Trap music, with its heavy basslines, sharp hi-hats, and unique melodies, has become a dominant force in the music industry. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced producer, making trap beats on BandLab is a straightforward and enjoyable process. BandLab, a cloud-based music production platform, offers a variety of tools and features that make creating high-quality beats accessible to everyone. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make trap beats on BandLab, from setting up your project to fine-tuning your final mix.
Getting Started with BandLab
Before diving into creating your trap beats, it’s important to familiarize yourself with BandLab’s interface and tools. Here’s how you can get started:
Sign Up or Log In: If you don’t have a BandLab account, you’ll need to create one. Simply visit BandLab’s website and sign up. If you already have an account, log in.
Create a New Project: Once you’re logged in, click on the “Create” button on your dashboard. Choose “Start a New Project,” and select the “Blank Project” option. This will open up a new project where you can begin creating your trap beats.
Set Your Tempo: Trap beats typically range from 130 to 150 beats per minute (BPM). You can adjust the tempo by clicking on the tempo display at the top of the screen and dragging it to your desired BPM. For a standard trap beat, try starting at around 140 BPM.
Choosing the Right Sounds for Your Trap Beat
The sound selection is one of the most important aspects of trap music production. BandLab offers a wide range of loops, samples, and virtual instruments that are perfect for creating trap beats. Here are some key elements to focus on when choosing your sounds:
Drums: The backbone of any trap beat is the drum pattern. BandLab provides a variety of drum kits that include the iconic 808 bass kicks, snappy snares, and high-pitched claps. To get started, browse through the “Drum Kits” section in BandLab’s “Sounds” library and select one that suits your style. Look for kits labeled “Trap” or “808.”
808 Bass: The deep, booming 808 bass is a staple of trap music. You can find 808 samples in the “808” section of the “Sounds” library. Alternatively, you can use BandLab’s built-in instruments, like the “808 Bass” virtual instrument, which gives you more control over pitch and sound manipulation.
Hi-Hats and Percussion: Hi-hats play a crucial role in trap beats, especially with the use of rapid, rolling patterns. Look for hi-hat sounds that match the vibe of your track. BandLab offers a variety of hi-hat sounds that can be manipulated to create tight, fast rolls and triplets.
Melodies and Synths: Trap music often features eerie melodies, atmospheric pads, and catchy lead synths. You can find a wide selection of loops and virtual instruments in BandLab’s library to build the melodic aspect of your beat. Look for dark, moody synth sounds or plucked instruments to complement the aggressive energy of your drums.
Vocal Samples: Adding vocal chops or samples can help add texture to your trap beats. BandLab has a collection of royalty-free vocal samples you can use in your track. You can chop, pitch, and manipulate these vocals to fit your beat.
Building Your Drum Pattern
The first step in creating a trap beat is setting up your drum pattern. Follow these steps to build a solid foundation:
Kick Drum: Start by adding the kick drum to your project. The kick drum should be heavy and punchy to give the track that strong foundation. In BandLab, drag and drop your chosen kick sound into the first track.
A typical trap kick pattern will hit on beats 1 and 3 of a 4/4 time signature, but feel free to experiment with off-beat kicks for a more unique rhythm.
Snare/Clap: The snare or clap usually plays on beats 2 and 4 in trap beats. Select a snare or clap sound that suits your style and drag it into the appropriate slots in the track. You can experiment with layering multiple snares or claps for a more complex sound.
Hi-Hats: Trap hi-hats are known for their rapid, rolling rhythms. Begin by adding a simple 1/8th-note pattern, placing hi-hats on every other beat.
Then, add 1/16th-note hi-hat rolls to create the characteristic triplet rhythm found in trap beats. You can also use BandLab’s “Pitch Shift” tool to adjust the pitch of your hi-hats for added variation.
Percussion: Add some percussive elements like rimshots, cymbals, or claps to spice up your drum pattern. These can be used sparingly in between the main kick and snare hits to add variation and complexity.
