So, you’ve decided that you want to start making beats. Congrats. First, though, you must start listening to music differently. You are no longer the “average listener.” You are a beat maker who is learning how to perfect their craft.
Can you pick out each sound in the track? And what are those high hats doing? The first part to listening to beats is to identify the different elements in the track. The high hats are a good place to start, if there are any. Then get into the habit of picking out the bass and counting how many elements make up the musical parts of the beat.
How loud is everything? And are those 3 basses I hear? Most modern beats have at least two basses: the main bass and the sub (or 808). It’s good to listen to the levels of the basses and how they sit with the rest of the elements. Also, how loud are the drums compared to everything.
Count measures. And what’s a chorus? Measures are groups of 4 beats. You count a measure like this: 1,2,3,4 | 2,2,3,4 | 3,2,3,4 |…and so on. Something usually happens in the beat every 8 to 16 measures. This is called structure and it’s important when it comes to finishing a beat. A chorus is an 8-measure section that usually repeats in a song. Remember, the goal is to make a song eventually.
Is the snare on the 2 and 4 or did they get funky with them? This is where you pay attention to the drum track. Counting out the measures like above, you’ll probably notice that almost all snares are on the 2 and 4. Even if the snares are funky and seem to be everywhere, they will still be rooted on the 2 and 4. Also pay attention to the where the kick is and does it do something a little different every 4 measures?
You know you like the beat, now identify why. Most beats don’t happen by accident. The producer that you are listening made specific choices to make their beat sound good. Listen to more beats by the same producer and take note of any themes in their style. Do they often use 808s? Are there always a lot of elements in their beats or are they minimal (just a few elements)?
You’re a beat maker now, and soon to be a world class music producer. It’s work but you can make it fun. Sit down, smoke a bowl, and listen to your favorite jams. I suggest setting aside time to do this on the regular. Styles change and so do musical tastes.
Come chat with me while I make beats live on Twitch. Tune in every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 7 to 10 Central.