How To Make A Trap Dancehall Type Beat | Beat Breakdown Tutorial Beat Tutorial 2025

Summary

In this beat breakdown video, the creator, City, walks viewers through the process of making the track 'Kingpin'. He begins with the piano melody, explaining how he layered and manipulated notes to create a catchy foundation. The video covers adding bass, strings, vocals, and effects like a pitched Gothic bell and snare/clap combination to build the track. City demonstrates how he integrates 808s and open hats to enhance rhythm and emphasizes simple yet powerful production techniques, like side-chaining kicks with 808s. The video concludes with a shoutout to social media, inviting viewers to follow his music journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start with a simple but effective melody to create the foundation of the beat.
• 😀 Experiment with repetitive melody patterns and build variations off of them.
• 😀 Layering elements like bass, strings, and piano together enhances the overall sound.
• 😀 Use Serum for creating bass sounds, such as the Reese bass and vinyl Reese effect.
• 😀 Experiment with string patterns based on the piano melody to add depth.
• 😀 Vocals can be manipulated to fit the track by pitching them up or down, enhancing their harmony with other elements.
• 😀 Consider using gothic bells and other atmospheric sounds to add a unique vibe to the track.
• 😀 Keep snare patterns simple and pair them with claps for a smoother, more cohesive sound.
• 😀 Open hats and kicks should be placed thoughtfully to ensure they complement each other rhythmically.
• 😀 To achieve powerful kicks, use side chaining with the 808s, applying Fruity Limiter and soft clipping techniques.
• 😀 The beat should have enough space and flexibility for artists to perform creatively while maintaining a strong rhythm.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The video focuses on breaking down the creation of a beat called 'Kingpin,' highlighting the steps involved in producing the melody, bass, strings, drums, and other elements that contribute to the final sound.

How does the speaker describe the process of creating the piano melody?

The speaker starts by laying down a basic melody, copying and pasting it, then adjusting the bottom note to F# and adding top notes. The melody is meant to be repetitive, creating a foundation for the other layers.

What type of bass sound is used in the beat, and where is it from?

The bass used is a 'Reese bass' from Serum, specifically a 'Vinyl Reese,' which is described as a key element that adds depth to the track.

How does the speaker incorporate strings into the beat?

The speaker uses strings that follow the same melody pattern as the piano. They mention that while the strings might not sound as impactful on their own, combining them with the piano creates a fuller sound.

What role do the vocals play in the track, and how are they manipulated?

The vocals are sourced from Spice and initially played in their original form. The speaker then pitches them up by 500 cents (or five notes) to give them a higher, more dynamic sound that complements the rest of the elements.

What is the significance of the 'Goth bell' sound in the track?

The 'Goth bell' adds a unique atmospheric effect to the track. The speaker adjusts its pitch by 200 cents to align with the rest of the music, explaining that the bell originally was in F# minor.

What is the speaker’s approach to snare drum sound in the beat?

The snare is kept simple and basic, but to give it a richer texture, the speaker layers a clap sound with the snare, which results in a smooth and impactful hit when played together.

How does the speaker create an effective drum section, especially with high hats and 808s?

The speaker combines high hats, a kick, and a strong 808 bass. The 808 is made to hit hard, and the open hats are synced with the kick to create a cohesive rhythm that feels tight and dynamic.

What technique does the speaker use to make the 808s and kicks hit harder?

The speaker uses side-chaining, where the 808 is linked to the kick. This is achieved through the Fruity Limiter and soft clipping, ensuring that the kicks and 808s hit harder and complement each other.

How does the second piano layer affect the overall vibe of the track?

The second piano layer is introduced during the second section of the verse, offering a darker, spookier vibe. This change enhances the atmosphere of the track, shifting the mood and adding complexity to the overall composition.