After laying down a solid beat with all of the core parts such as bass, the leads, the pads, and the drums, the next thing that is necessary is a strong arrangement. Beginning beat makers when first starting out, typically lay down all of the core parts and then repeat it for a set number of bars. The problem with this is that a song that constantly loops quickly gets old and will be lacking in the full potential that it could have. To make the leap from beginning to an advanced beat maker, start looking beyond the loop and to a full sounding arrangement. Today, we'll discuss a few ideas for diversifying your arrangements.
Add/Drop Sounds: You don't have to have every sound playing in your track at the same time. Even the track is a great sounding track, often times, having the listener anticipate when a certain part is going to come in (like the drums or the bass) can make the song have a lot more impact. So, next time you make a beat, have a few tracks playing during your verse, add a few more leading into the chorus, and then have them all in during the chorus. Experiment and see what parts work best for your track.
Change Hi-Hat Subdivisions: As discussed previously, changing Hi-Hat Subdivisions can add/remove movement and energy from your tracks. One technique is to have 8th note hi-hats playing during the verse and then 16th note hi-hats playing in the chorus. Alternatively, you can go from 16th notes to 32nd notes depending on the tempo of your song. Either way, use the hi-hats to add energy to your tracks.
Adding/Dropping the Groove: This falls within add/drop sound category, but it deserves special mention. By bringing in the groove during the chorus and removing during the verses (vice-versa), it can also add movement to your tracks much like changing the Hi-Hat Sub-Divisions. Oftentimes, producers will change the hi-hat subdivisions and add the groove at the same time to really add great movement to your tracks. For an audio example of adding/dropping the Groove, listen to "Motivation" w/ Kelly Rowland ft. Lil'Wayne and notice how when the chorus comes in, a string part playing 8th notes comes in as well. This part is the groove.
Changing the Rhythm: One final technique is to alter the drums by either changing the pattern used, keeping the same pattern but using different sounds, or doing a little of both. "One Mic" by Nas is a good example of changing the pattern as the song starts off with a mellow drum pattern and then changes to a more high-energy classic hip-hop pattern as the song progresses into the chorus. "Touch It Turn It" by Busta Rhymes is a good example of have the same pattern but changing up the sounds used in the drums.
There are many paths to a great arrangement, but use the above guide as a starting point. Having a great arrangement is essential to having a great beat so it is imperative to start learning the skills as soon as possible in your beat making career.
Add/Drop Sounds: You don't have to have every sound playing in your track at the same time. Even the track is a great sounding track, often times, having the listener anticipate when a certain part is going to come in (like the drums or the bass) can make the song have a lot more impact. So, next time you make a beat, have a few tracks playing during your verse, add a few more leading into the chorus, and then have them all in during the chorus. Experiment and see what parts work best for your track.
Change Hi-Hat Subdivisions: As discussed previously, changing Hi-Hat Subdivisions can add/remove movement and energy from your tracks. One technique is to have 8th note hi-hats playing during the verse and then 16th note hi-hats playing in the chorus. Alternatively, you can go from 16th notes to 32nd notes depending on the tempo of your song. Either way, use the hi-hats to add energy to your tracks.
Adding/Dropping the Groove: This falls within add/drop sound category, but it deserves special mention. By bringing in the groove during the chorus and removing during the verses (vice-versa), it can also add movement to your tracks much like changing the Hi-Hat Sub-Divisions. Oftentimes, producers will change the hi-hat subdivisions and add the groove at the same time to really add great movement to your tracks. For an audio example of adding/dropping the Groove, listen to "Motivation" w/ Kelly Rowland ft. Lil'Wayne and notice how when the chorus comes in, a string part playing 8th notes comes in as well. This part is the groove.
Changing the Rhythm: One final technique is to alter the drums by either changing the pattern used, keeping the same pattern but using different sounds, or doing a little of both. "One Mic" by Nas is a good example of changing the pattern as the song starts off with a mellow drum pattern and then changes to a more high-energy classic hip-hop pattern as the song progresses into the chorus. "Touch It Turn It" by Busta Rhymes is a good example of have the same pattern but changing up the sounds used in the drums.
There are many paths to a great arrangement, but use the above guide as a starting point. Having a great arrangement is essential to having a great beat so it is imperative to start learning the skills as soon as possible in your beat making career.
About the Author:
Frank Lubsey is a part of the Jam Sonic music production squad and composes beats for hip-hop artists, jingles for companies, and music for tv/film. Visit his site for hip-hop beats for sale and to purchase beats.