The Drum Machine

Programming kits that sound played, not typed.

The step sequencer and drum kits in depth, from first pattern to a signature kit of your own.

The kit and the grid

What each drum does.

1. Kick, snare and hats: three jobs
2. The step sequencer explained
3. Steps, subdivisions and resolution
4. Choosing a kit that suits the genre
5. Programme four classic patterns

Making it groove

Pattern versus groove.

1. Swing and shuffle
2. Velocity: the most under-used control
3. Ghost notes
4. Pushing and dragging the beat
5. Fills, and where they belong
6. Groove check

Drum sound design

Building the kit itself.

1. Choosing drum sounds that work together
2. Layering two sounds into one
3. Tuning drums to the track
4. Transient shaping
5. Processing the whole kit together
6. Build a signature kit
7. Drums final