Where can I find a really, really, really basic guide to drum programming?

[Kosmische]

I've posted about this before and peeps were as usual very helpful. However, none of the pointers really met my brief: searching for what I've described in header to this post.

I'm talking about something that would suit someone who maybe barely knows what a computer is. I'm exaggerating obviously and that's not me but I do feel I need something so basic my imaginary grandmother could make sense of.

Does something like this exist?

[Drew Stephenson]

Are you talking about understanding how rhythms are put together or something more device specific?

I might have something that could help on the former but it's not on this computer. I'll try and remember to come back to it this evening.

[Hugh Robjohns]

4 part drum programming series:

https://www.soundonsound.com/series/eff ... rogramming

Programming realistic drum parts:

https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques ... drum-parts

[BillB]

Not sure if this is the kind of thing you are looking for, but pattern-based drum programming was the thing in the 80's/90's. Muzines has a superb resource of articles, including from old SOS and other top magazines:

http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/drum-programming/9396
http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/on-the-beat/129
http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/beat-box/10893

[muzines]

Not sure if this is the kind of thing you are looking for, but pattern-based drum programming was the thing in the 80's/90's.

Indeed - I loved these articles back then, and learnt quite a bit to expand my drum pattern horizons. There is a "Drum Programming" topic in mu:zines specifically because of this.

Features with the topic "Drum Programming":-
mu:zines - Features: Drum Programming

[nathanscribe]

Ah yes, if anyone can, Warren Cann.

[muzines]

Ah yes, if anyone can, Warren Cann.

[tea for two]

I've posted about this before and peeps were as usual very helpful. However, none of the pointers really met my brief: searching for what I've described in header to this post.

Are there specific songs instrumentals drums programming you would like to emulate.

[RichardT]

I've posted about this before and peeps were as usual very helpful. However, none of the pointers really met my brief: searching for what I've described in header to this post.

I'm talking about something that would suit someone who maybe barely knows what a computer is. I'm exaggerating obviously and that's not me but I do feel I need something so basic my imaginary grandmother could make sense of.

Does something like this exist?

What exactly do you mean by a guide to drum programming? Do you want to know what patterns to use for a particular genre? Do you want to program a basic drum sequencer? Do you want to generate a drum track in a sampled drum VSTi such as SD3 or BFD?

[adrian_k]

I need something so basic my imaginary grandmother could make sense of.

What sort of music does your imaginary grandmother want to make? Not trying to be difficult but being able to make sense of something implies being able to relate it to existing knowledge - culture/genre, tools/technology, music theory, etc. If I said put the kick on one and the snare on three, would that help your grandmother?

[N i g e l]

if you want style guides, the back of a drum machine manual should be enlightening.
e.g.

https://cdn.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/DR-550_OM.pdf

I have assumed your GM isnt into more modern styles.

If you want specific advice on inputing data into a device - pick your device and watch the appropriate uTube tutorial, of which there are many

[Drew Stephenson]

Try having a play around with this: https://learningmusic.ableton.com/make- ... beats.html

It's a web-based Ableton tutorial kind of thing that takes you through different aspects of programmed music, starting with Drums.

[Philbo King]

Realy really basic? Kick drum on beats 1 & 3, snare drum on beats 2 & 4.

[The Elf]

Are you looking for techical guidance for your particular computer/software, or creative guidance in respect of where to place hits?

If it's the latter then I would suggest you watch a few videos of drummers playing (and slow them down if necessary) to see where they place the hits - a drummer has only four limbs, so keep this in mind all the time as you're creating your drum track. This assumes that's you'r aiming to create drums that sound as if they're being played by a human, of course. If not then anything goes.

[shufflebeat]

Do you have a particular music software to hand; Cubase, Logic, Reaper, GarageBand, etc. or are you starting from pen/paper/credit card?

The rhythm section is at the simpler end of the computer/music trajectory, your previous drumming experience puts you well ahead of the pack for making credible rhythm tracks. The rest is really just dots on a page.

Take heart.