Production 5 Reasons Why You Suck At Making Beats

Yes, you suck at making beats. Okay, maybe not, but too often I've heard beats that were either good or sub par and could use a lot of work. I'm not saying I'm a Hip-Hop-making genius, far from it, but let's face it - most beat makers don't like to receive feedback unless it's positive.

Negative feedback is what you need though, for it will give you the motivation you need to make your music much better. It will also open your eyes and make you realize that maybe your beats aren't that good, so you start to question your abilities. If that's the case, continue reading.

#1. You're Doing The Same Thing

Often times you will hear most producers doing the same thing over and over in all of the beats that they make. Why? Because it's their formula, it works, so they stick to it. There's nothing wrong with that if it works, but if you find yourself making a beat to the point where it feels like a routine, that's when there's a problem.

Drum patterns are a perfect example. It's too simple to be able to lay down a pattern such as: kick-snare, kick-kick-snare, then repeat. It's a great way to start your pattern, but if you find that you're using the same patterns and routines, stop. There's more to music than a 4/4 signature or the use of 4 notes on a keyboard. There's a reason why keyboards come in 49 and 61 key sizes.

#2. You're Trying Different Styles

Now, doesn't this contradict what I just said? No. If you're trying different styles, you would think that it would actually help your beat making, but it most likely won't. I'm not saying you shouldn't try different styles, but what I'm saying is this:

Let's say you make 90's Boom Bap style of beats and that's what you're known for. If all of a sudden you switch it up and make something for the clubs, I can't see that working - unless you're really good at it. It's possible that by trying a different style you'll actually realize that you've been doing the wrong style all along, but you could also fall flat on your face.

If you're comfortable with your current style, I say stick to it. You can try a different style, but don't do it for the sake of making money or because it's what everyone else wants to hear. Do it because you love it.

#3. You Use Too Much Stuff

You have way too much stuff in your beat. Do you want to know the difference between today's music and that of yesteryear? Too much stuff. Take a listen back to some old Rap music such as Run DMC, NWA, and even early Outkast. Notice how the music is pretty simple and straightforward? Compare that to today. The productions today are getting better, however, producers are throwing too many instruments and sounds into the mix, and cranking it up.

I can go on for an entirely different article on this topic, but the fact remains that most of the music today has too much going on. You could do that if you want, and this will reiterate what I said just before, and that is, do it if it fits your style of beat making and the end result is good.

For example, let's say you find a nice little keyboard pattern that you came up with and you throw some drums on top, then your bass line. Are you finished? You could be. Or maybe not. It all depends on what the beat is, of course, but there's always that fine line of having too much or too little in your beat. Do you need that extra piano panned to the side? Do you need to add strings? Scratching? Percussion?

#4.You're Not Taking A Break

This one is straightforward. Often times I've seen countless members post in the forums asking for help because they're in a beat-making slump. Usually the answer is that they need to actually take a break. Myself, I make beats when the inspiration hits me. I know lots of guys out there that make beats daily and it's to the point where they're pretty much forcing themselves to make music.

Take a break and take a step back is the best advice. It's great if you want to make beats daily because it's fun, it's something you just like doing, or you're bored. All of those reasons are fine, but it doesn't mean you should be making beats.

For example, the same thing applies to working out at the gym. Some people like to hit the gym daily, sometimes twice a day because they want to get ripped and/or huge. Going to the gym daily is great for you, but too much and what happens? Your body starts backfiring on you, and you end up sluggish, unmotivated, and you actually don't want to go to the gym. To anyone that works out, they know this is called over training.

The same thing applies to beat making, you could simply be over-beating. Okay, that's not a word, but I just made it a word. You got a problem with that? Over-beating.

#5. You're Not Thinking Outside The Box

This ties into "Doing The Same Thing", and "Trying Different Styles". Producers years ago had a certain style of beats and they stuck to it. DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Dr. Dre, etc, all have their own unique styles and it works for them, so why should they change it up? However, this doesn't mean that they can't think outside the box.

