Trap music is a genre of hip hop that emerged in the 1990s in the southern United States, influenced by the streets of Atlanta. Its sound is defined by heavy use of 808 bass, high hats, and dark, atmospheric melodies. Trap music has evolved over the years, gaining popularity in both underground and mainstream scenes. As a producer or musician, the keyboard is an essential instrument for crafting the melodies, harmonies, and chords that define this style of music.
Learning how to play trap music on a keyboard may seem challenging at first, but with some practice and guidance, you can start creating your own beats and melodies in no time. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of playing trap music on a keyboard, including essential techniques, tips, and tricks that will help you master this genre.
Understanding The Basics of Trap Music
Before diving into keyboard techniques, it’s important to understand the essential characteristics of trap music:
808 Bass: The iconic 808 bass is the backbone of trap music. It’s a deep, punchy bass sound that often plays a rhythmic role in the track.
Fast Hi-Hats and Cymbals: Trap beats are known for their fast and syncopated hi-hat patterns, which can range from rapid 16th-note triplets to slower patterns.
Dark Atmosphere: Trap music often has a brooding, atmospheric sound. Melodies are typically minor, with a sense of urgency and tension.
Subtle Chord Progressions: Chords in trap music are often minimal, with the focus being on rhythm and groove rather than complex harmonic structures.
Setting Up Your Keyboard for Trap Music
To start making trap music, you don’t need an advanced, expensive keyboard setup. A basic MIDI keyboard will do, especially if you plan on using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to produce your beats.
Here’s what you need to set up:
Choose the Right MIDI Controller: A keyboard with velocity-sensitive keys, such as the Akai MPK Mini or Novation Launchkey, is ideal for creating trap beats. Make sure it’s compatible with your DAW (such as FL Studio, Ableton Live, or Logic Pro).
Install the Necessary Software: Set up your DAW, making sure to download the right VST plugins or sound libraries for trap music. Look for 808 drum kits, atmospheric synths, and other electronic instruments commonly used in trap.
Adjust the Key Settings: Trap melodies often use minor keys, with the D minor, A minor, and E minor being popular choices. Set your keyboard or DAW to these keys for a seamless sound.
Creating Trap Melodies on the Keyboard
Melodies in trap music are typically simple but effective, with a focus on mood and atmosphere rather than intricate progressions. Here are some tips for creating trap melodies on the keyboard:
1. Use Minor Scales
Trap music often revolves around dark, haunting melodies, which are typically created using minor scales. Minor keys give the music a melancholic, tense feeling.
A minor: This scale is popular in trap and offers a melancholic but catchy vibe.
D minor: This scale provides a darker tone that works well for the deep atmospheric sounds in trap.
E minor: Another common scale that gives your melody a haunting quality.
2. Start with Simple Triads
Start by playing simple triads (three notes) that fit within the minor scale. For example, in the key of A minor, you can play the notes A, C, and E. Once you get comfortable with the minor triads, you can start experimenting with seventh chords or adding extra notes to build more complex harmonies.
3. Create Melodic Variations
Trap melodies often feature repetitive motifs or short melodic phrases. Use your keyboard to create a catchy melody that can loop throughout the song. You can change the rhythm or octave to make the melody feel fresh while maintaining its overall theme.
Experiment with Arpeggios: An arpeggio is when the notes of a chord are played sequentially instead of simultaneously. This can create a flowing, cinematic sound, which works well for atmospheric trap tracks.
Example:
- A minor chord: A, C, E
- Arpeggio: A, C, E, C, A
4. Use Suspended or Diminished Chords
Trap melodies often include suspended or diminished chords for a sense of tension and dissonance. These chords add unpredictability to the music, keeping the listener on edge.
Suspended chords: These are chords where the 3rd is replaced with either the 2nd or 4th note of the scale. For example, in the key of A minor, an Asus4 would be A, D, and E.
Diminished chords: These are chords where the 3rd and 5th notes are flattened. For example, in the key of A minor, an Adim chord would be A, C, and Eb.
Incorporating Trap Drums
Once your melody is set, it’s time to build a trap rhythm section using drums. The drums in trap music often feature punchy 808 bass kicks, snappy snares, and fast hi-hats. Here’s how to incorporate these elements into your keyboard playing:
1. 808 Bass and Sub Bass
The 808 bass is a key element in trap music. Although you can’t play it directly on the keyboard, you can trigger 808 bass samples or synths through your MIDI controller. In your DAW, program an 808 bass sound and make sure it’s tuned correctly to your track. You can use the keyboard to play the bassline, making sure to keep it simple but impactful.
Bassline Techniques: Keep your bassline in sync with the kick drum to add weight to your track. Often, the bassline will follow the root note of the chords you’ve chosen, but you can add slides or bends for extra flair.
2. Hi-Hats and Percussion
Trap music is known for its fast and complex hi-hat patterns. While you won’t typically play the hi-hats directly on the keyboard, you can create them within your DAW. The hi-hats should be fast, and you can experiment with various rhythms, including triplets and rolls.
Hi-Hat Rolls: Use rapid 16th-note or 32nd-note rolls to add excitement to your beat. These rolls can add a sense of urgency and intensity to your track.
3. Snare and Clap Placement
The snare drum is typically placed on the 2nd and 4th beats in trap music, but you can add variation by experimenting with placement. The clap sound often adds to the snare hit, so you can layer them for a fuller sound.
4. Kick Drum Programming
The kick drum in trap music is usually deep and punchy, often in sync with the bassline. The kick provides the track’s foundation, so make sure it’s loud and clear in your mix. You can trigger the kick drum on your keyboard using drum pads or within your DAW’s piano roll.
Building Trap Chords and Progressions
While trap music tends to focus on rhythm and atmosphere rather than complex chord progressions, it’s still important to know how to build simple but effective chord progressions on the keyboard.
1. Use Basic Chord Progressions
Trap music typically uses basic I-V-vi-IV progressions or variations on these simple patterns. For example, in the key of A minor, you can use the following chord progression:
Am – G – F – E
This progression is simple yet effective in trap music, and you can loop it throughout the track.
2. Experiment with Dissonance
Dissonance, or the tension between chords, is often used in trap music to create an unsettling feeling. Experiment with playing chords that are not traditionally harmonized, like minor chords with added seconds or flat fives. This adds a unique flavor to your trap tracks.
Conclution
Playing trap music on a keyboard combines basic music theory, rhythm, and a sense of atmosphere. By using minor scales, experimenting with dark and atmospheric melodies, and incorporating 808 basses and punchy rhythms, you can create compelling trap tracks.
Remember, trap music is as much about groove and feel as it is about complex melodies. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own sound. Keep practicing, and soon enough, you’ll be able to produce trap music on your keyboard that’s both catchy and professional. Happy producing!
Related topics:
