How To Add To Your Samples

One of the hardest techniques in beatmaking is taking a sample and building around it using your own sounds. If this is something you want to master, I’m going to give you a simple 2-step framework that can make the process easier, no matter what beatmaking program or sampling tool you use.

Step 1: Use the Sample for Its Chords or Melody

The first thing to ask yourself is whether you can use the sample for its chords or its melody. Once you identify which part of the sample you’ll focus on, it becomes easier to build the rest of the beat around it.

Step 2: Add What the Sample Isn’t Doing

Once you’ve chosen the chords or melody, the next step is to add in what the sample doesn’t have. For example, if you’re using the sample’s chords, you can build a melody on top. If you’re using the sample’s melody, you’ll need to create the chords underneath.

Example 1: Building on Chords

Let’s say you have a sample with great-sounding chords. Using those chords as your foundation, you can build a melody on top. Tools like noteGRABBER can help make this process easier. By showing you all the notes within the sample’s chords, you’ll know exactly what notes you can use to create a complementary melody.

Example 2: Building on Melody

In another sample, you might decide to use its melody. In this case, your job is to build the chords that support it. Again, noteGRABBER helps by showing you what notes the melody consists of, so you can grab those notes and use them to build your chords. You can then export those notes to a new instrument and create the perfect chord progression.

Adjusting and Fine-Tuning

Once you have your notes, you can move or shuffle them around until you find a chord progression or melody that fits your beat. This method ensures that your beat sounds cohesive and well-built, with each element complementing the sample.

Final Thoughts

When working with samples, always ask yourself what the sample is giving you, and then focus on creating what it’s not. This 2-step process helps you quickly build around your samples and create a fuller, more complete beat. And with a tool like noteGRABBER, the process becomes even easier, as it shows you exactly which notes are in your sample and allows you to use them instantly.

​If this has been helpful, click the button in the corner, and I’ll talk to you more tomorrow!