In this article, we will explore an often under-appreciated role in a hip-hop beats, the pads. Pads have never been a prominent feature in hip-hop, but nevertheless, when used correctly, pads can be an effective way to spice up your beats.
As stated in earlier articles, music is really the synchronization of rhythm and harmony. While the drums are the part that establishes the rhythm, it is the pads that can really establish the harmony when used effectively. Through their role in building the harmonic foundation of a song, pads have a powerful ability to add emotions to a track that the drums simply cannot. Whether the mood is triumphant, reflective, or sad, pads can easily bring those emotions into a beat. For example, listen to the intro to "One Mic" by Nas and hear how the subtle pads instantly give the song a reflective vibe to it. Another example would be "I'm Not Afraid" by Eminem, where in the intro of the song, the pads once again instantly set up a mood of triumph. Follow these examples and explore the different range of emotions that you can put into your track via the use of pads.
Pads are also great at filling in dead space within a track. Because they are a subtle and undynamic sound, they can sit with other parts such as the groove and the lead without distracting the listener. If you tried to fill in empty spaces with other parts such as the groove or the lead, it could potentially distract the user if there is too much going on. Because of this ability, pads are an excellent sound for layering (a topic that we'll discuss later). The critical thing to understand about incorporating pads into your track is to mix them in a lower volumes. Pads should have a subtle effect on a track and should not be the star. In many cases, a listener should even notice that the pads are there until they are removed from a track and the listener detects that something is missing.
With their ability to fill in space in a track, pads can be a great way to provide a difference in sound between verse and chorus parts. The parts of the verse can be left without pads for a more sparse sound while the chorus contains the pad sounds for a more robust and full-sounding track. When the beat changes from verse to chorus, it will have a more dynamic impact on the beat and the listener.
Next time you are listening to beat, pay extra attention to any pad parts you hear. Start incorporating the pads into your beats to give them a more full sound. Next article, we'll cover the next role...the groove.
As stated in earlier articles, music is really the synchronization of rhythm and harmony. While the drums are the part that establishes the rhythm, it is the pads that can really establish the harmony when used effectively. Through their role in building the harmonic foundation of a song, pads have a powerful ability to add emotions to a track that the drums simply cannot. Whether the mood is triumphant, reflective, or sad, pads can easily bring those emotions into a beat. For example, listen to the intro to "One Mic" by Nas and hear how the subtle pads instantly give the song a reflective vibe to it. Another example would be "I'm Not Afraid" by Eminem, where in the intro of the song, the pads once again instantly set up a mood of triumph. Follow these examples and explore the different range of emotions that you can put into your track via the use of pads.
Pads are also great at filling in dead space within a track. Because they are a subtle and undynamic sound, they can sit with other parts such as the groove and the lead without distracting the listener. If you tried to fill in empty spaces with other parts such as the groove or the lead, it could potentially distract the user if there is too much going on. Because of this ability, pads are an excellent sound for layering (a topic that we'll discuss later). The critical thing to understand about incorporating pads into your track is to mix them in a lower volumes. Pads should have a subtle effect on a track and should not be the star. In many cases, a listener should even notice that the pads are there until they are removed from a track and the listener detects that something is missing.
With their ability to fill in space in a track, pads can be a great way to provide a difference in sound between verse and chorus parts. The parts of the verse can be left without pads for a more sparse sound while the chorus contains the pad sounds for a more robust and full-sounding track. When the beat changes from verse to chorus, it will have a more dynamic impact on the beat and the listener.
Next time you are listening to beat, pay extra attention to any pad parts you hear. Start incorporating the pads into your beats to give them a more full sound. Next article, we'll cover the next role...the groove.
About the Author:
Frank Lubsey is one part of the Jam Sonic music production squad and currently produces beats for hip-hop artists, jingles for small businesses, and music for tv and film. Please be sure to check out his website for beatmaking articles and videos and hip-hop beats for sale.