Let's say your style of beats is the Club type. It's Hip Hop, but you're aiming for the Club crowd. You can stick to that style, which often times relies heavily on synth work, 808 drums, and rolling hi hats. But why not try to think outside the box?

For example, do you have to rely on synths? Can you get away with using Piano instead? Will the Club crowd like it? What about the 808 kicks? How would that same beat sound if you used a regular kick instead but just added some heavy bass underneath?

The ideas are endless. It all comes down to you and what type of sound you're trying to achieve with these Club beats. You can stick to your style, but when you make those beats, think first. Don't just do the same patterns and use the same sounds, think first.

Conclusion

Overall, the main point I was trying to make is that making beats doesn't have to be a chore. A lot of us would love to make beats for a living and bring in the dough, but it doesn't always end up that way. If your style of beat-making is working for you, then that's great. If you're struggling a bit and want to know why, then go over these points I made, it may open your eyes and give you some better insight into how other people view beat-making.

Further Reading Related to Beat Making

• I make beats and so should you
• 5 ways to make beats that will sell
• 6 ways you can make your beats a success
• Stick with what you know and make better beats

 

[nobodyelse]

Dope article fam.

 

[Fade]

Thanks!

 

[Guest]

Taking a break is my favorite part. I date my projects and am able to tell how much time I give myself to take for the next beats, which shows when "over-beating" may come into effect or not.

 

[Fade]

That's an interesting idea. I don't necessarily date my projects for that purpose, but that's a good way to keep track.

 

[BeatsByC]

I'd add doing it for the wrong reason, on focusing on the wrong thing. By that I mean going at a beat with the mentality of making a hit record rather than doing you. No one knows what's a hit until it becomes one.

edit: Dope article btw .

 

[Fade]

True, that's another valid reason. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[thedreampolice]

The to much gear thing totally rings true. I have been paring down for years. It makes a HUGE difference!

 

[Knox Raw]

dope

 

[2infamouz]

This is some good stuff, I'm definately guilty of most of these things. Especially the routine part, i'll catch myself going into autopilot mode n making the same old shit.

 

[Guest]

Dead on accurate, I cannot tell one keyboard producer apart from the next, its ok to use keyboards and all that but its like a million keyboard producers all making the same track over and over and over. The thing of it is its just one sound on top of another sound on top of another (commonly used sounds I might add) resulting in this big beat where now the rapper isn't the focus of the song, he can just talk through it, the rapper simply becomes another layer of sound. It went from digging up sick samples that no one else has to relying solely on the new VST's, keyboard sounds that become available. You're not making a beat, you are simply participating while the DAW does the fine grain work. People will always go the path of least resistance, what is so original and creative about turning on a keyboard and having all the sounds provided for you right there as opposed to seeking out each hat and snare to ensure that you sound unique? What Im saying is you have to respect both methods and not just depend on one only, sick of these producers today who act like they have sampling all figured out already when in reality they're just thinking about making easy money while doing as little as possible. Buy my sample free beats! Gtfoh, its all samples, royalty free is the only difference. Keyboard manufacturers control the sound of Hip-Hop now, phony producers who claim Hip-Hop is their life and they disrespect sampling, thats like disrespecting your own mother, thats how it originated, crate digging.

 

[wizard]

View attachment 4160

Yes, you suck at making beats. Okay, maybe not, but too often I've heard beats that were either good or sub par and could use a lot of work. I'm not saying I'm a Hip-Hop-making genius, far from it, but let's face it - most beat makers don't like to receive feedback unless it's positive.

Negative feedback is what you need though, for it will give you the motivation you need to make your music much better. It will also open your eyes and make you realize that maybe your beats aren't that good, so you start to question your abilities. If that's the case, continue reading.

#1. You're Doing The Same Thing

Often times you will hear most producers doing the same thing over and over in all of the beats that they make. Why? Because it's their formula, it works, so they stick to it. There's nothing wrong with that if it works, but if you find yourself making a beat to the point where it feels like a routine, that's when there's a problem.

