Hack Drum Beats (PDF) - Everything you need to know for making beats in one PDF: HackMusicTheory.com/Drums

Timestamps and TLDRs 3:00 Hack 1 (Add a "pickup" before an main sound, like kick or snare) 4:14 Hack 2 (Add Texture, Short light stuff ) 5:10 Hack 3 (Add swing, if swing is appropriate with others) 6:13 Hack 4 (Change Voice/Instrumentation) 7:24 Hack 5 ( Add Accents) Super good stuff

I can't convey how valuable this advice is because I'm not as good of a teacher as Tony is. The best I can say is that too often people make big changes to their drum part to try to make it work but it's really all about small tweaks; add one note here, remove one note there, add some accents, etc. These are all small changes but make all the difference. These are the things that make Porcaro, Chaimberlain, et al, greats.

There's something special about adding a laugh track to silly jokes in a youtube music lesson. I dig it.

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Hi Rumba Chumba! Thanks so much for watching, we're so happy you're diggin' our silliness, haha! What kind of music are you into? Kate :)

@rumbachumba330

6 жыл бұрын

I'll get into anything really, if its good, from 60s punk like cock sparrer and los saicos, some reggae, funk, some synth pop, but writing wise I'm trying to focus and learn how to write Math Rock, Post Hardcore and progressive metal which is tough because my theory is lacking. Cheers.

Tony, dont stop. I like everything that you do in this video. Your posture. Shuffle orchestration with tho hands on hi hat is new. I feel there is a lot advanced grooves I can learn from you as a drummer myself. Stay with us.

I love the combination of seeing the live drummer over the midi notes - as someone who has never been a real drummer and is learning to program drums I find it very helpful. This channel rules, so much USEFUL information is given out in a friendly and candid manner, and as a bonus the videos really make me feel like I have a full, lush head of hair.

i just used one of the hacks in a beat i am working on and damn does it sound 100% better thanks for the hacks

YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST! I've been watching your "hack theory" videos and they have changed my perspective of music composition. Also, Ray Harmony looks like a really chill dude and still the best theory teacher I've seen so far. The way you put humor in your teachings make everything a lot smoother, natural and fun! I feel more comfortable and confident with my own music now! Thank you guys

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Wow GyromiteROB, we are so incredibly grateful for your kind words. It always makes us happy to know that our hacks are helping musicians! On that note, what kinda music do you make, and where are you based? We're pumped to welcome you to the Hack Music Theory revolution! Until next time, take care and happy songwriting. Kate :)

Simply awesome! 😊😉😉😉😉 So much valuable info packed into it! You deserve every single click! 👍☺

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Woohoo! With many thanks to you Jelly for your support. You're the best! Hope you're having a fantastic weekend so far. Kate :)

More Monk! Great stuff in this video. Love to see him cover drumming in different genres for non-drummers. Rock, Punk, Pop, Dance, etc. Common patterns/fills, interesting ways to enhance the common patterns. Maybe a video per genre.

Very good, a clear and concise video! I'm not a drummer and things like this that help me 'think' like a drummer are very helpful.

I love it. Awesome hack. This answered my prayers :D Thanks guys :)

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Good to hear from you Abraham, we're thrilled to hear we're answering your prayers! How's your EP going? Kate :)

lovin this channel so much!!! Thank you for all the great lessons!

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for watching and connecting Michał! We're pumped to welcome you into our Hack Music Theory revolution! Until next time, take care and happy songwriting, Kate :)

Great class! Thank you very much. God bless you all.

Fantastic lesson !!!

Drums are always a very interesting subject. Thank you.

Thanks Guys another grate tool for us to work especially now that my country has collapsed, so much to do. All My Love.

