My first finished beat
- Thread starter szogun
- Start date
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Beat This!The next Beat This! Competition is from November 27-28th!
First ever? Save a copy of this beat as backup, and give it a listen every few years...
(I really regret not making backups of my early stuff and throughout, when blue screens were not so uncommon...)
Beatmaking tutorials are great for learning but I reckon you might've already watched some. If not, check them out.
I suggest starting with the rhythm part. For example try to listen and recreate the drum rhythm of your favorite beats, play around with the BPM, patterns, swing etc...
I'm only listening out of my phone speaker so can't be too thorough - but too thorough may be non beneficial for a first beat.
Initially my thoughts are, sonically I like the vibe and the type of sounds.
I think it lacks movement and groove - this does not mean you have to put loads of drums and rhythm in. It's hard to explain but just something that helps march that music from one Beat to the next.
I can't tell if the piano is off key on some chords or just dissonant - be aware when using low piano notes the sound can become very 'muddy' and unpleasant sounding. Bassier sounds will always clash more with other bassy sounds or notes that aren't the same note as them - higher pitches can get away with a lot more.
Also make sure you are in key, and if you are try avoid dissonant tones unless musically relevant.
I will not comment on mix stuff for now, as the most important thing is getting the music, vibe and arrangement right. But the mix didn't necessarily sound bad from my phone speakers for whatever that's worth.
Initially my thoughts are, sonically I like the vibe and the type of sounds.
I think it lacks movement and groove - this does not mean you have to put loads of drums and rhythm in. It's hard to explain but just something that helps march that music from one Beat to the next.
I can't tell if the piano is off key on some chords or just dissonant - be aware when using low piano notes the sound can become very 'muddy' and unpleasant sounding. Bassier sounds will always clash more with other bassy sounds or notes that aren't the same note as them - higher pitches can get away with a lot more.
Also make sure you are in key, and if you are try avoid dissonant tones unless musically relevant.
I will not comment on mix stuff for now, as the most important thing is getting the music, vibe and arrangement right. But the mix didn't necessarily sound bad from my phone speakers for whatever that's worth.
Kane the MOD
Grey haired Boom Bap Rap Dad
Battle Points: 6
This is pretty dope for a first beat.
I like the first synth layer. Great start.
Solid choice of instruments.
Your bass (I assume a 808) is way too loud in my opinion. Literally it causes pain in my ears.
I think your snare is way too quiet on the other hand. The drums should really come through.
However, a solid start of your beatmaking jouney. Keep making more beats and you will become better.
szogun
Member
First ever finished one, I tried on and off (lack of time ;( ) but never actually finished a project. I'm exluding mastering as I think it's too soon for me to tackle that part of the process. Yes I have watched a lot of tutorials but they only helped me with basics I guess as they always do something "behind the camera" that changes everything or have plugins/effects which I was lacking. But I finally bought ableton standard
I still struggle to understand music tbh, like all the terminology etc. I think I get your point, it's too repetitive I'm guessing which is actually my common wall that I hit.
That synth was a random choice that I though would sit right with the rest. Usually my sound/instrumets don't work well together so I'm glad I finally got at least one combination sounding well together.
Thanks guys for your constructive feedback, this is what I needed to know what I'm doing wrong or right, and I'll definitely apply those tips in my next project, which I hope to share soon. Assuming I don't do it too much, don't want to trash the forum haha
Nothing lame about making a "First Attempt."
There are LOTS of people that don't have the stones to share the nascent versions of their art! Good for you for looking for feedback.
Don't think of what's "wrong" but rather "areas of opportunity."
Is this a "good" beat? No. lol. Are there some good fundamentals? Yes! Are there some good ideas and themes? Also yes.
Without being too defeatist...
1) Look into basic music theory. i hear some dissonance in your track that a cursory level of theory will help to remedy
2) Pull up a beat you like, and try to match the levels of each individual element (kicks, pads, leads etc.) this will help you develop a baseline for your mix.
3) Iterate, iterate, iterate. Doesn't matter if you think the beat is shit, or fire. Keep throwing shit up against the wall. Much like any skill/art, practice makes perfect. At the very minimum, it will help you gain a better understanding of the pieces that go into making a beat.
Again, thank you for sharing. Takes a lot of courage to share ones first beat with an anonymous group of strangers. I'm not the best at anything, but happy to help where I can. DM me.
Dusty B
ILLIEN
Battle Points: 37
Foundation is there. My fav part was when the instruments dropped and it was just drums and bass, helped me follow the drum pattern more.
Like others have said, something is off with the keys, might be off key. I like the choice of synth though.
Keep making beats! Sure, tutorial videos are cool, but don't worry about perfection. Aim for one beat a day for 90s days straight if you have the time and are able. That'll help you get to a point where you really master your DAW and workflow since it's ultimately about getting to a point where you can easily transpose what's in your mind into music. Keep it up!
Like others have said, something is off with the keys, might be off key. I like the choice of synth though.
Keep making beats! Sure, tutorial videos are cool, but don't worry about perfection. Aim for one beat a day for 90s days straight if you have the time and are able. That'll help you get to a point where you really master your DAW and workflow since it's ultimately about getting to a point where you can easily transpose what's in your mind into music. Keep it up!
PINK STEREO
Member
This is a solid first beat! You seem to already have a good idea of the basic elements. Just have to keep learning and producing Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing!
szogun
Member
I completely get what you mean whith the music theory, I'm aware it would help a lot and I did try to grasp it, although I barely understand it, and the fact that all I could find was just same thing repeating over and over about chords. I'll definetaly try the idea with matching a beat that I like, sound like a good practice, thank you for the great advice as well as for offering to help via DM
I think that's my favourite part too tbh haha True, I do get off key quiet a lot, tbh because of that I started to think that maybe this isn't for me even though I love music
That's my goal to make something everyday, it is hard to find time working a regular shitty job, let's say I have two hours per day, but that's how long it takes me to come up with one or two elements, not too productive, I know.. Thank you for your useful input and encouragement Solid might be a bit too much said haha Nonetheless thank you for your feedbackThis is a solid first beat! You seem to already have a good idea of the basic elements. Just have to keep learning and producing
Thanks guys for taking the time to listen and share some words of wisdom!
ok so all of us had these types of beats as our first ones. They sucked, we knew it and persevered. I don't know what to tell you, man, it will come naturally as time progresses. As a first step, I would suggest putting swing on your drum track. I dont know which DAW you are using but it has to have that option I'm sure. Second, for now, high pass everything! you will find balance eventually. Also, you will have to invest in some gear because what you hear through your headphones or speakers is not the final result you will be having. Third and most importantly don't lose the fun of it, you WILL have those moments when you make a stank face and mumble to yourself "this is awesome". Keep striving!
szogun
Member
I get you, obviously I don't expect to nail it straight away, after all everything takes time. I'm not sure what you mean by swing but my guess is from left to right and vice versa. As for DAW I'm using ableton, recently upgraded to standard, and gear I have a presonus audiobox and headphones with a maudio 88 keystation. Thanks for the advice!
This drummer explains it beautifully and this can apply to music production as well. You delay your drums a bit to get that funky feel it's an oversimplification but you get the jist. I recommend watching from 5:35 mark first to see the example then watch the whole video. cheers!