Share tips, tricks, gear set ups and videos relating to the use of MPCs in live performances including MPC finger drumming, MPC scratching, using MPCs with decks, computers and other instruments.
By Spinscott Thu Jun 13, 2013 4:42 pm
I think the learning curve for finger drumming depends on where you are coming from in terms of a rhythm and music perspective. For me personally, I got my first drum machine (MPC) just about a year ago, but being an acoustic drummer for the past 25 years definitely came in handy. I'm no expert, but If I may, here are a couple suggestions that may help you get going:

-Assign your drums to pads that feel very natural from a positioning perspective. (I have been drumming along to jungle mixtapes on my dashboard for years, so I layed out my samples to emulate my car's dash!)

-Try playing simple rhythms first, eventually building up to more complex routines. A great way to get drum rhythms down is to get familiar with the Standard Drum Rudiments. Even for someone like me who can't really read music, learning the rudiments significantly enhances technique and allows easy translation from what you hear and what your hands are doing.

-Have fun with it :)

p.s. This forum is a great resource for learning about such things. You are in the right place!
By bopalot Thu Jun 13, 2013 9:01 pm
thanks for response. i too am a jungle tapepack veteran lol. the only reason i asked is coz i see vids of ppl on youtube and think wtf? was they ever as bad as me? i spose i just gotta keep practising. i just wanna be able to smack it up now. when ever i get fed up with it i watch more videos and think im not having it. lol.

edit. i just clocked a wicked way to practice. press mode and pad15 to get the sequencer up and draw your hits in n then play it and play along. its defo working for me. happy days.
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By JamesJeffery Sun Jun 16, 2013 9:38 pm
I've been practicing for some months. It's a tough road. I think if you have drumming experience, or understand drumming, it's defiantly easier, but I can't play any instrument tbh so finger drumming is the only "live" play I've ever done.

From my experience I'd say to just practice. I practice for 8 hours a day some days. Today, I've had my Maschine on my lap all day just toying about. The more you practice the better you'll get. It's natural.