BusyWorksBeats.com: Beat Arrangement Tutorial

Introduction

• Goal: Learn how to arrange a beat using a past project with Kav's loops.

Initial Beat Overview

• Raw beat preview: repetitive loop saying "we on gang."
• Objective: Make the loop sound varied throughout the track.

Arrangement Ideology

• Base Strategy: Start with low energy and build up to high energy.
• Use a roller coaster analogy: Start low, build anticipation, reach a peak (drop), and then release energy.

Sections Breakdown

1. Low Energy Start:
   • Intro with a sustained, smooth bass (low energy with harmonics).
2. Rising Energy:
   • Add distorted 808 bass.
   • Build anticipation like a roller coaster going up.
   • Use decapitator for added sizzle and harmonics.
3. High Energy/Drop:
   • Kick and 808 with saturation.
   • Full drum set introduced.
   • Consider this the "drop" part of the song.
   • Layer instruments to increase complexity.
4. Truncated Vocal Sample:
   • Use Gross Beat to manipulate vocal loops.
   • Stutter effect adds bounce to the beat.
   • Truncate vocals to prevent monotony.

Energy Management

• Think of track sections as 'energy blocks.'
• Start by building low energy and gradually introduce more elements to increase energy.
• Avoid having all elements at the beginning.
• Create excitement by building anticipation and then releasing it.

Practical Changes

• Filtering: Apply low-pass filters to give room for vocalists.
• Subtle Differences: Introduce small changes in repeated sections (e.g., different 808, Gross Beat effects).
• Automation: Use automation to alter effects and keep sections feeling fresh.

Example Structure

• Intro: 4 bars (low energy).
• Build-Up: 4 bars (rising energy).
• Hook: 8 bars (high energy/drop).
• Verse: 8 bars (moderate energy with vocal filter).
• Second Build-Up: 4 bars.
• Second Hook: 8 bars.
• Cool Down: 4 bars (lower energy).
• Final Hooks: 16 bars total (repeated hooks with slight variations).
• Outro: 4 bars (low energy, fade out).

Recap

• Remember the roller coaster analogy: build up, release, repeat.
• Create changes in sections to maintain listener interest.
• Focus on energy dynamics rather than strict rules on bars.

Resources

• For pre-built song structures, visit: busyworksbeats.com/beatmaker
• Check out BeatMaker Blueprint for detailed song structures from Billboard hits.

Conclusion

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