With its aggressive beats and impactful 808 basslines, trap music has recently become one of the most popular subgenres. Knowing where to begin can be intimidating if you're new to trap making. We'll go over the fundamentals of developing trap beats in this post so you can start working on your own successful songs.
Tempo
A trap beat typically has a pace of 130 to 160 beats per minute (bpm). Make sure to select a tempo that fits the style you're going for because it determines how fast the beat will go.
Kick
The kick drum is the backbone of a trap beat. It's typically a deep, thumping sound that sits at the center of the mix. Choose a kick drum that goes well with 808, there is no one good kick, its always about finding kick that fit the other instruments.
Snare
Another crucial component of a trap beat is the snare drum. It usually has a fast, crisp sound that contrasts with the kick drum. Choose a snare that fits well in the mix and has a decent amount of impact.
Hi-hats
Hi-hats are a crucial component of a trap beat because they add texture and rhythm. Choose a hi-hat pattern that works well with the other components of your rhythm and contributes to the energy. Add hi-hat rolls to make a beat more interesting but dont overdo it, so beat dont get too messy.
808
The 808 bassline is one of the defining characteristics of trap music. It's typically a deep, subby bass sound that hits hard and provides a sense of weight to the beat. Choose an 808 bass sound that fits well with the kick drum and sits nicely in the mix. One of the most popular 808s in trap musi cis spinz 808, this sample works almost always.
Melody
The melody of a trap beat can be a synth, acoustic instrument or a sample. Choose a melody that complements the other elements in your beat and provides interest and variation. Keep in mind that the melody doesn't need to be complicated - often simple, catchy melodies work best.
The arrangement
The arrangement of a trap beat is key to keeping the energy flowing. Typically, trap beats have a verse-chorus structure, with variations and breakdowns to keep things interesting. Experiment with different arrangements to find what works best for your beat. In some cases it is good to start with a chorus-verse structure, but at the end of the day it depends on the rapper.
Mixing and mastering
Once you have all the elements of your trap beat in place, it's time to mix and master. Mixing involves balancing the levels of the different elements in your beat and making sure they all sit well in the mix. Mastering involves applying processing to the entire track to make it sound polished and ready for release. When making beats you should be mainly focused on good leveling of the instruments.
In conclusion, making trap beats involves understanding the basic elements of the genre and using them to create a hard-hitting, energy-packed track. By choosing the right tempo, kick, snare, hi-hats, 808 bass, melody, arrangement, and by mixing and mastering your track, you can create a professional-sounding trap beat that's ready for the world to hear.
Check out my Trap Drum Kit with all the samples you need for producing trap beats.
