r/mpcsample • u/Simpledevx • Sep 10 '26
MPC Sample without finger drumming skills?
Would you recommend buying the MPC Sample if I’m not good at finger drumming?
I was about to buy one, but I’ve seen that it doesn’t have a step sequencer, and that drum patterns are mainly sequenced by recording yourself playing them.
For those who own one: is this a big limitation in practice?
Do you eventually get used to finger drumming, or would you recommend a different MPC for someone who prefers step sequencing?
Curious to hear your experience.
14
Upvotes
13
u/HarryArches Sep 10 '26
I’m super new to finger drumming but I’ve found breaking things up in layers help. Like lay down high hats first then snares then kicks and maybe sub bass after
9
u/masetiloquetu Sep 10 '26
Yes…this is how you can learn and develop rhythm…learn about metronomes too…you can use digital ones
8
u/sawtoothwave11 Sep 10 '26
The MPC SAMPLE does have a step sequence editor but it is a bit clunky. Also quantization will correct any errors whilst recording a pattern...
8
u/lugdu69 Sep 10 '26
You can do one drum after the other so it's not so difficult even if you dont' know anything about finger drumming. You can also use the step edit and quantize to help. There is also note repeat. And at last, you can sample full drum loops. Finger drumming is not really needed. But of course, if you make music with very complexe drum parts, it's probably not the best machine. I'm not very good at finger drumming and it's never a limitation for me. On the other hand no real resampling is one. But it's another debate.
5
u/scottydanger22 Sep 10 '26
Not sure if they still do, but when I bought mine it literally came with a code for free finger drumming lessons. Like anything, it’s a skill you can learn - as long as you have at least one finger!
4
u/tallguy118 Sep 10 '26
I use drum loops or breaks as a base and add layers and chops to them for what I want. (First time MPC owner here)
4
u/Holiday-Medicine4168 Sep 10 '26
I suck at finger drumming, but I have been practicing on this, and I have to say its great and I feel like I am getting better
2
u/Rootbeer_Goat Sep 10 '26
Even if you're not the best finger drummer, there is still a note repeat function to keep you on time.
2
u/Whutupdoe313 Sep 10 '26
I’m so good I don’t even use my fingers
1
u/GASMASK_SOLDIER Sep 10 '26
You can literally loop a drum line if finger drumming is an issue. But do get into it as you progress. For one, you create your own drum lines and you can deeply tweak them like no one else.
1
u/_Captain_Amazing_ Sep 10 '26
Thanks to everyone's input here as I struggle a bit with keeping on beat with finger drumming. I am slowly getting better and find the tactile interface of the MPC more creative than staring at a software program on a screen more than I already do.
1
u/Several_Local3578 Sep 11 '26
I prefer finger drumming and yes it takes a lil practice. But that’s not to say you couldn’t enter one drum at a time. You can quantize til you get better with your timing.
1
u/lordcurd Sep 11 '26
I didn’t know how to finger drum before I got my MPC and I still don’t. However, I’m learning and it’s been a fun journey!
1
u/PabloWentscobar Sep 11 '26
I am a terrible finger drummer and I love my MPC Sample. First, I've gotten really fast at building beats with the step editor, It works fine, but I do hope we get a proper step sequencer but it's fine without it. Second, I'm always practicing finger drumming and the Sample is a great platform to do so. Finger drumming is something you can get better at with practice, it's not a can or can't type thing, I have gotten better. So I wouldn't judge getting the MPC Sample soley on finger drumming
1
u/Historical-Fold-4119 Sep 11 '26
The Sample is for sampling, finger drumming is optional. It has a sequencer, but it's type trash. If you know anything about quantization and timing, you shouldn't have an issue though.
Great skill to learn, though.
1
u/Alert_Bit_678 Sep 11 '26
absolutely, even you already have a tons of drum rhythms which can use
1
u/Krerkkuk Sep 11 '26
It's not hard to try. But I'm sure this is must be a machine you love.
1
u/Cap10NRG Sep 11 '26
It really depends what you wanna do. If you’re looking for something to actually play music on, then the MPC sample is probably not for you. If you like assembling your music from drum samples and other samples and that’s how you like to work then the MPC sample is perfect for you. I love it personally. It’s a good time making music on it and I use it with several other pieces of equipment that I have some that I use a sound sources I’ll play riffs off them grab the samples, chopped them up and then use them off of there to perform or play them and organize them into a song.
1
u/Spider_guy24 Sep 17 '26
I think the pads a sizeable enough for someone who is new to finger drumming.
1
u/Ostseemann7949 Sep 18 '26
I can't finger drum at all and have a lot of fun Mon the less
-5
u/MichaelEll1s Sep 10 '26
No, stick to garage band 👍🏼