Drum patterns are a perfect example. It's too simple to be able to lay down a pattern such as: kick-snare, kick-kick-snare, then repeat. It's a great way to start your pattern, but if you find that you're using the same patterns and routines, stop. There's more to music than a 4/4 signature or the use of 4 notes on a keyboard. There's a reason why keyboards come in 49 and 61 key sizes.

#2. You're Trying Different Styles

Now, doesn't this contradict what I just said? No. If you're trying different styles, you would think that it would actually help your beat making, but it most likely won't. I'm not saying you shouldn't try different styles, but what I'm saying is this:

Let's say you make 90's Boom Bap style of beats and that's what you're known for. If all of a sudden you switch it up and make something for the clubs, I can't see that working - unless you're really good at it. It's possible that by trying a different style you'll actually realize that you've been doing the wrong style all along, but you could also fall flat on your face.

If you're comfortable with your current style, I say stick to it. You can try a different style, but don't do it for the sake of making money or because it's what everyone else wants to hear. Do it because you love it.

#3. You Use Too Much Stuff

View attachment 4161

You have way too much stuff in your beat. Do you want to know the difference between today's music and that of yesteryear? Too much stuff. Take a listen back to some old Rap music such as Run DMC, NWA, and even early Outkast. Notice how the music is pretty simple and straightforward? Compare that to today. The productions today are getting better, however, producers are throwing too many instruments and sounds into the mix, and cranking it up.

I can go on for an entirely different article on this topic, but the fact remains that most of the music today has too much going on. You could do that if you want, and this will reiterate what I said just before, and that is, do it if it fits your style of beat making and the end result is good.

For example, let's say you find a nice little keyboard pattern that you came up with and you throw some drums on top, then your bass line. Are you finished? You could be. Or maybe not. It all depends on what the beat is, of course, but there's always that fine line of having too much or too little in your beat. Do you need that extra piano panned to the side? Do you need to add strings? Scratching? Percussion?

#4.You're Not Taking A Break

This one is straightforward. Often times I've seen countless members post in the forums asking for help because they're in a beat-making slump. Usually the answer is that they need to actually take a break. Myself, I make beats when the inspiration hits me. I know lots of guys out there that make beats daily and it's to the point where they're pretty much forcing themselves to make music.

Take a break and take a step back is the best advice. It's great if you want to make beats daily because it's fun, it's something you just like doing, or you're bored. All of those reasons are fine, but it doesn't mean you should be making beats.

For example, the same thing applies to working out at the gym. Some people like to hit the gym daily, sometimes twice a day because they want to get ripped and/or huge. Going to the gym daily is great for you, but too much and what happens? Your body starts backfiring on you, and you end up sluggish, unmotivated, and you actually don't want to go to the gym. To anyone that works out, they know this is called over training.

The same thing applies to beat making, you could simply be over-beating. Okay, that's not a word, but I just made it a word. You got a problem with that? Over-beating.

#5. You're Not Thinking Outside The Box

View attachment 4162

This ties into "Doing The Same Thing", and "Trying Different Styles". Producers years ago had a certain style of beats and they stuck to it. DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Dr. Dre, etc, all have their own unique styles and it works for them, so why should they change it up? However, this doesn't mean that they can't think outside the box.

Let's say your style of beats is the Club type. It's Hip Hop, but you're aiming for the Club crowd. You can stick to that style, which often times relies heavily on synth work, 808 drums, and rolling hi hats. But why not try to think outside the box?

For example, do you have to rely on synths? Can you get away with using Piano instead? Will the Club crowd like it? What about the 808 kicks? How would that same beat sound if you used a regular kick instead but just added some heavy bass underneath?

The ideas are endless. It all comes down to you and what type of sound you're trying to achieve with these Club beats. You can stick to your style, but when you make those beats, think first. Don't just do the same patterns and use the same sounds, think first.

Conclusion

Overall, the main point I was trying to make is that making beats doesn't have to be a chore. A lot of us would love to make beats for a living and bring in the dough, but it doesn't always end up that way. If your style of beat-making is working for you, then that's great. If you're struggling a bit and want to know why, then go over these points I made, it may open your eyes and give you some better insight into how other people view beat-making.

