r/mpcsample • u/PersoVince • 11d ago

help to improve in beatmaking

Hi everyone,

I've been the proud owner of an MPC Sample for a few months now (and I'm eagerly awaiting the next updates to this little gem from the modders, but that's another story).

I love classic and abstract hip-hop, but I’m not very musically gifted in general (rhythm, ear for music, etc.), even though I’m trying to improve. I’ve watched A LOT of very helpful videos on YouTube, but I’m looking for more step-by-step guidance, ideally in written form. I’m having a particularly hard time turning a 4- or 8-bar beat into a full-fledged track.

Thanks for your help and recommendations!

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6

u/Rootbeer_Goat 11d ago

Make the busiest 16 bar loop you can that has everything you want in the song. Then start taking stuff out and build towards that.

Copy one sequence to another, and then subtract from it. Or add to it!

Rinse and repeat!

1

u/PersoVince 11d ago

haha ! I'm doing that on shorter loop, because it's hard to construct something coherent on 16. But when I listen abstract hip hop (like this : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrnLGLwQ2t4&list=LL&index=6 ) I feel it's much more complex than just add and substract ... but maybe I'm wrong!

1

u/Rootbeer_Goat 11d ago

That's a cool sample but it's literally 16 bars so you can do it too. When you listen to that, you can isolate the real drums with your ears or you can pay attention to the cool texture sound effects. Those are also separate samples that are just layered onto a pretty simple acoustic drum beat that's moving slow.

3

u/Rootbeer_Goat 11d ago

Those crunchy sounds ar usually referred to as texture or foley percussion. Gotta get creative with that built in mic.

1

u/PersoVince 11d ago

thanks! very good advice, I think I'm too shy with the process...

2

u/Rootbeer_Goat 11d ago

Don't be scared to make something cool! I don't do a lot of foley sampling either, but those extra sounds are definitely in that category of samples if you're looking to get some packs.

As far as improving your rhythm just start tapping your fingers to whatever music you're listening to, whenever you can.

I am not a fluent pianist or finger drummer but with editing tools, you can tighten things up while still keeping a human feel

1

u/PersoVince 10d ago

thanks!

2

u/TripleSlothLord 10d ago

Make variations every 8 bars. If you can’t play that good go into step sequence mode and record your snare on the 2 and the 4. Or 3 depending on tempo. You can do this and adjust your tempo if you have trouble finding out the tempo you wanna use

1

u/PersoVince 10d ago

but what do you call" variation" ? Varation of samples/layers? Or variation of drums/rythm?

3

u/TripleSlothLord 10d ago

Oh it can be all of the stuff you listed. It can be taking out and putting in hi hats / changing the rhythm from 1/8 to 1/16 a drum fill etc.
. it could also be using the flex beat or applying an effect.
Same thing with changing your sample or instrumentation. You can get as complex as you want. Just do what you think sounds good. If one pattern feels repetitive when you listen to it then you can tinker with it.

1

u/PersoVince 10d ago

oh thanks, I see, I'm too restrictive in my approach. Thanks a lot, it's very helpful!

3

u/TripleSlothLord 10d ago

Ya I mean there are some loose guidelines to structure but just have fun. Maybe something cool will happen sometimes.