20/03/2024
🎶 Mastering Authentic Reggae Drum Programming: Overcoming Common Challenges 🥁
/ When it comes to programming reggae drums, have you ever wondered why your beats don't sound quite like real reggae? 😩 You're not alone, so let's get into it!
Let's start with your "touch". How hard are you hittin' those pads/keys when making your music? 😳 Lol, yea I know some of us have "heavy hands" and may need a more controlled approach to drum programming. Did you know that certain samples/sounds can lose its "sweet-spot" when played or programmed too hard/loud (velocity)? This is quite common especially with kick and snare samples. That was me for awhile back in the day lol. I soon learned that every sound didn't need to be at 127!😂 I usually stay within the 90 - 100 range depending on the quality of the sample or the texture of the instrument. I find that it gives me the most flexibility to make minor adjustments without affecting the feel of the track.
After recording, you might also need to adjust, the length of the note, quantisation (only use if necessary), and of course - tempo. You'd be surprised how much the feel of your track changes after just a +/- 3 BPM adjustment.
For hi-hats, I realise that this may sound simple, but choosing the "right" hi hat for your track is crucial. How well does it fit (tone/character) with the other sounds? Does your kit sound like it comprises of 14 different drum brands - or does the kit sound like it belongs together? Here's my : Try using two different, but complimentary closed hi-hat sounds instead of just one. The first sample should sound like you're hitting the edge of the hat with the top/flatter edge of the stick. The second one should sound like you're hitting just inside the edge of the hat - but with the tip of the stick. This produces a sharper, softer sound. Alternate between these samples in a 16th note pattern, starting with the edge sound. This small change can make a big difference in your beat! 🦾
: Once you have developed a collection of go-to instruments or drum kits, and are consistently producing some sweet reggae music - start creating templates using the various sessions you're creating. These templates can get you started quickly on your next track, and can cut down on unnecessary tweaking and processing.
👉🏾 For your personal development & practice, try remaking a reggae song that you like (with live instrumentation) from scratch. Find and replicate its exact tempo, the instruments used, the drum patterns, chords, horns, melodies – geesh - rebuild everything!👷🏽 Over time, this will help you automatically choose better instruments, improve your drum programming, and make your tracks feel more authentic.
Ready to start? What else is challenging you with reggae drum programming? Tell me in the comments, and let's transform those beats together! 😎🌴
