Cubase Tips and Tricks - 3 Drum MIDI Sequencing Methods for Acoustic (Organic) Drums

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through three effective methods for sequencing drum MIDI for acoustic drums in Cubase. These techniques are particularly useful for rock and blues genres, allowing you to incorporate stock grooves, modify existing patterns, and create your own unique beats. By the end of this guide, you'll have the skills to enhance your drum tracks confidently.

Step 1: Utilize Stock Grooves

1. Access the Stock Grooves

   • Open your Cubase project.
   • Navigate to the MIDI editor and look for the stock groove library.
   • Browse through the available grooves that suit your desired style.

2. Insert a Stock Groove

   • Drag and drop a selected groove into your MIDI track.
   • Play it back to hear how it fits with your existing arrangement.

3. Modify the Groove

   • Select the MIDI notes in the editor.
   • Adjust velocities and note lengths to personalize the groove.
   • Experiment with quantization settings to change the timing feel.

Step 2: Modify Existing Patterns

1. Select an Existing Pattern

   • Choose a MIDI pattern that you’ve previously created or one from the Cubase library.
   • Open it in the MIDI editor.

2. Edit the Pattern

   • Change individual drum hits by selecting them and moving their positions.
   • Alter velocities to create dynamic variations within the pattern.

3. Add New Elements

   • Introduce additional drum hits by drawing them in the MIDI editor.
   • Layer different percussion sounds to enrich the texture of your track.

Step 3: Create Custom Patterns

1. Start a New MIDI Track

   • Add a new MIDI track to your project specifically for your custom drum patterns.

2. Input Notes Manually

   • Use the pencil tool to draw in notes for each drum sound (kick, snare, hi-hat, etc.).
   • Refer to a drum chart or your favorite beats for inspiration.

3. Refine Your Pattern

   • Play back your custom pattern and make adjustments as needed.
   • Focus on the groove and how it interacts with the rest of your instruments.
   • Use quantization to ensure tight timing or leave it unquantized for a more organic feel.

4. Save Your Custom Patterns

   • Once satisfied, save the pattern for future use.
   • Consider creating a library of your own MIDI patterns to streamline future projects.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively incorporate acoustic drum sounds into your music using Cubase. Whether you choose to utilize stock grooves, modify existing patterns, or create your own, you now have the tools to enhance your drum sequencing skills. Experiment with these techniques and develop your unique style. Happy music making!