Wednesday, April 13, 2011

5 Top Beat Making Tips

Making beats on the computer has got the reputation of being easy and simple. It is to a point, it is very simple to get ideas down and manipulate them. However, to actually start computer music making, you need to do it right, rather than what you think is right. Here are 5 tips to help you on your way:

1. Sometimes the best way to add variation and excitement to a chorus is to apply an effect or two. Heavy delay, reverb or even some chorusing can be applied to spice things up, and once you add some automation to your music they are removed very easily.

2. Find big tracks, the genre setters to find out what works and what doesn't. This is essential because your arrangement and the genre rules will be the lifeblood of your music, so get it right the first time around. So what do you do? You go through each track and write down when things come in, when things go out, build ups, drop outs. A musical piece is always built up in blocks and follows a formula. Sometimes those rules are bent but they will still keep with a set of rules.

3. Don't keep on applying element after element for your build up- its a beginners mistake. Music is all about groove and vibe and too many cooks spoil the broth. Nowadays we are seeing more tunes that are coming out minimalist, some even using basic sounds. If you listen to a track and something doesn't "speak" to you, take it out. Sometimes less is more.

4. Sometimes editing the actual music structure is better than editing the musical sound. How often do we hear the same 4/4 kick and snare? It becomes refreshing change when something comes around that is different- a double kick, or even a 1 kick loop. Just taking away or applying something extra adds enjoyment.

5. If you ever try to create a vocal track, it is always best to record a "radio edit first"- about 3min 30sec. Why should you do this, rather than give a major music work out? If you created a long track first, it won't get played, or DJs will mix parts out so that they can incorporate your song into their sets. Also if you create a long track first, and then shrink it down, you have to loose something. That is usually a cool hook or riff that you really enjoy. So create a short track first and then create a long version.

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