How to Make Beats Online
If you’re an aspiring music producer, but can’t afford expensive equipment or a recording studio, you’ve made it to the right place!
I created MakeBeatsFast.com to show you everything I’ve learned about making music on a budget.
Anyone can make their own beats, but you must have the right software and instructions to do so. I just started making beats a few months ago and have already signed a small record label (more details on that later on). First, I’m going to reveal my 9 favorite tips to give you a head start on the competition.
9 Tips to Make Beats With Ease
1. Learn mixing techniques. Never underestimate the importance of perfecting your technique. You could have the greatest melody ever, but if your beats are poorly mixed it will not sound good. Being the producer, you don’t have to worry about the “final” mix of the beat, as the vocals and other effects will be added in. However, you must make sure to do the best you can with your equipment to produce a good sounding mix for your beats.
2. Master the software. Whether you choose to go with DUBturbo or another program, always make sure to take time and learn everything about it. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a thorough understanding of the beat maker you are using. Once you master it, you can experiment and run your own tests to find out what works.
3. Midi-compatible keyboard. With the right application, it’s possible to make beats online with only a standard computer keyboard and mouse, but I found it much easier when using a midi-compatible keyboard. With the music keyboard, you can:
- Play chord sequences.
- Natural-sounding notes.
- Test loaded sounds easier.
Without it, you may have to setup every note by hand. This process can be very time-consuming and must be avoided if at all possible.
4. Listen to all types of music. To be a solid producer, you should listen to all different types of music. Although you may only be interesting in making hip hop beats, listening to other kinds of music will open your brain and give you new ideas. When I listen to other music, I often think of:
- New drum patterns.
- Note sequences.
- Creative Mixes.
- Whole songs.
Whether you realize it or not, the music will have a positive impact and help make your beats sound more professional.
5. Make beats because you WANT to! Everyone’s goal as a producer is to eventually sell their beats and make money, but don’t start out thinking that way. Start producing beats because you want to do it, master the sounds, and the money will come. You will enjoy working much more once you stop associating it with money.
6. Start on the drums. I recommend laying down the drums before adding anything else. Drums act as the backbone of nearly every song, and can make or break your beat depending on the genre of music. Have you ever heard a hip hop beat without drums? Nope, because they are all about the bass. Perfect your drums, perfect your beats.
7. Choose good samples. As a producer, you should always being looking for an edge of your competition. When creating your beats, it’s best to select only high quality sounds. Although it may cost you money on the front end, using samples will dramatically increase your beat production time. Consider the song you want to make, and then purchase a beat that matches your vision.
8. Remake other songs. Every artist at some point in their career does a “cover” song. Remaking other beats provides you with the experience and practice you need before creating a song from scratch. Listen closely to how the songs were produced, and then try to emulate them in the software.
9. Practice makes perfect. If you’re serious about learning how to make beats online, then you likely already know it’s going to require a lot of practice. But it’s essential to remember this, because when it comes to making music, it’s all practice, experience, and testing.
How I Signed a Record Deal Making Beats
About my record deal? Well, after using DUBturbo (my favorite beat making software) for a few months, I took my samples to a local talent agency, and they ended up liking what they heard. They sent my music up to higher level producers to see what they thought. I ended up signing with a smaller label, but needless to say I was ecstatic. I’m not wealthy yet, but my foot is in the door and I can see light at the end of the tunnel.
Overall, aside from signing the deal, I learned a valuable lesson. It really is possible for anyone to make beats on a budget and avoid paying for expensive equipment. There are several programs available on the market, but I like DUBturbo the best. You can also find out more at our in-depth review.