Drum Programming

[gclef101]

Question for those drum programmers:

What video sessions/software would you recommend a person to learn the art of drum programming. I know this is an opinionated question, but I'm looking for basic foundations to learn about so that way I can learn to find my own style. So I need to basically learn the basics. Ex: Something that would explain different styles of rhythm patterns (rock, jazz, hip hop, r&b, etc.)

Plus if there are any tips/steps on how you program your drums. Any information (POSITIVE) is welcome...also here is the software that I am working with current I am in the process of choosing between the MPC or the Korg drum machines to get started with. Software:

- FL studio
- Battery 2
- FX BFD


Thanks!!!

[not like this]

Well, I hope this is POSITIVE enough, but I don't know of any DVD or videos out there. I think the best thing would be to transcribe drum beats from some of your favorite songs. Since you don't have to actually perform them, the amount of work involved in becoming a decent drum programmer is really not very much at all.

A few drum lessons would do wonders as well. Keep in mind that you don't need to develop the coordination and stamina needed to play the instrument properly, you just need the knowledge about how the instrument works, how a drummer would attack drums different in different situations, and the basic fundamentals, ect.

It's all about using your ears and the software tools you have available.

[artbeat77]

Do you read music? If so, pick this up for $5:

http://www.vic-firth.com/Merchant2/m...ategory_Code=A

Try to enter those grooves and mess around with the velocities of individual voices (hat/kick/snare) to get those grooves to feel good and authentic.

Typically (but, of course, not always) the snare drum and bass drum are lighter in jazz with the Ride and Hi-Hat being more prominent. Rock and Pop really lay into the kick and snare - pretty much the polar opposite of jazz.

The more you do it, the better you'll get.

[gclef101]

Thanks...I'll look into the Groove Essentials poster/document. I do read music and also play drums (been playing them for about 13 years) but my thing is I am very good at playing and improvising, but my draw back was that I never had proper training on like you said proper sticking and velocities, certaint basic skills I lacked about know when to use a groove and when and when not to in a song. Basically I lacked awarness skills in drumming. But hey put up on a drumset I can rock out, yah know!!!

[artbeat77]

Originally Posted by gclef101

Thanks...I'll look into the Groove Essentials poster/document. I do read music and also play drums (been playing them for about 13 years) but my thing is I am very good at playing and improvising, but my draw back was that I never had proper training on like you said proper sticking and velocities, certaint basic skills I lacked about know when to use a groove and when and when not to in a song. Basically I lacked awarness skills in drumming. But hey put up on a drumset I can rock out, yah know!!!

Man, if you're a player it will come fast. No worries.