Making Beats - Getting Started

How To Make Beats: A getting started…

I get asked so often about making beats I decided to write this up and provide some help to the new producers and beat makers just starting out.

You need a few basic things.

1. Sequencer
2. Sounds
Great optional extras:
3. A Keyboard (piano keyboard not the computer one)
4. Speakers or headphones so you can hear your beats.

What is a sequencer?

A sequencer is a program that records and plays back your ideas in separate parts. You need a sequencer because beats and instrumentals can have a lot of sounds in them. It would be impossible to play back every sounds in a beat by yourself. A sequencer is also used to hold your beats and ideas so you can hear them and play them later for other people or put them on CD.

Some sequencers are standalone devices, others are part of complete workstations and are combined with sounds, keyboards and other things like effects. Which sequencer you use will depend on many things: Budget, Preference, Production Style and much more.

Recommended Standalone Sequencers and Workstations:

AKAI MPC 1000
AKAI MPC 2000
AKAI MPC 4000
KORK TRITON Series
ROLAND PHANTOM Series

Recommended Computer Based Sequencers:
PC/ Windows compatible Computers

Fruity Loops
Cubase SL, SX
Sonar
Protools
Reason

For Macintosh Computers

Cubase SL, SX
Digital Performer
Garage Band
Logic Express
Logic Pro
Protools
Reason

There are others also but these are the most commonly used so tons of help and resources are available on the internet for them.

There are so many sequencers which one do you recommend?

Which one you decide to get is up to you.If you are new to producing and do not like computers I would suggest the Korg Trtion because it is very simple to use.

If you are a musician and want to be able to play a lot of parts and see the written music I would suggest something like Logic, Or Cubase.

If your are a DJ or would like to make your beats mostly from samples the MPC will one of your best options. Fruity Loops is also a good alternative in the meantime till you can get somethink like an MPC.

Can I record vocals and my voice into the sequencer when I am done with my beat so I can make a finished song?

With some sequencers you can. Computer based programs like Protools, Logic, Cubase, Sonar and Digital Performer are perfect for this. With the MPC 2000, Reason and Fruity loops you can not really do this. (Note this may change as new versions are released so please check the website of the manufacturer.)

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