snare, high frequency percussion sounds and a bass. Then, I’ll add my kicks, snares, and high-frequency percussion. Lastly, you should add some sound effects or music on top to fill the gaps. Just remember, you can add elements of your soundtrack in any order you want. The only guideline is that they sync together rhythmically.
How to make a beat
Step 1: Define your vibe
Step 2: Create a bass line
Step 3: Add in the drums
Step 4: Add melodic elements
Step 5: Fill in the gaps
Step 6: Expand the beat
Step 7: Mix and master your beat
Start making your own beats
I hope this was helpful in showing you what it takes to make a beat. Beat making is truly an artform, and like any art, if you want to create quality work, it'll take a good balance of practice and having the right tools for the job.