Making It Groove: A Tip

Wanted to share this programming tip. Apologies if it's already been discussed.

The timing of hi-hats is crucial to a beat's "groove", especially hats that fall on the 8th notes (8th notes are the "ands" of the beat, as in "1-and-2-and-3-and-4-and"). Quantized hats usually sound rigid, but by moving the first and third 8th-note hats a few ticks earlier can make a huge (and I mean HUGE) difference in the "feel". The beat will "push and pull" in a way that sounds more human, less rigid.

Here's how it's done:

Take one measure of 4/4. The 8th-note hi-hats that fall on the "and" of beats 1 and 3 are time-shifted one, two, or three ticks early, depending on preference. The 8th-note hi-hats that fall on the "and" of beats 2 and 4 can be quantized normally to fall exactly on the beat. It's a subtle adjustment, but it makes a difference in perception.

Hi-hats that fall on the quarter or 16th or 32nd can be quantized straight or with any degree of swing or shuffle or shift, but those two time-shifted 8ths change the feel dramatically.

ur tip sucks

play everything live

learn how to

that's my tip

and it's a great tip

if u disagree ur an idiot

ariesmale1 wrote:The timing of hi-hats is crucial to a beat's "groove", especially hats that fall on the 8th notes (8th notes are the "ands" of the beat, as in "1-and-2-and-3-and-4-and"). Quantized hats usually sound rigid

Tell that to Pete Rock
Ha ha just kidding, depends of the type of beats you do, but sometimes unquantized hats can be really useful!

To me its like that: You always need some elements that are really tight in timing and other elements that are more or less loose. Its the combination that creates the suspense and this creates a feel a mood a groove. Same goes for the volume of the elements. Same goes for nearly everything in the universe you always need two states. One can't exist without the other. Without darkness we would never know what light is. Thats the formula

peace

Borat wrote:unquantized hats can be really useful!

I never quantize hats, like you said Hats are the groove to the instrumental, it gives it flavor if you play the hats right.

I can see that being a good tip for those that quantize their music

peterpiper wrote:To me its like that: You always need some elements that are really tight in timing and other elements that are more or less loose. Its the combination that creates the suspense and this creates a feel a mood a groove. Same goes for the volume of the elements. Same goes for nearly everything in the universe you always need two states. One can't exist without the other. Without darkness we would never know what light is. Thats the formula

peace

+1
Opposites attract.

Redemption of the Odd Couple type shit.

^^quantization is great if your goal is to perfect a groove, as it allows you to bring sweet spots to focus and keeping them there.. even the best drummers in the world would not be able to keep such tight and subtle timing throughout a track.. which is why the mpc's are so good in the first place, as you can do things that are not possible with a human drummer.. with the mpc you can quantize and still have the feel of human timing, but with the big difference that you also gain more control over the timing and subtle changes that can make a big difference to a groove.

of course, if you make very minimal or simple beats, then there might not be any need for it.. but the more complex and busy it gets, the more control you need over timing if you want to avoid it sounding sloppy, and if you want nail those sweet spots.

Ok here is my tip:
headphones on, dim the lights, sit down compfty, close eyes and play this
and dont even think about to open your eyes or take off the headphone before at least 3 minutes. Dont readany further untill you've listen














Ok for those who didn't throwin up right now: remake this track on your weapon of choice






I listen to this song every now and then since it came out in the end 90s and although I to analyzed it a bit what is really goin on in this track it ALWAYS hit me again and also fool me again because of the tempo. The way Mr Jenkins play with the rhythmic feel by bringin more and more pieces in and also play a lot with notelengths is crazy.
peace

I recommend "The BreakBeat Bible" they have some good info on freaking all Components of the Drum Set. The Book can be used for real live drummers and those on the drum machines wanting to create breakbeat grooves. I would say this book is off Hip Hop style of playing or programing breaks.

The book even supplies you with a cd with drums examples. So samplers you can chop those up and make some more interesting grooves as well.

Here is the link to the books home site but I picked mine copy up at my local Guitar Center:

http://thebreakbeatbible.com

Enjoy for those interested!

@JBM

thanks for the tip.
...nice one, didn`t know this.

and even good breaks to chop up