Creating the Melody
Now that you have a solid drum foundation, it’s time to create the melody that will accompany your trap beat. Follow these steps:
Choose a Synth or Instrument: Start by selecting a synth sound or instrument from BandLab’s library that fits the dark, eerie vibe of trap music. You can use synths with heavy reverb and delay effects to create an atmospheric mood.
Create a Simple Chord
Progression: Trap melodies often revolve around simple, repetitive chord progressions. Start with a minor chord progression and build from there. Use BandLab’s built-in piano roll editor to input the notes and adjust the velocity and timing to create a more dynamic feel.
Add Melody or Lead: After establishing the chords, layer in a melody or lead instrument. This should complement the chords and add a sense of movement to the track. A plucked string instrument or an electric lead synth works well for this purpose.
Use Atmospheric Effects: Trap beats often feature atmospheric effects like reverb, delay, and glitchy sounds. You can create these effects using BandLab’s built-in effects or by manipulating your synths and samples to create a spacey, ethereal atmosphere.
Adding the Bassline
The 808 bass is one of the most defining features of trap music, giving the track its low-end power. Here’s how to add a bassline:
Select Your 808 Sound: Choose a deep, booming 808 bass from BandLab’s sample library or use the 808 Bass instrument. Drag it into a new track.
Program the Bassline: Using the piano roll, create a simple bassline that follows the root notes of your chord progression. Trap basslines are often straightforward but can include slides and pitch bends for extra flair.
Adjust the 808: Use BandLab’s pitch control and filter effects to shape the 808 bass sound. You can experiment with pitch slides to create the characteristic bending sound that’s common in trap music.
Arranging Your Track
With all your elements in place, it’s time to arrange your track. The arrangement is where your beat comes to life, and it’s important to keep things interesting throughout the track. Here’s how to structure your trap beat:
Intro: Start with a simple intro, often consisting of the melody or atmospheric sounds. Gradually introduce the drums and bass to build anticipation.
Verse: The verse section is typically where the main elements of your beat come together. Introduce your full drum pattern, melody, and bassline. Keep the arrangement dynamic by adding variation and introducing new elements or effects.
Chorus: The chorus is where you’ll want to bring everything together in full force. Make sure the drums hit hard, the bass is booming, and the melody is catchy. You can also add a vocal sample or hook to make the chorus stand out.
Bridge: A bridge section can be used to create a breakdown, giving the track some variation before returning to the chorus. This is where you can remove some elements or introduce a new melody or effect.
Outro: End your track by gradually stripping away elements, leaving a sense of closure.
Mixing Your Track
After arranging your beat, it’s time to mix. Mixing ensures that all your elements sit well together and that your beat sounds professional.
Balance the Levels: Adjust the volume levels of each track so that nothing overpowers the others. The kick drum should be prominent, with the snare and bass sitting nicely in the mix.
EQ: Use BandLab’s EQ to shape the frequencies of each track. Cut unnecessary low-end from non-bass elements and boost the highs of the snare and hi-hats to make them pop.
Compression: Apply compression to the drums, especially the kick and snare, to control the dynamic range. This will ensure that your drums hit consistently and don’t sound too soft or too harsh.
Effects: Use reverb, delay, and other effects to add depth and space to your track. Be mindful not to overdo it—subtlety is key in trap music.
Exporting And Sharing Your Beat
Once you’re satisfied with your trap beat, it’s time to export and share it. BandLab makes this process simple:
Export the Track: Click the “Export” button at the top of the screen. Choose the file format (typically WAV or MP3) and the quality settings. BandLab will render the track and allow you to download it.
Share Your Beat: You can share your beat directly on BandLab or other platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube, or Instagram. BandLab also allows you to collaborate with other artists, so consider reaching out for potential features or remix opportunities.
Conclusion
Creating trap beats on BandLab is an exciting process that allows you to explore your creativity while using powerful, user-friendly tools. By following this guide, you’ll be able to craft professional-quality beats from start to finish. Remember, the key to making great trap beats is practice and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try new sounds, tweak your rhythms, and push the boundaries of what you can create.
Related topics:
