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Drum Machine 101 - The Book (January Update)

🕑 Added 2024-01-27 10:34:40 +0000 UTC

Comments

Captain Pikant

Hi Rebecca, back when we made our video about the 303 sequencer we thought about making a small accompanying visual guide. It probably wouldn't be part of the Drum Machine 101 book, but if enough people are interested we could pick that idea up again :)

Rebecca Juan

Could you include some 303 things in here. I know it’s not technically a drum machine, but it does goes hand and hand with like the 606

Captain Pikant

Thanks Fraser! Some of these things are indeed already planned for the later chapters of the book :)

Fraser Brydson

Maybe add some patterns that are representative of a few different styles e.g. disco, house, IDM, techno, talk about the basic characteristics, then suggest some methods of variation, mention standard pattern lengths 4 bars, 8 bars, and the kind of fills that can be explored. A whole section on song arrangements would be useful, ABAB, AAAB, etc. A few simple formulas for building song arrangements and how to maximise the workflow, like make 2 patterns alternate them and then copy the last pattern and add a fill, cold be enough to build almost a complete song structure, illustrated using hit tracks. A focus on basic structures and getting them quickly could get 80% of the work done, then you can add flourishes, copy sections and adding fills can get you close to a complete drum arrangement. You could compare & contrast how programmers approach drum patterns/variations and how real drummers approach the same task. Indeed drummers are restricted to playing only a max of 3 or 4 hits.