Further Reading Related to Beat Making

• I make beats and so should you
• 5 ways to make beats that will sell
• 6 ways you can make your beats a success
• Stick with what you know and make better beats

you made my day!! ilove this one!!

may i add as well


So many producers get caught up on buying plugins after plugins. Spending more time learning them new plugins that usually you wont need than spending time creating music. I learned this fast and got me my fab filter plugins some waves and thats it, back in the day it was fresh to have all the gear, but honestly we never needed it, it was a lifestyle back then.

So today most producers get caught up on buying the same plugins that sound horrible and the bit ratio of sound quality is terrible lol or better yet they all purchase the same midi loop packs instead of actually learning the music

At the end of the day all you need is reverb compression and some eq. of course if you geek out than you will have a few compressors for different vocals and drums and drums busses and group buss channels and same with reverb and eq's and ect

they spend more time learning plugins than creating, it took me some time to understand and learn my fabfilters and still learning. but here is the thing if i just keep buying plugins i wouldn't learned what i know now because im too busy buying plugins i don't need and might not us!
i wa shocked when i went to some studios and saw the producers and engineers us very very very little plugins! tons of bus channels and group channels but very very little plugins used on a channel mostly compression and eq and depending on track also reverb and imager.

you always said it best fade spend time learning and mastering what we have instead of adding ore thats juist going to distract you. This is why most producers beats are wack and sound all the same. they dont spend time on their craft and it show and we can hear it too.

amazing work like always fade much appreciated on what you do here!

Thank you!

 

[Fade]

@wizard Well said! That's true about plugins; there's a lot of them out there and unfortunately they're not all great. Some companies seem to just pump out the same ones pretty much.

 

[wizard]

@wizard Well said! That's true about plugins; there's a lot of them out there and unfortunately they're not all great. Some companies seem to just pump out the same ones pretty much.

Omg... Exactly or they always having a sale. lol

 

[BullyBeater]

As usual I find your articles very good and helpful.. I reallyt like this site.. Thnx so much for sharing all your info..

 

[VigilanteStylez]

I humbly disagree. I think experience in different genres will teach you how to be better at your primary genre. There is a lot of crossing over being done all the time, so why put yourself in a box? Have no self limitations, do not stay in your own lane, you might discover the new sound, or come up with something fresh and different. Most of us here haven't hit the big time yet, so we can play around, and dabble with different genres of music. I know guys who do Trap, and then do EDM, and now there is EDM Trap and those guys are killing it right now, putting both together. You could experiment with Latin sounds, and then Boom Bap, and fuse it with Trap drums, and make something new and cool and hip. Timbaland makes hits with burp noises, fart sounds, and baby noises. He uses samples from Indian Bollywood soundtracks, and 80s TV commericals etc... the key is to be creative. I can understand in the sense if you made it big on one sound, it will confuse your audience if you went from Trap to country, or got big in Boom Bap just to go do a rock song. I get that, but if you are a bedroom producer like most of us here, then just have fun, and experiment. They don't call it "being in the lab" for nothing. You are concocting your signature sound. So have fun, and open your mind to all the sonic possibilities. Experiment, experiment, experiment.

 

[K-waz]

View attachment 4160

Yes, you suck at making beats. Okay, maybe not, but too often I've heard beats that were either good or sub par and could use a lot of work. I'm not saying I'm a Hip-Hop-making genius, far from it, but let's face it - most beat makers don't like to receive feedback unless it's positive.

Negative feedback is what you need though, for it will give you the motivation you need to make your music much better. It will also open your eyes and make you realize that maybe your beats aren't that good, so you start to question your abilities. If that's the case, continue reading.

#1. You're Doing The Same Thing

Often times you will hear most producers doing the same thing over and over in all of the beats that they make. Why? Because it's their formula, it works, so they stick to it. There's nothing wrong with that if it works, but if you find yourself making a beat to the point where it feels like a routine, that's when there's a problem.

