Dance Music Production - Fundamental 1: EDM Drum Programming [Repost]

Fundamentals are our range of video tutorials that are dedicated to the ‘fundamental’ production techniques and procedures that all practicing EDM producers should be completely versed in. Covering topics such as drum programming, music theory, formal structure and ear training techniques, our fundamental series are our best selling products.

For the first edition of our fundamental series, this video tutorial examines the most fundamental element behind all types of dance music: the drum groove. If you've ever wondered how you can produce the professional sounding drum loops and rhythms you hear on the dance floor and on sample CD's, Fundamental 1 has the answer.

As you've probably come to realise, programming a great, professional sounding EDM drum loop takes more than just dropping a few samples into a DAW and hoping for the best. Instead, it requires knowledge of a number of specialist techniques and for this tutorial we spend over 3 hours focusing on these crucial techniques that are required to produce professional sounding rhythms, from the composition and modulation techniques right through to the engineering involved. The tutorial begins with a number of step-by-step tutorials for synthesizing a number of different drums timbres, alongside discussions on editing, tuning and layering kicks to produce the archetypal EDM kick drum. If you thought it was as simple as choosing a few samples…think again.

The tutorial then examines the all-important production techniques involved in programming professional EDM drum loops using a number of example genres (House and Trance, Chill Out, Progressive House, Tech House and Techno) as examples. We reveal the fundametnal techniques used by the professionals to keep them sounding fresh, professional and capable of sustained listening. This includes topics such as employing metrical dissonance and projection, the importance of signal modulation and the use of effects and processors to create the professional foundation rhythm that your entire track rests upon. And all in the same, complete, in-depth style you’ve come to expect from us at Dance Music Production.

If you struggle programming drum timbres and rhythms that sound truly professional, Fundamental 1 will unlock your potential.