FL STUDIO BEAT MAKING TUTORIAL FOR BEGINNERS 2021 | Secret Sauce - Episode 1

Introduction

This tutorial is designed for beginners who want to dive into beat making using FL Studio. Drawing from the first episode of the "Secret Sauce" series by Chuki Beats, this guide will walk you through essential tips and tricks to get started with creating your own beats. Whether you’re a complete novice or looking to refine your skills, this step-by-step tutorial will help you make music in FL Studio with confidence.

Step 1: Setting Up FL Studio

• Download and install FL Studio from the official website.
• Open FL Studio and familiarize yourself with the layout:
  • Channel Rack: Where you manage sounds and samples.
  • Playlist: For arranging your beats and patterns.
  • Piano Roll: To create melodies and edit notes.
• Adjust your audio settings:
  • Go to Options > Audio Settings.
  • Select your audio driver (ASIO is recommended for better performance).

Step 2: Creating a Basic Drum Pattern

• Open the Channel Rack.
• Load a drum kit by clicking on the "+" icon and selecting a drum sample.
• To create a basic kick and snare pattern:
  • Click on the steps in the Channel Rack to activate the kick sound on beats 1 and 3.
  • Activate the snare sound on beats 2 and 4.
• Play the pattern by pressing the spacebar to hear your drum loop.

Step 3: Adding Hi-Hats

• In the Channel Rack, select a hi-hat sample.
• Create a consistent hi-hat loop:
  • Activate the hi-hat sound on every step in the Channel Rack for a basic rhythm.
• Experiment with variations by skipping certain steps or adding rolls.

Step 4: Creating a Melody

• Open the Piano Roll by right-clicking on your instrument in the Channel Rack.
• Choose a suitable sound, like a synth or piano.
• Use the Piano Roll to input notes:
  • Click to add notes, adjusting their length and pitch as desired.
  • Aim for a simple melody that complements your drum pattern.

Step 5: Arranging Your Beat

• Go to the Playlist view.
• Drag your drum patterns and melodies from the Channel Rack into the Playlist.
• Arrange your sections:
  • Start with an intro, followed by verses and a chorus.
  • Use different patterns to create variety.

Step 6: Mixing Your Beat

• Adjust the volume levels of each track in the Mixer.
• Use EQ to enhance sound clarity:
  • Select a track, then open the mixer and apply EQ to cut out unwanted frequencies.
• Add effects like reverb or delay to enrich your sound.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've learned the basics of beat making in FL Studio. By setting up your workspace, creating drum patterns, adding melodies, arranging your beat, and mixing it, you are well on your way to producing music. Keep practicing and experimenting with different sounds and techniques. Explore the next episodes of the "Secret Sauce" series for more advanced tips and tricks to further enhance your skills. Happy beat-making!