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Hola Jesus, we have been thinking about you and your fellow Mexicanos, and sending you all our positive thoughts and wishes in this time of chaos. How are you, your family and friends? Also, we're so grateful to have you here with us this week, thanks for watching and connecting, it always makes us smile. Cuidate y todo lo mejor. Kate :)

Damn!! I just needed this like specifically, so much!! Thank you guys this is super helpful, much love and good vibes to you all :)))

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Haha, that's awesome Daniel! We're so glad to be of service to you and your music! On that note, what kind of music do you make? Good vibes back to you! Kate :)

Definitely ended up finding inspiration in the "change the voicing part" and with the swing. In Jazz the swing is a lot more common than in edm but I think it could work while using open hats as well. good outro btw😂

Cool! The swung 16th against the straight 16ths in the guitar is really nice!

This is going to be really useful for writing band music, thank you in advance!

@Aperson-gt9xd

6 жыл бұрын

Yay, I got noticed for once! Yes!

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

We very much notice you, and very much appreciate you! By the way, what kinda music are you into?

@Aperson-gt9xd

6 жыл бұрын

jazz and funk since I play a lot of pieces in those genres (trombone usually fits into those genres, and they are usually more fun to play than orchestral music)

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Amazingly amazing!!! We dig da funk big time, and we also dig trombones, what a fun instrument to play :)

Hahaha. the old face part was priceless... and great lesson from Mr. and Mrs. Harmony, as always. :)

Great video! There's lots of good info on chord progressions, scales, etc but trying to find an breakdown of rhythmic elements explained this clearly is not something I come across often. I really liked the term "skeletal rhythm." Very helpful info, thanks. I hope your brother does more videos.

Excellent drum work. I’m learning a ton. Can you get your bro to teach us how to do drums like the Prodigy, or other big beat style bands. I am really struggling with breakbeat/ funk style drum composing. Thanks

Thanks for all these great infos in your channel. Greetings from France. ^^

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Greetings to you in France! We're pumped to welcome you into our Hack Music Theory revolution! Until next time, take care and happy songwriting, Kate :)

Chorus of the song is so awesome!

ty Revolution Harmony, cmon Tony more drum videos :)

Awesome! thank you for the tips, I mean hacks :)

Very cool, very helpful! One constructive criticism: if Tea Bone could give an example of when drum parts don't work, like an improper accent over the primary (skeletal) beat, I think that would also very helpful for us in the learning process! Keep up the great work!

Really love the single!

SO helpful-thank you-and what a haunting and catchy song!

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Hey Rosy! That's fabulous that you found this lesson helpful, we're glad to be of service. Thank you for your kind words about our song, haunting and catchy, I like it! What kind of music are you into? Hope you're having a great weekend! Kate :)

@rosymaple6838

6 жыл бұрын

Wow. I am stupid and forgot to ever answer you. After cool people with a cool channel took the time to answer me, too... My two favorite genres are video game soundtracks and musical theater! Even though they have very little to do with each other. I also like some rock/pop. I draw from those influences in that order when I write songs, so I've sort of gotten away with barely understanding drums and percussion up ’til now… Still, I’ve been tripping over my lack of knowledge about them. Thanks again for this video! And happy holidays. :-)

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Awe, you are not stupid at all! Thanks so much for sharing about yourself, what a fun combination of genres to be into! It always helps as an artist to have a wide variety of influences to draw from. Good for you for taking some time to learn more about drums, they're really fun once you get into them. You can always watch our "Hack Drums" playlist to watch all our drum videos. Sometimes it's great to immerse yourself in a topic and then it will start to sink in, so here's the link if you want to dive in! kzread.info/head/PLgYcaQlDpHN4ajXZ-dj8V9sosiTXVxwO_ Please keep in touch and let us know how you get along with your music making. Until then, take care and happy holidays! Kate :)

You guys are great! I am really enjoying your channel. Tony did an awesome job. I would like to see more of him.

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Hey William, awesome to hear from you again! We think you're great for watching and connecting, thanks! That's a super cute puppy you've got there, what kind of dog is it? On a musical note, what kind of music do you make? Kate :)

@bumhollow

6 жыл бұрын

Hey thanks for the reply. My dog there is a Great Dane he was an awesome dog, I miss him very much. I think these days the music I write is progressive Jazz or maybe Progressive Blues.