Drum patterns are a perfect example. It's too simple to be able to lay down a pattern such as: kick-snare, kick-kick-snare, then repeat. It's a great way to start your pattern, but if you find that you're using the same patterns and routines, stop. There's more to music than a 4/4 signature or the use of 4 notes on a keyboard. There's a reason why keyboards come in 49 and 61 key sizes.

#2. You're Trying Different Styles

Now, doesn't this contradict what I just said? No. If you're trying different styles, you would think that it would actually help your beat making, but it most likely won't. I'm not saying you shouldn't try different styles, but what I'm saying is this:

Let's say you make 90's Boom Bap style of beats and that's what you're known for. If all of a sudden you switch it up and make something for the clubs, I can't see that working - unless you're really good at it. It's possible that by trying a different style you'll actually realize that you've been doing the wrong style all along, but you could also fall flat on your face.

If you're comfortable with your current style, I say stick to it. You can try a different style, but don't do it for the sake of making money or because it's what everyone else wants to hear. Do it because you love it.

#3. You Use Too Much Stuff

View attachment 4161

You have way too much stuff in your beat. Do you want to know the difference between today's music and that of yesteryear? Too much stuff. Take a listen back to some old Rap music such as Run DMC, NWA, and even early Outkast. Notice how the music is pretty simple and straightforward? Compare that to today. The productions today are getting better, however, producers are throwing too many instruments and sounds into the mix, and cranking it up.

I can go on for an entirely different article on this topic, but the fact remains that most of the music today has too much going on. You could do that if you want, and this will reiterate what I said just before, and that is, do it if it fits your style of beat making and the end result is good.

For example, let's say you find a nice little keyboard pattern that you came up with and you throw some drums on top, then your bass line. Are you finished? You could be. Or maybe not. It all depends on what the beat is, of course, but there's always that fine line of having too much or too little in your beat. Do you need that extra piano panned to the side? Do you need to add strings? Scratching? Percussion?

#4.You're Not Taking A Break

This one is straightforward. Often times I've seen countless members post in the forums asking for help because they're in a beat-making slump. Usually the answer is that they need to actually take a break. Myself, I make beats when the inspiration hits me. I know lots of guys out there that make beats daily and it's to the point where they're pretty much forcing themselves to make music.

Take a break and take a step back is the best advice. It's great if you want to make beats daily because it's fun, it's something you just like doing, or you're bored. All of those reasons are fine, but it doesn't mean you should be making beats.

For example, the same thing applies to working out at the gym. Some people like to hit the gym daily, sometimes twice a day because they want to get ripped and/or huge. Going to the gym daily is great for you, but too much and what happens? Your body starts backfiring on you, and you end up sluggish, unmotivated, and you actually don't want to go to the gym. To anyone that works out, they know this is called over training.

The same thing applies to beat making, you could simply be over-beating. Okay, that's not a word, but I just made it a word. You got a problem with that? Over-beating.

#5. You're Not Thinking Outside The Box

View attachment 4162

This ties into "Doing The Same Thing", and "Trying Different Styles". Producers years ago had a certain style of beats and they stuck to it. DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Dr. Dre, etc, all have their own unique styles and it works for them, so why should they change it up? However, this doesn't mean that they can't think outside the box.

Let's say your style of beats is the Club type. It's Hip Hop, but you're aiming for the Club crowd. You can stick to that style, which often times relies heavily on synth work, 808 drums, and rolling hi hats. But why not try to think outside the box?

For example, do you have to rely on synths? Can you get away with using Piano instead? Will the Club crowd like it? What about the 808 kicks? How would that same beat sound if you used a regular kick instead but just added some heavy bass underneath?

The ideas are endless. It all comes down to you and what type of sound you're trying to achieve with these Club beats. You can stick to your style, but when you make those beats, think first. Don't just do the same patterns and use the same sounds, think first.

