My drums are too basic...

I guess I ain't the best drummer in the world. Lately, I haven't been in the creative spirit; I guess it's because my drums that I lay down are too basic. I'm been putting down melodies first, then trying to place the drums afterwords. After that, I listen and scrap it because it's not the sound I want... I got the sound in my head, but it doesn't come out the way it should. Anybody got any suggestions??? I'm about one step away from quitting with this stuff... I know I'm a creative guy and all, but lately my head's been clouded. I don't know what I'm doing wrong...

Use the note repeat at different timings. Also try to use pressure variation on the pads. Other good things include filtering, adjusting attack and decay settings, playing with tuning etc etc...

if u feel the notes are out of place, use the step edit.
what I do when I have an idea is lay it down to a seq and then go to another one and try to compose it only using the step edit, so that i stays perfect, u may have to try it more than once

Thanks... I'll be sure to watch the video and visit the website. Much appreciative for the advice. I'm going to lay down a simple drum pattern, then use the STEP EDIT feature on my MPC 1000. I'll let you guys know how I'm doing with the advice.

DarkSideoftheTune wrote:Use the note repeat at different timings. Also try to use pressure variation on the pads. Other good things include filtering, adjusting attack and decay settings, playing with tuning etc etc...

Does it matter if I use a groove with my drum loops (such as a similar-sounding kick with a snare), or should I use different grooves (like a crunchy kick and a air-tight hi-hat)???

Can I hear some examples?

justinfrom19153 wrote:

DarkSideoftheTune wrote:Use the note repeat at different timings. Also try to use pressure variation on the pads. Other good things include filtering, adjusting attack and decay settings, playing with tuning etc etc...

Does it matter if I use a groove with my drum loops (such as a similar-sounding kick with a snare), or should I use different grooves (like a crunchy kick and a air-tight hi-hat)???

it doesnt matter dude, obviously you can use whatever you like.

it doesnt matter dude, obviously you can use whatever you like.

I guess you're right...

Another question: how would you go about putting accents on hi-hats???

make open and closed hi hat with mute groups. Also adjust the velocity on certain notes to give it a more human feel.

Okay, I have to see if I have any closed hi-hats on my MPC 1000... If not, I'll find some to use. MPC Samples has shitloads, that's where I get all my samples from.

Record yourself humming or beat-boxing your beat first, compose your music to match then remove the beat-box.
It works...

kneebone77 wrote:Record yourself humming or beat-boxing your beat first, compose your music to match then remove the beat-box.
It works...

**** genius!!! Thanks a lot homie! I'm always doing that; never thought about recording it though. Smart; mad props...

justinfrom19153 wrote:Another question: how would you go about putting accents on hi-hats???

just play it in with out full volocity on and accent where you want to, just act like ur playin a real drum and bam u got it

I'm going to throw down a beat first and add a melody to it, maybe I'm doing shit backwards...