@bumhollow

6 жыл бұрын

You did a great job Tony. Keep up with the good vibes.

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Awe, I'm sorry to hear that he's no longer with you William. Do you have other dogs? We are hoping to get a dog next year, fingers crossed! That's awesome that you're writing progressive music, you're definitely in the right place! Welcome to the Hack Music Theory revolution. Kate :)

@bumhollow

6 жыл бұрын

I have cats now Kate. Dogs require a lot more energy than I can give them these days. Cats are happy with a place to go potty and a full belly. Dogs are still my favorite though. My cat is my worst critic...

Great information!

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Hey thanks so much for watching, connecting and subscribing Joe, that's awesome!! What kind of music are you into?

thank you

very nice to see your brother.he adds to the channel great !!!

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

We think he's great too!! Glad you've enjoyed his videos :)

the point is "sixteenth note swing" with 2nd and 4th. it is different from the samba rythm, but super groovy as u said. thanks!

thanks Tony!

I enjoyed the video. Drums are the best. :D

Man, you guys are such geeks. Lovin' it! :-D ;-)

Hey Kate and Ray! You guys are the best! Literaly the best teachers of music theory on the internet, I just found out about you guys, but already have watched A LOT of videos hehehe, and I'm loving everyone of them. Thank you so much for sharing all this information. Also, I'd like to know what vst you use for the electric bass, it sounds very realistic. Again, thank you guys for all of this knowledge, you are surely enhancing the music all over the world. Hugs and lots of tea! Davi, from Brazil.

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Olá Davi! Thank you for your very kind words and support, it is our pleasure and privilege to share our knowledge with the world! We're pumped to welcome you into our Hack Music Theory revolution! The bass guitar we use is this one: www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/guitar/scarbee-jay-bass. What kind of music do you make? Hugs and tea back to you! Kate :)

Thx

This was just as useful as I expected, thank you!

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

We're so glad it lived up to your expectations!!

I'm so glad T could break down writing a drum part for me to make it easy. He was awesome and very appreciated. I hope to hear more from him. Team Coffee!

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Haha yeah but even "Team Coffee" relies on "Tea", otherwise you'd just be "...m Coffee" ;) Ray

@Stephenkortheuer

6 жыл бұрын

Revolution Harmony Certainly, but you can just look at it as "Mmmm, coffee." :) Anyways, seriously great vid guys, you inspire me.

Hey guys. I’m currently working on a song that has a pretty significant time change. The song starts in 4/4 at 75 Bpm and then switches halfway to a 12/8 feel at 150 bpm on the 8th note. I want the song to end in 4/4 but am not quite sure how to transition back into 4/4 without it sounding super abrupt. I was able to transition from 4/4 to 12/8 pretty easily but I’m finding it more difficult to get back to the original time signature.

You guys make great videos mrs harmony you have a great smile to ! Tea bone make more videos i never new the swap nature of some of the drums like rim shot how or when good stuff !!!

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Hey Josh, thanks so much for watching and connecting, we really appreciate it! Looks like we'll have another drum video from Tony next month, so stay tuned! Until next time, take care and happy songwriting.

Loved the coffee joke !!!

Hi guys, thank you for your interest, thank god all well but a lot to do to help my fellow citizens. By the way, the topic of drums programming, is one of the most important in musical production, if you do not do it correctly you can sound very monotonous and repetitive. this video puts us on track, great lesson, once again thanks for your beautiful work. All the best my friends Jess.

