Starting out making beats can be extremely frustrating. We get excited about our beats and then we listen to a track on the radio and then all of a sudden our tracks don't sound as good. Why is that? What makes the difference between a professional track and an amateur track?
In this article, we will go over a number of reasons that separate a professional track from an amateur sounding track. With enough practice and attention given to these principles, your tracks will slowly evolve from amateur tracks into professional tracks in no time. However, before we dive into the details, remember that beat making is a skill and art just like anything else and it takes years of practice, dedication, and frustration to reach the highest levels. Do not get frustrated because everyone started at the beginning and worked their way up.
1. Layering: Layering is simply combining two sounds to together to make a combined sound that is more interesting, unique, and complex. We will cover the art of layering later on, but almost any part can be layered. A low bass sound can have a hi-frequency sound sit on top of it. A low bass-frequency kick sound can have a higher-frequency hollow kick sound sit on top of it. No matter what two parts are layered, the aim is to have a resulting sound that is more pleasing to the listener's ear.
2. The Arrangement: Is your track just a simple beat the repeats or does it have an introduction, verse sections, and lead in sections to the chorus? Taking the time to make a beat into a full-blown arrangement will make a huge difference in the quality of your tracks.
3. Auxiliary Sounds: Though not as core to the track as other elements such as the bass, the drum, the lead etc., aux sounds really give a track a touch of professionalism. Does your track transition smoothly from verse to chorus with a nice fill or aux sound or does it transition abruptly. Does your track lack little touches that make it unique or are complementary to what a rapper is saying? Auxiliary sounds show that a producer is operating at a higher level and is really putting time and energy into a track.
4. The Mix: Have you properly EQ'd your track and added reverb and delays to give it space? A good mix can really elevate a good beat and a bad mix can really kill it. The importance of a good mix can't be understated, learn the basics of mixing to make your track have a good mix or team up with someone who knows how to mix. There are many services now that can do mixes online for you.
This is not a complete list, but it is a good start to getting your mixes to sound more professional. By incorporating the elements above, you can be well on your way to having an excellent sounding track.
In this article, we will go over a number of reasons that separate a professional track from an amateur sounding track. With enough practice and attention given to these principles, your tracks will slowly evolve from amateur tracks into professional tracks in no time. However, before we dive into the details, remember that beat making is a skill and art just like anything else and it takes years of practice, dedication, and frustration to reach the highest levels. Do not get frustrated because everyone started at the beginning and worked their way up.
1. Layering: Layering is simply combining two sounds to together to make a combined sound that is more interesting, unique, and complex. We will cover the art of layering later on, but almost any part can be layered. A low bass sound can have a hi-frequency sound sit on top of it. A low bass-frequency kick sound can have a higher-frequency hollow kick sound sit on top of it. No matter what two parts are layered, the aim is to have a resulting sound that is more pleasing to the listener's ear.
2. The Arrangement: Is your track just a simple beat the repeats or does it have an introduction, verse sections, and lead in sections to the chorus? Taking the time to make a beat into a full-blown arrangement will make a huge difference in the quality of your tracks.
3. Auxiliary Sounds: Though not as core to the track as other elements such as the bass, the drum, the lead etc., aux sounds really give a track a touch of professionalism. Does your track transition smoothly from verse to chorus with a nice fill or aux sound or does it transition abruptly. Does your track lack little touches that make it unique or are complementary to what a rapper is saying? Auxiliary sounds show that a producer is operating at a higher level and is really putting time and energy into a track.
4. The Mix: Have you properly EQ'd your track and added reverb and delays to give it space? A good mix can really elevate a good beat and a bad mix can really kill it. The importance of a good mix can't be understated, learn the basics of mixing to make your track have a good mix or team up with someone who knows how to mix. There are many services now that can do mixes online for you.
This is not a complete list, but it is a good start to getting your mixes to sound more professional. By incorporating the elements above, you can be well on your way to having an excellent sounding track.
About the Author:
Frank Lubsey is a founding member of the Jam Sonic production team. Please visit his site for hip-hop beats for sale and to purchase beats.
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