Starting out making beats can be extremely frustrating. We get excited about our beats and then we listen to a track on the radio and then all of a sudden our tracks don't sound as good. Why is that? What makes the difference between a professional track and an amateur track?
In this article, we will go over a number of reasons that separate a professional track from an amateur sounding track. With enough practice and attention given to these principles, your tracks will slowly evolve from amateur tracks into professional tracks in no time. However, before we dive into the details, remember that beat making is a skill and art just like anything else and it takes years of practice, dedication, and frustration to reach the highest levels. Do not get frustrated because everyone started at the beginning and worked their way up.
1. Layering: One big difference between amateur tracks and professional tracks is that the pros typically layer sounds to make the resulting sound more unique, interesting, and impactful. This can occur in the drums by layering two complementary kick drum sounds with one another. It can also occur in any other part in the track. The end result is a fuller sounding mix with more impact.
2. The Arrangement: Does your track loop continuously or does it have a proper intro, verse, chorus, and bridge with different elements in each part? The arrangement is a critical factor from having just a great sounding loop progress into a full track. Take care to make sure your beat has a well structure arrangement and it will instantly sound more professional
3. Auxiliary Sounds: Though not as core to the track as other elements such as the bass, the drum, the lead etc., aux sounds really give a track a touch of professionalism. Does your track transition smoothly from verse to chorus with a nice fill or aux sound or does it transition abruptly. Does your track lack little touches that make it unique or are complementary to what a rapper is saying? Auxiliary sounds show that a producer is operating at a higher level and is really putting time and energy into a track.
4. The Mix: Do the frequencies clash in your tracks? Is it hard to distinguish the kick drum from the bass and the lead guitar from the pads? A poor mix can really kill a great track. You have taken the time to choose out the right sounds for your track, so take the extra time to properly mix the track so that everyone can hear your creation as you intended or send it to a service that will do it for you.
The above list is not all of the principles, but they are 4 core critical principles. By working on the 4 principles above, your tracks will instantly start sounding more polished and professional.
In this article, we will go over a number of reasons that separate a professional track from an amateur sounding track. With enough practice and attention given to these principles, your tracks will slowly evolve from amateur tracks into professional tracks in no time. However, before we dive into the details, remember that beat making is a skill and art just like anything else and it takes years of practice, dedication, and frustration to reach the highest levels. Do not get frustrated because everyone started at the beginning and worked their way up.
1. Layering: One big difference between amateur tracks and professional tracks is that the pros typically layer sounds to make the resulting sound more unique, interesting, and impactful. This can occur in the drums by layering two complementary kick drum sounds with one another. It can also occur in any other part in the track. The end result is a fuller sounding mix with more impact.
2. The Arrangement: Does your track loop continuously or does it have a proper intro, verse, chorus, and bridge with different elements in each part? The arrangement is a critical factor from having just a great sounding loop progress into a full track. Take care to make sure your beat has a well structure arrangement and it will instantly sound more professional
3. Auxiliary Sounds: Though not as core to the track as other elements such as the bass, the drum, the lead etc., aux sounds really give a track a touch of professionalism. Does your track transition smoothly from verse to chorus with a nice fill or aux sound or does it transition abruptly. Does your track lack little touches that make it unique or are complementary to what a rapper is saying? Auxiliary sounds show that a producer is operating at a higher level and is really putting time and energy into a track.
4. The Mix: Do the frequencies clash in your tracks? Is it hard to distinguish the kick drum from the bass and the lead guitar from the pads? A poor mix can really kill a great track. You have taken the time to choose out the right sounds for your track, so take the extra time to properly mix the track so that everyone can hear your creation as you intended or send it to a service that will do it for you.
The above list is not all of the principles, but they are 4 core critical principles. By working on the 4 principles above, your tracks will instantly start sounding more polished and professional.
About the Author:
Frank Lubsey is a founding member of the Jam Sonic production team. Please visit his site for hip-hop beats for sale and to purchase beats.