Conclusion

Overall, the main point I was trying to make is that making beats doesn't have to be a chore. A lot of us would love to make beats for a living and bring in the dough, but it doesn't always end up that way. If your style of beat-making is working for you, then that's great. If you're struggling a bit and want to know why, then go over these points I made, it may open your eyes and give you some better insight into how other people view beat-making.

Further Reading Related to Beat Making

• I make beats and so should you
• 5 ways to make beats that will sell
• 6 ways you can make your beats a success
• Stick with what you know and make better beats

this article needs to be brought up again

 

[2GooD Productions]

I humbly disagree. I think experience in different genres will teach you how to be better at your primary genre. There is a lot of crossing over being done all the time, so why put yourself in a box? Have no self limitations, do not stay in your own lane, you might discover the new sound, or come up with something fresh and different. Most of us here haven't hit the big time yet, so we can play around, and dabble with different genres of music. I know guys who do Trap, and then do EDM, and now there is EDM Trap and those guys are killing it right now, putting both together. You could experiment with Latin sounds, and then Boom Bap, and fuse it with Trap drums, and make something new and cool and hip. Timbaland makes hits with burp noises, fart sounds, and baby noises. He uses samples from Indian Bollywood soundtracks, and 80s TV commericals etc... the key is to be creative. I can understand in the sense if you made it big on one sound, it will confuse your audience if you went from Trap to country, or got big in Boom Bap just to go do a rock song. I get that, but if you are a bedroom producer like most of us here, then just have fun, and experiment. They don't call it "being in the lab" for nothing. You are concocting your signature sound. So have fun, and open your mind to all the sonic possibilities. Experiment, experiment, experiment.

I agree with most of the article, but on this I agree with @VigilanteStylez I dont think we should ever limit ourselves by sticking to one style. I think many confuse a style with "their" style. I do hip hop, rnb, drum n bass, house, reggae and dancehall. Getting out of our comfort zone is when we make some of our biggest discoveries and have huge leaps in ability. Never put yourself in a box, music is always evolving, never get stuck in the past and always try to revolutionise your art.
Experiment, experiment, experiment.

 

[Beaubeats]

Lots of solid points in the article. I have to lean towards the responses of @VigilanteStylez and @2GooD Productions overall.

I take a lot of breaks. Sometimes I go a week without making a beat. People today (especially the kids) love to pump out beats quick and they all sound the same. Same layout, same formula, same sounds. That is boring as hell to someone like me. Taking a more musical approach is always my favorite way to create. Think about every great producer or artist to live. They all created their own lane they did not follow somebody else. So before you have fans is the time to experiment. You switch up with the world watching and you may have a hard time adjusting. Only a few producers have stayed relevant and known in the music game today because they put a shit ton of work to switching up the formula. Then again, thats what makes them great. The ability to grow, learn and keep moving forward.
I love experimenting and challenging myself. But if the ends up a turd I wont waste time polishing it. It goes into a scrap folder and I wont hear it for years, if ever. You can polish a turd if you want, but at the end of the day it is still a turd. I made awful techno as a little kid until I finally learned how to make hip hop. Then I made some hip hop for a few years. After that I made heavy metal, alternative rock. I even started singing and writing love songs on the acoustic guitar. My musical journey has given me a very different approach then a lot of producers out there. It has shaped my ear and my analyzing of music into a powerful tool (that I am always trying to sharpen). And it all circled back to hip hop again today. The genre that started my journey trying, failing, changing, growing and adapting. I was a close minded little ghetto boy with a chip on his shoulder. People couldn't tell me anything. I knew it all and did not ever accept CC. I grew up A LOT and realized how simple minded I was and why things never got off the ground. The reason I say that is because once I learned HOW to learn I realized anything is possible and is a direct relation to the effort you put into it. Willingness is where it starts, then a thirst for knowledge then the action of practice. The wining formula for anything we set out to do. Most genres or sub genres happen by accident. Who knows, you could be sitting on the next big thing and you wont know if you don't let go of the fear and put it out into the market.

 

[MR. MINESTATE]

This is a great article! Something to consider!