How to Sample Like Metro Boomin

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Metro Boomin’s sampling style

Metro Boomin is a very talented and successful music producer in the hip-hop and trap music genres. He has worked with many popular artists like Drake, Future, and Travis Scott. What sets Metro Boomin apart and makes his sampling unique is his ability to find intriguing and obscure samples that he then transforms into incredible beats.

Sampling is the technique of taking a small portion of an existing song or sound and using it in a new composition. It’s like borrowing a piece of music and incorporating it into your own creation. Metro Boomin has a knack for discovering distinctive samples from a wide range of genres, including soul, funk, and even video game soundtracks.

But what really makes Metro Boomin’s sampling stand out is how he manipulates those samples. He doesn’t just take a sample and play it as is. Instead, he chops, edits, and rearranges them to create new melodies and rhythms. This process involves slicing the sample into smaller fragments and rearranging them in a completely different order. By doing this, Metro Boomin can create unique patterns and melodies that give his beats a fresh and innovative sound.

Furthermore, Metro Boomin often adds his own production techniques to the sampled material. He might enhance the sample with additional drum patterns, bass lines, or unique effects. This blending of the original sample with his own creative elements results in a fusion of old and new, giving his music a distinct flavor.

To illustrate this, let’s take an example. In his song “Mask Off” by Future, Metro Boomin samples a flute melody from a jazz song called “Prison Song” by Tommy Butler. He then takes that short flute snippet and chops it up, rearranging the fragments in a way that creates a catchy and addictive hook for the song. The combination of the flute sample, along with Metro Boomin’s production techniques and Future’s rapping, made “Mask Off” a massive hit.

What equipment and software does Metro Boomin use for sampling?

Metro Boomin, like many music producers, uses a combination of equipment and software for sampling. One key piece of equipment that he might use is a MIDI controller. This is a device that allows you to play virtual instruments and trigger samples using physical keys, pads, or knobs. Metro Boomin might also use a turntable, which is a piece of equipment that allows you to play vinyl records and sample from them.

In terms of software, Metro Boomin might use a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). The DAW is the main software that he uses to produce his music. Some popular DAWs include Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro. These programs allow you to record, edit, and arrange audio samples, as well as manipulate them in various ways.

Sampling software is another important tool for Metro Boomin. This type of software allows you to extract and manipulate samples from existing songs or recordings. Some popular sampling software options include Native Instruments’ Kontakt, Serato Sample, and Logic Pro’s built-in sampling tools. These programs often come with features that allow you to slice, pitch-shift, and manipulate samples in unique ways.

Additionally, Metro Boomin might use software synthesizers or virtual instruments to create original sounds. These tools allow you to generate sounds digitally, either by emulating real instruments or creating entirely new ones. Some popular software synths include Native Instruments’ Massive, Serum, and Sylenth.

It’s worth noting that the specific equipment and software used by Metro Boomin can vary, as every producer has their own preferences and workflow. The important thing is to find the tools that work best for you and allow you to express your creativity in sampling.

Metro Boomin’s key sampling techniques

Metro Boomin is a master at composing beats around samples, and he has a few key techniques that he commonly uses. One technique is chopping up the sample. When you chop up a sample, you take a small portion of it and repeat it or rearrange it to create a new melody or rhythm. This allows you to create your own unique musical elements while still using the essence of the original sample. Metro Boomin often chops up samples to give his beats a distinct sound.

Another technique that Metro Boomin uses is pitching. Pitching involves changing the pitch of a sample to make it fit better with the rest of the beat. You can raise or lower the pitch of a sample to match the key of your beat or to create a different vibe. Metro Boomin is known for using pitched-up vocal samples to add a catchy and melodic element to his beats.

Layering is another technique that Metro Boomin uses to enhance the impact of his beats. Layering involves adding additional sounds or instruments on top of the sample to make it more full and dynamic. For example, Metro Boomin might layer a bassline or synth melody on top of a sample to give it more depth and texture. This helps to create a more powerful and polished beat.

Lastly, Metro Boomin often applies effects to his samples to give them a unique and atmospheric quality. Effects like reverb, delay, and distortion can transform a simple sample into something more interesting and captivating. These effects can add depth, space, and character to your beat and help you create your own signature sound.

These are just a few of the key techniques that Metro Boomin uses to compose beats around samples. Remember, the most important thing is to experiment and have fun with your samples. Try out different techniques and see what works best for you and your musical style.

How Metro Boomin chooses samples

Metro Boomin is renowned for taking old songs and giving them a modern twist. He might sample a soulful vocal or a funky bassline from an R&B track and use it as a foundation for his hip-hop or trap beats. By blending elements from different genres, Metro Boomin creates unique and captivating sounds that appeal to a wide range of listeners.

How to achieve a similar style as Metro Boomin with your samples

To achieve a similar feel with your samples, here are some tips:

1. Choose the right samples: Metro Boomin often uses samples with a dark, moody, or atmospheric quality. Look for samples that have a similar vibe to the sound you’re going for. You can find samples from various sources like sample packs, vinyl records, and online sample libraries.

2. Experiment with pitch and tempo: Metro Boomin is skilled at manipulating samples to fit his vision. Try pitching your samples up or down to create different moods. You can also experiment with changing the tempo of the sample to adjust the energy level.

3. Use effects creatively: Adding effects to your samples can help you achieve the desired vibe. Metro Boomin often uses effects like reverb, delay, and distortion to give his samples character. Try experimenting with different effects and settings to find what works best for your samples.

4. Add drum programming: Metro Boomin’s beats usually have hard-hitting drums that complement the samples. Take time to create dynamic drum patterns that match the energy and feel of your sample. Experiment with different drum sounds and patterns to find the right balance.

5. Layer and chop samples: Metro Boomin is known for his skillful use of sample layering and chopping. Try layering multiple samples together to create a rich and textured sound. You can also chop samples into smaller sections and rearrange them to add variation and create unique patterns.

6. Focus on dynamics: Pay attention to the dynamics of your sampled music. Metro Boomin often incorporates changes in volume, filter sweeps, and automation to create interest and movement within his beats. Experiment with these techniques to add energy and excitement to your own productions.

Remember, achieving a similar style or vibe as Metro Boomin takes practice and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to explore and develop your own unique sound along the way. Keep listening to his music and studying his production techniques to continue learning and growing as a producer.