Awesome

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

We're really happy you enjoyed our video, Brandon Crabtree! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, we're deeply grateful to you. What kind of music do you make? Until next time, happy songwriting! Kate :)

Awesome Track - "I is Love for You"

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Awe, thanks so much Prayag, that's very kind of you!! Thanks also for watching and subscribing, we are happy to welcome you to the Hack Music Theory revolution! On that note, what kind of music do you make and where are you based? Until next time, take care. Kate :)

@prayagdekaraja3374

6 жыл бұрын

I'm an Electronic music producer(newbie) based in India performing in the name D'Delusion. My genres are mostly Progressive house and Tropical House. But I love experimenting with every genre (folk, pop etc). Here's one of my track. www.spinninrecords.com/talentpool/track/153327-d-delusion-welcome-to-the-beach-original-mix/ Any suggestions will be highly appreciated. :)

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Hey Prayag, super cool, thanks for sharing. That's great that you're into many genres, as it helps inspire us songwriters/producers with lots of different musical ideas. We're cheering you on, on your music making journey! Have a wonderful weekend. Kate :)

@prayagdekaraja3374

6 жыл бұрын

Well thanks a lot Kate! Appreciate it! :)

“Coming to you from the land of sushi and ninjas” . . . “HA!” I lost it at that point. Before the drumming started. But overall this video is phenomenal. Definitely do more and you’ve gained a subscriber!

I'm really digging the single! The chorus kind of reminds me of Duvet by BOA :)

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Hey thanks for watching and connecting Michael, happy to hear you're diggin' our song :D Take care and have a lovely weekend! Kate :)

please can we get more .i is love 4 this

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Haha, that's awesome Christiaan! Yes, absolutely you'll see more drum vids in the coming months! What kind of music do you make? Hope you're having a great week so far, until next time, take care. Kate :)

@ChristiaanRock

6 жыл бұрын

building a new studio so im good. . I do folk rock, country , contemporary pop. . . Just finished my first full album in our local language with a local artist "leon Gropp" Dont have any music online yet of that one but this is one of my 1ste productions with a mate of mine. Its a good indication of the style we do. But i want more. . kzread.info/dash/bejne/p2WWlLqQZK7FgZM.html

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Hey Christiaan, thanks for sharing and congratulations on finishing your first album, that's a huge accomplishment! What language is your album in? Hope you've had a great weekend! Kate :)

Those drums remind me a lot of Addictive Drums by XLN Audio. Maybe they sampled that kit?

by the way . i m going to buy every thing you guys are selling .. great great stuff so much worth the money

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Aww thanks so much, that's very kind of you! Not only will you find lots of gems in our offerings but you will also be helping to fund the revolution! So many many thanks to you!! Kate :)

You guys are so funny, it's bloody adorable!

More drum video's please. :)

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Haha, glad you're digging the drums. We have another drum video coming out tomorrow :)

Oh my, Ray's brother looks soooo serious and mature : hahaha, i guess he's hiding his true nature just for the video ! ;-)

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Nope, he's pretty much always that serious haha! He's the old brother though, and I'm the young one, so I guess it shows in our behaviour ;)

You are all great! Thank you so much. Hey, what tea are you drinking?

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Hey LostInPresets, great to hear from you again! Thanks for your kind support, we all really appreciate it. As for tea...Ray's favourite is his yerba mate with green tea and peppermint, and mine is either Earl Grey or a yerba mate blend. Now you've got me boiling the kettle for the next cup! How about you, do you drink lots of tea? What kind? Kate

@LostInPresets

6 жыл бұрын

Hey I just go with Rooibos which is caffeine free or PG Tips. Now though, I’m going to keep a look out for yerba mate. Sounds potent! I will see you on your Patreon site soon, you guys are the great teachers.

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Oooo Rooibos! I used to drink a lot of it, it's a great tea for this cooler weather. I'll have to see if I still have some stashed away. Yup the yerba can be potent, so make sure you try it in the morning so you see how you react, especially if you don't drink a lot of caffeine. We would absolutely love to have you join our Patreon party! We decided today that we're going to do a weekly volg exclusively for our patrons, so that will be super fun! Where are you based? Hope you're having a great week so far, until next time, take care. Kate :)

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

ps. I don't think I asked you before, what kind of music do you make?

