Trap music is a popular genre of hip-hop that has been gaining in popularity over the past few years. It’s characterized by hard-hitting drums and deep, low bass lines.
But after listening to it enough times, you probably want to know how to make a trap beat on your own.
In this article, we’ll dive into the basics of becoming a trap producer. We’ll cover sound design, sample selection, beat construction and more to help you create your own unique trap beats.
We’ll also look at some common elements of trap music and the different styles and genres that are out there today so you can craft something truly unique.
What is Trap Music?
The trap genre comes in many different styles, ranging from hard-hitting trap bangers to slower, more melodic trap songs. It often incorporates elements of hip-hop, rap, pop and EDM.
Some of the most popular trap artists today include Future, Migos, Young Thug and Travis Scott.
Trap music is usually associated with dark and aggressive vibes but there are also some upbeat and more positive sounding tracks out there as well.
If you want to explore further, you can add in vocal samples or live instruments like guitars and pianos to add more energy or emotion to your track. And if you’re feeling creative, why not mix two or more genres together? With so much potential, there are endless opportunities to create something truly unique when making a trap beat.
Common Elements of Trap Beats
The trap sound is known for its hard-hitting drums, booming 808s and melodic elements that come together to create a unique sound.
If you’re looking to make a trap beat, there are some common elements you should consider. They typically include fast and rhythmic hi-hats, snare rolls and deep bass lines as the foundation. Common trap often includes vocal samples and orchestral instruments, and modern styles often feature synths or live instruments like guitar samples or piano samples.
Experimenting with different sounds is key until you find the one that works best for your track. With endless possibilities, creating a trap beat can be an exciting journey where you get to explore different genres and craft something new!
Constructing a Trap Beat
Learning how to make trap consists of several different skills like sound selection, drum programming, sound design, and composition.
With some practice and experimentation, you can create a beat that truly stands out from the rest.
Now it’s time to explore the world of sound selection to get your track started!
Choosing the Right Sample Pack
Making a great trap beat starts with sound selection. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one will best serve your production. But there are some key things you should consider when selecting a sample pack for your track.
First, think about what kind of sounds you’re looking for in your beat. Do you need drums, bass lines, synths, or all three? Knowing the type of samples you’ll need will help narrow down your choices and make it easier to find the perfect pack for your beat.
Next, research the quality of each sample pack. Be sure to read reviews from other producers who have used that particular sample pack โ this way, you can get an idea about its sound quality and usability before buying it. Also look into the variety and range of sounds included in each pack โ if you want a wide selection of samples to choose from, then opt for a larger library with more variety.
Finally, take into account how much money you’re willing to invest on a sample pack and shop around for the best deals. Many producers opt for free packs as they often contain high-quality samples that are good enough to use in their production โ so don’t be afraid to explore these options too!
Choosing the right sample pack takes time and careful consideration – but once you find the perfect one, it’ll be well worth it!
Creating Unique Sounds
Besides searching for samples, you can choose to create your own sounds.
Creating unique sounds for your trap beat doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right plugins, you can quickly and easily turn your ideas into reality. Consider experimenting with layering different samples together to create a rich and complex soundscape. You can also use EQ and other processing tools to further shape and manipulate the sounds.
If you’re feeling really adventurous, try using unconventional instruments or field recordings to add an extra layer of texture and interest to your track. This can be a great way to make your beat stand out from the crowd and give it a unique feel.
Finally, don’t forget about post-production effects like reverb, delay, or compression. These tools can help bring out certain elements within the mix, making them stand out more or blend together better depending on what you’re going for.
Keep experimenting until you find something that works for you – there’s no wrong way when it comes to creating unique sounds!
Finding the Right Tempo and BPM
The tempo and BPM of your track is just as important as the beat itself. This is what gives your song a certain rhythm that helps guide it along.
Itโs easy to become overwhelmed by this part of production, but all you really need to know is that there are several different types of tempos and BPMs that you can choose from. Generally, Trap music tends to range from 130-170 BPM.
When using this tempo range, be sure to compose your beat in double time. Experiment with different speeds until you find one that works with your beat โ this will help add energy and excitement to your song!
Building a Drum Pattern
The drum pattern is the foundation of any good trap beat. It’s important to keep it simple, but also make sure that the drums provide enough energy and excitement to drive the track forward.
Start by finding kick drums and snare sounds that you like, and program them on the first and third beat respectively. Then layer additional percussion elements such as claps, snares, hi-hats, and other sounds over them. The hi-hat pattern is often a combination of 16th notes and 32nd notes that create hi-hat rolls with a rhythmic feel.
Once you have the basic pattern down, experiment with different variations of the same rhythm to add some flair and spice it up a bit.
Finally, don’t forget to add some reverb and delay effects to create an even bigger soundscape โ this will help give your beat more depth and texture!
Incorporating Melodic Elements and Instruments
Once youโve got your drum pattern sorted, itโs time to start adding some melodic elements and instruments. A trap beat is all about the energy so try to keep things upbeat and fun.
Start by picking out a few samples or loops that you like โ these can be synth melodies, vocal snippets, or even pitched up drums. Layer them over your drum pattern to give it some more character and depth. You can also add in some harmonic elements in the background like chords, atmospheres, foley or sound FX.
If you want to take things a step further, you can record some live instruments such as guitars or pianos and layer them on top of your track as well โ this will really help bring your beat to life!
Finishing Touches & Mixing Tips
After composing and structuring the beat, the next step is to add dynamics to ensure that the track feels vibrant and exciting.
Let’s take a closer look at how you can give your track more depth.
Adding Variation to Your Beat
Adding variation to your beat is a great way to keep listeners interested.
There are many different methods you can use, such as switching up drum sounds or adding unexpected rhythms or melodies with synths and samples. You can also use automation to modulate effects like reverb and delay, making sure they don’t overpower the track but instead add interesting texture.
Another trick is to layer multiple elements together for a fuller sound. For example, if you have a single bass line, try layering it with a sub-bass or even alternating between two different bass samples.
Experimenting with small details can really bring your trap beat to life.
Mixing and Mastering
Mixing and mastering your trap beat will help to make it sound professional and polished.
Start by setting your mix level at a comfortable, easy-to-hear volume. Then use a multi-band compressor to make sure the low end and high end frequencies are balanced. Next, adjust the EQ of each element in the track until all elements are clearly audible without clashing or being too loud or quiet. Finally, use a limiter to boost overall volume while keeping it within an acceptable range.
Mastering can help give your beat an extra shine if needed, but don’t overdo it โ subtlety is key!
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to get the perfect mix and master for your trap beat.