How to Make a Beat: A Beginner's Guide

Making your first beat can seem complicated, but almost every beat is built from the same blocks: drums, chords or a sample, a bass and a structure. This guide walks you through those steps. For each step you'll find an in-depth guide for your program.

What do you need?

  • A program to work in, a DAW. You can start free with GarageBand on a Mac, iPhone or iPad, or with BandLab in your browser or on your phone. Not sure? Read which DAW to pick as a beginner.
  • Headphones. You'll hear your low end and your hi-hats better than through your laptop.
  • A MIDI keyboard is handy, but not required. You can also place notes with your mouse.

Step 1: pick your genre and tempo

First decide what kind of beat you want to make. The genre sets your tempo and your drum pattern. BPM by genre shows which tempo fits what. Want to know the tempo of a song you like? Tap along with the tap tempo metronome or let Beat Lab measure it.

Step 2: build your drums

Start with a kick, a snare and hi-hats. A few rules of thumb:

  • Trap and drill: the snare on beat 3 of every bar. That makes it feel half-time. Read what BPM is trap for how that works.
  • Boom bap: the snare on beats 2 and 4 and a calmer tempo.
  • Hi-hats: don't make them all equally loud. A few softer hits make it feel more alive. Here's how to do rolls: how to make hi-hat rolls.

Step 3: chords, a melody or a sample

Next comes the musical part. No idea where to start? With the free chord progression generator you pick a mood and download the MIDI. Also read which chords go together and how to make a melody for your beat.

Rather work with a sample? Read how to chop samples in FL Studio or how to chop samples in Ableton Live. If you use part of an existing song, you need permission before you release or sell the beat. Also read what a Content ID claim is.

Step 4: an 808 or bass

The 808 is the bass in most rap and trap beats. Mainly play the root notes of your chords. New to 808s? Read what an 808 is. Does your 808 sound off, even though you're playing the right notes? Then the sample itself is out of tune. Read how to tune an 808 in FL Studio, Ableton Live or Logic Pro. The note to frequency chart helps with that.

Kick and 808 clashing? Read how to mix 808 and kick.

Step 5: from loop to beat

After the first four steps you usually have a loop of 4 or 8 bars. That isn't a beat yet. A rapper needs an intro, verses and a hook. Read from loop to beat. Want people to recognize your beats? Read how to make a producer tag.

Step 6: export

Done? Export your beat as a WAV or MP3. Read how to export a beat in FL Studio, Ableton Live or Logic Pro.

Guides per program

Into something other than rap? Read how to make an amapiano beat. You'll find more free helpers among the free music tools.

Common mistakes

  • Too much at once. A few good layers sound better than ten half ones.
  • No room for the rapper. Take something out in your verse.
  • Getting stuck on a loop. Finish your beat, even if it isn't perfect yet. You learn more from every finished beat.
  • Releasing a sample without permission. Sort that out first, or use something royalty-free.

Looking for sounds to start with? NAME The Trap Oneshot Pack Vol. 1 includes 26 808s, among other sounds, royalty-free. Rather start rapping right away? Browse all beats.

FAQ

Can I make a beat for free?

Yes. GarageBand is free on Apple devices and BandLab works for free in your browser and as an app.

Do I need a keyboard to make beats?

No. In every program you can place notes with your mouse. A keyboard does make it faster and more fun.

What's the best program for making beats?

There isn't one best. Pick what fits your device and the way you like to work. Read which DAW to pick as a beginner.

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