The number of bars used when sequencing drum samples can vary quite a lot. Usually, the total number of bars will be equal to the length of the song as a whole, and if you're making loops to start with, it can be a bit more complicated.
One of the most common looping numbers of bars is four. This is usually enough to develop an indicative portion of a song, and then four bars can give groove, tempo and feel to a song, and so is great as a foundation or 'skeleton' sample. The drum samples in the four bar loop can be organized as one total unique sample, with each bar being totally different from the last. However, most music producers in rap and RnB prefer to keep some element of comfort with the listener, and variance is the keyword. Varying drums from bar to bar using changes towards the end or velocity is much more effective at not inducing stress into your listener.
The second most popular number of bars to base a musical loop on is sixteen. Why is this? Well, in hip hop and rap, 16 bars is the standard length for a rapper's verse. So it turns out that using this figure to structure a loop on is great. Your creative limits are really tested, and to keep things moving through the whole verse length can be quite a challenge. One common tip is to introduce the hi-hats at the half-way point, and this will add another layer to the variance required to develop a great beat. At the end, start working on your pre-chorus skills.
Looking beyond changes to the drum samples? You can be as creative as you want. A lot of producers will change the harmony as well as the rhythmic aspects around the half-way mark or even after just four bars to kick things off. If you change multiple aspects of the beat, you're really telling your listener that things are starting to kick off, and this is a great way to create some energy in your song.
If you really are serious about sequencing and arranging the next smash hit, think outside the box as well. Combine some methods, and utilize the vocals more, don't just focus on the drum samples and instrument patches. Your singer could suddenly go from boring and predictable to wild and energetic in a matter of just a single bar. Keep your listener guessing 'til the end!
Having said all of this, though, drum samples are definitely the easiest way to introduce some change into an existing musical piece. Your singer does not have to sing anything different to switch up their vocals and you don't need to play new harmonies or anything else to add that subtlety.
One of the most common looping numbers of bars is four. This is usually enough to develop an indicative portion of a song, and then four bars can give groove, tempo and feel to a song, and so is great as a foundation or 'skeleton' sample. The drum samples in the four bar loop can be organized as one total unique sample, with each bar being totally different from the last. However, most music producers in rap and RnB prefer to keep some element of comfort with the listener, and variance is the keyword. Varying drums from bar to bar using changes towards the end or velocity is much more effective at not inducing stress into your listener.
The second most popular number of bars to base a musical loop on is sixteen. Why is this? Well, in hip hop and rap, 16 bars is the standard length for a rapper's verse. So it turns out that using this figure to structure a loop on is great. Your creative limits are really tested, and to keep things moving through the whole verse length can be quite a challenge. One common tip is to introduce the hi-hats at the half-way point, and this will add another layer to the variance required to develop a great beat. At the end, start working on your pre-chorus skills.
Looking beyond changes to the drum samples? You can be as creative as you want. A lot of producers will change the harmony as well as the rhythmic aspects around the half-way mark or even after just four bars to kick things off. If you change multiple aspects of the beat, you're really telling your listener that things are starting to kick off, and this is a great way to create some energy in your song.
If you really are serious about sequencing and arranging the next smash hit, think outside the box as well. Combine some methods, and utilize the vocals more, don't just focus on the drum samples and instrument patches. Your singer could suddenly go from boring and predictable to wild and energetic in a matter of just a single bar. Keep your listener guessing 'til the end!
Having said all of this, though, drum samples are definitely the easiest way to introduce some change into an existing musical piece. Your singer does not have to sing anything different to switch up their vocals and you don't need to play new harmonies or anything else to add that subtlety.
About the Author:
If you're a beat maker and want the best-quality hip hop samples to use, go here: drum samples.
No comments:
Post a Comment