Everything about the DNB Beat... Complete Masterclass

Tutorial: Creating a Two-Step Drum and Bass Beat

Step 1: Set the BPM

• Set the BPM or tempo of your track to be between 170 to 175 beats per minute for a standard drum and bass beat.

Step 2: Create the Basic Two-Step Beat

• Start by placing a hi-hat on each beat to act as a counter for the rhythm.
• Place a kick on the first beat and snares on the second and fourth beats.
• Experiment with additional kicks to add variation and funkiness to the beat.

Step 3: Add Ghost Notes

• Employ ghost kicks and snares in between the main beats for a more intricate rhythm.
• Use 16th notes grid to place ghost notes between the eighth notes.
• Adjust the tightness and pitch of the ghost notes to add depth to the beat.

Step 4: Fill in the Space with Ride Cymbals

• Use ride symbols to fill in the spaces between the beats, adding high frequencies to the mix.
• Place ride cymbals on eighth or quarter notes to enhance the rhythm.

Step 5: Layer Break Loops

• Layer break loops over the drum and bass beat to introduce humanized grooves and nuances.
• Align the kicks and snares of the break loops with the main beat for coherence.

Step 6: Incorporate Top Loops

• Introduce additional top loops like shaker loops or tambourine loops to add more texture and energy to the beat.
• Adjust the tightness and positioning of the top loops to complement the overall rhythm.

Step 7: Enhance Dimensionality with Panning

• Experiment with panning different elements of the beat to create a more dimensional sound.
• Pan elements such as shakers or rides to the left or right to add depth to the mix.

Step 8: Group and Process Drum Layers

• Group all the drum layers into a drum group for easier processing.
• Apply effects like saturator, compressor, or parallel compressor to glue the sounds together and enhance the energy of the drums.

Step 9: Experiment with Sound Selection

• Choose different samples for kicks, snares, and high hats to tailor the sound of the drum loop.
• Experiment with various samples to achieve different styles such as rollers, jump-up, or liquid drum and bass.

Step 10: Fine-Tune and Mix the Drum and Bass Beat

• Adjust the pitch, tightness, and fades of the drum hits to create variation and groove in the beat.
• Use effects like drum bus, clipping, or glue compressor to further enhance the sound of the drums.

Step 11: Integrate the Drum and Bass Beat into a Track

• Incorporate the drum and bass beat with other elements like basslines and synths to hear how it fits into a full track.
• Experiment with different sounds and arrangements to create a unique and dynamic drum and bass composition.

By following these steps, you can create a professional drum and bass beat with intricate rhythms, dynamic textures, and a cohesive mix. Experiment with different techniques and sound selections to develop your own signature style in drum and bass production.