While some people may make it look easy, creating beats involves dedication and hard work. A lot of it. Making your own beats is a challenging endeavor that requires an understanding of the music that already exists in the world, so if you want to make some tunes, you should also be listening.
Having said that, if it’s your calling as an artist, it’s important to pursue it despite the obstacles. Don’t be discouraged by the long hours, low pay, or small likelihood of breaking through. Instead, focus on your passion for making music and becoming the best producer and beatmaker possible.
If you’re looking for some guidance on getting started, below is a simple step-by-step guide available that can help point you in the right direction, but don’t worry about following it perfectly. Everyone goes at their own speed and does things their own way. This is just to help those who are only kicking off this part of their music-making career.
In This Article:
- Elements That Make Up A Great Beat
- What Are Beats Made Of?
- How To Make Beats
- Making A Beat Step-By-Step
- Decide What Kind Of Beat You Want To Make
- Pick A Tempo & BPM
- Start With The Bass
- Add In The Drums
- Use Melodic Elements
- Try Samples & More
- Make It A Song
- Mix & Master It
The Elements That Make Up A Great Beat
Great beats possess several key qualities that make them stand out. One important characteristic is that they possess a balance between variation and repetition, ensuring the listener remains engaged while also maintaining a structured sound.
Equally important is that they are enjoyable to listen to! Great beats are those that people want to return to and listen to over and over. They have a recognizable structure, one which is familiar, but also somehow feels fresh and new.
Additionally, the tempo of the beat should be comfortable for both the listener and the producer. Finding a happy place between technique and emotion is similarly critical for creating beats that resonate with the masses.
Finally, it’s important to strive for originality and uniqueness in your beats. Experimenting with different sounds and ideas can help you create something truly special and entirely your own.
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What Are Beats Made Of?
The art of producing at its most basic involves the combination of a few key elements that make up the backbone of modern beats. These elements typically include a kick drum, snare drum, high-frequency percussion sounds, a bassline, and at least one melodic element.
The order in which these elements are added is entirely up to the producer, as long as they work together rhythmically in the end.
The key is to–here’s that phrase again–strike a balance between these different elements, so that they complement each other and create a cohesive sound.
How To Make Beats
When it comes to making beats, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The creative process can vary depending on the situation and what inspires you. There is no set order to follow when it comes to creating a beat. The most important thing is to let your creativity guide you and don’t feel limited to a specific method or routine. Whether you start with a melody, a drum pattern, or a sample, the key is to experiment and find what works best for you and then stick with it…until you feel like you want to try something else.
Making A Beat Step-By-Step
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Decide What Kind Of Beat You Want To Make
When it comes to music production, the beat is the backbone of any great track. Whether you’re working on a rap song or an EDM track, the beat is what drives the music and sets the tone for the entire piece.
Before you dive into creating a beat, it’s important to decide what kind of beat you want to make. Ask yourself questions like, “Is this beat meant for a rapper or a dance artist?” and “What kind of mood do I want to convey with my music?” Once you can answer these questions, you’ll have a better understanding of the direction you want to take your music in.
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Pick A Tempo & BPM
Once you’ve decided on the type of beat you want to make, the next step is to select a tempo and BPM (short for beats per minute). The tempo of a track can completely transform the feel of a beat, so it’s important to choose one that’s appropriate for the genre and style you’re going for. For example, if you’re writing a song and want a fast-paced dance track, you’ll likely want to go with a higher BPM to keep the energy up. On the other hand, if you’re working on a slow, emotional ballad, a lower BPM will help to create a more melancholic and reflective mood.
Take the time to experiment with different tempos and research what is commonly used in what field and find the right BPM that fits your beat and the mood you’re trying to ignite in a listener.
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Start With The Bass
When creating a beat, the bass line is a crucial element that helps to set the rhythm and tonality of the track. It outlines the progression of the chords inside the tune and provides the foundation for the rest of the beat, giving it its overall feel.
Choosing the right bass sound is essential, and which one you might want to stick with varies depending on the genre of music you’re producing. As you craft your bass line, keep in mind that simplicity and complexity are both important. A bass line that is too simple will get lost, while one that is too complex will overshadow the other elements in your beat.
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Add In The Drums
In addition to the bass line, drums are another vital component of any great beat. They provide the rhythm and keep the track grooving throughout. When adding drums to your beat, start with the essentials: the kick, snare, and hi-hats. These are the foundation of most beats, but you can also experiment with higher-pitched drum sounds as well. Keep in mind that the rhythm of any high-pitched percussion will set the overall feel of the beat you’re making.
And don’t be afraid to move things around! Even a slight alteration in the drums can completely transform the song.
As you craft your drums, make sure the sounds you’re using complement the rest of your track. You really don’t want your drums to clash with the other elements in your beat, as you can hear that clearly and it sounds awful. Ensure that the tempo of your drums fits with the tempo of the rest of your track.
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Use Melodic Elements
To take your beat to the next level, consider adding some melodic elements after you’ve built the basics. These can be anything from a piano melody to a synth line. The secret (or, not so secret) is to choose sounds that complement the rest of your track and add a new dimension to your beat. As always, keep in mind the key of your track.
Make sure the melodic elements you’re utilizing make harmonic sense with the bassline. The right melodic elements can add a sense of depth and emotion to your beat, but it’s important to manage everything in moderation.
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Try Samples & More
While it’s not necessary, adding samples or other unique sounds to your beat can really make it stand out. This is how some beatmakers ensure they’re known in the music world, and you can too. The possibilities are endless, from bits of other songs to effects or even recordings of everyday sounds. These unexpected can add a new level of sonic interest to your beat, if used well. Whether it’s a vocal snippet or the sound of a city street, the right addition can add that extra “pop” to your beat.
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Make It A Song
If you’ve been busy creating beats, why not take it to the next level and turn it into a full-fledged song? Adding structure and bridge transitions to your beat can help it make more sense and keep listeners engaged. To create a hit, you need to take note of the order of chorus, verse, and bridge in successful songs and copy it. A beat is great, but it often needs some restructuring before it’s a real song. Adding in some vocal harmonies and maybe an instrumental solo can also add complexity and fill out blank spaces.
By incorporating these elements into your work, you can create a well-rounded, catchy tune. But don’t forget to smooth things out with extra transition effects like a crossfade, which can fade one sound out while fading another sound in, to make your song even more seamless. Once you’ve perfected your song structure and transitions, it’s time to mix and master your song for the finishing touch.
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Mix & Master It
Congratulations! You’ve successfully added all the essential elements to your beat. However, your job is not yet finished. It’s time to take your creation to the next level.
During this process, you’ll have to balance the levels of your different tracks and apply effects like compression and EQ (equalization). The goal is to make your track sound and feel professional. Ready for the masses.
Though these processes can be challenging, there are various music computer programs, or Digital Audio Workstations, that can help you get the job done. Alternatively, you can always collaborate with someone who has the necessary skills to assist you. Trust us; it’s worth the investment. Amateurish sounds could diminish the impact of your beats and songs. Hence, it’s crucial to invest time and effort in the mixing and mastering stage.
If you’re gearing up to promote your new music that you feel could change your career, give the Planetary Group a call! We can help with social media management, PR, or help you get music on the radio. (323) 952-5050
