Like many, I found my passion for music by playing with friends in bands throughout high school. Playing guitar with others and performing live unlocked that amazing feeling of connection that’s only really possible through musical collaboration. However, when I started making beats I did it with the intention of carving out a space for myself as an independent. I wanted to empower myself to enjoy making music on my own terms as much as I did collaboratively.
These days, with many bands on in-person practice hiatus and no jams in sight, it’s a great time to look inward and find that beat within. We all have it in us, and we’re lucky to live in an age when the tools for beat making are relatively accessible to many different skill levels and budgets.
Earlier this year, music gear marketplace Reverb reported that it had seen a significant increase in synthesizer, keyboard, and beat production equipment purchases—particularly among new buyers. In fact, compared to the same time period last year, searches for MIDI keyboards, drum machines, and MIDI controllers were up well over 100%.
Drum machines and MIDI controllers are a perfect place to start for any guitarist looking to get into beat making. When I record music, I use both MIDI-controlled drum pads and hardware drum machines. In this two-part series, you’ll find a run down of benefits of both formats, gear recommendations, a step-by-step process of setting up your drum machine, and a little exercise to help you make your first beat!
Comments
[…] In my previous article, we learned the difference between MIDI controlled drum pads and classic hardware drum machines. You were given the tools to choose a piece of gear that fits your style and workflow. Now it’s time to get into the nitty gritty of connecting and beginning to create! I’ll run you through the general steps to connect and sync your MIDI or hardware drum machine, some troubleshooting, and a simple beat making exercise. […]
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