What software do you use?

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Hi Nathan, thanks so much for watching and connecting! We use Reaper and are big fans of the software. Take care and we hope to hear from you again. Happy Songwriting! Kate :)

Just a whole-hearted thanks :3

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Awe thank you, we received it wholeheartedly! Thanks for watching and connecting Mind, we're super pumped that you're here. Have a great weekend! Kate :)

Yes

+1 for coffee!!

He should do more videos!!!!

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Hey Umar, really good to hear from you and thanks for watching! Super pumped that you want more drum videos from Tony, we can't wait for the next one! Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Kate :)

so terrific, always refreshingly concise - If I was to have a question - I would ask can you compose a harmonic minor scale song descending into gothic decadence, and mention some hacks on the way to gothing up a track perhaps - maybe for halloween :)

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Hi macabre2007! Nice to hear from you again, I hope your inner child is as awake as ever! We've got a fun video planned for Halloween... there definitely isn't any music theory video like this one! Muahaha!

@macabre2007

6 жыл бұрын

Yes, indeed, alive and kicking thankyou, I hope both of you are melodically harmonic this chilly season, and I look forward to your creation, with extreme trepidation :)

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Haha, you're awesome macabre2007, I really appreciate your playfulness! By the way, what kind of music do you make? Kate :)

@macabre2007

6 жыл бұрын

Hi Kate, glad to be considered awesome, but it is merely a reflection, Kate and Ray awesomeness in the mirror so to speak, I'm the mirror probably broken (don't worry it was more than 7 yrs ago and it's on me). As one searching for the muse, I play a variety of sounds, with folk and jazz weirdness, and years of rocky paths, like a musical trifle, with an EDM cherry on top. I do it mostly on guitars, and ableton. My problem is retention of knowledge, Ray and your good self deliver memorable theory, in a nice package - if your videos were in a vending machine, that'd be my pick, always :) (especially vegan music theory, very nutritious)

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Haha macabre2007, you really have a way with words, it's refreshing! Thanks for sharing, I liked your description of your full and varied musical journey, and I'm so pleased we can be of service to you and your music, even if it's not currently in vending machines :D Are you vegan? Here's to a great week full of creative musical endeavours! Take care, Kate :)

Other than the semi corny jokes (which in their own way were alright I guess), this video was just what I needed. Thanks!

That's a catch-tea song :D BTW, why do you pronounce it differently each time? Sometimes it seems you say "I is love you" or even just "I love you" but it's "I is love for you".

Going to try this with a boom bap track to give it a different swing.

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Yay! Have fun with that :) Also, keep an eye out for Tony's next drum video in a couple weeks :) Hope you're having a great week so far! Oh and by the way... did you get some tea?! ☕️

6 жыл бұрын

Revolution Harmony yes. Currently drinking echinacea tea. Got a cold this past weekend

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear about your cold! And yes, echinacea tea is excellent for that. All the best and a quick recovery to you! Kate :)

6 жыл бұрын

Revolution Harmony thanks! 🤙

you are not old. You still look like a pup. cheers!

Nice Zoom G3 on the backgrd...

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Haha wow, well spotted!! You've got a great eye :) Do you use the G3 too? I really dig it, even though I don't actually use it for sounds any more, just as an A to D converter for recording my guitar. Solid gear, fo sho!

Insert drummer joke here... Seriously though, great insights on composition mindset Tbone. Cheers team

*Very nice job! Thanks for this! And welcome to my cover and lessons chanel too)*

Great hacks...the new face does look like the (OLD FACE).

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Haha! I think if we hadn't told people, everyone would've asked, "is he Ray's brother?"!

1am upload and still first

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

LEGEND!!!!!! And truly deserving of your title "Notification Squad Leader" hahaha :) You rule!!!

@sdjtlch

6 жыл бұрын

The only sad thing is that I didn't have tea for the vid today.

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

No tea??? Nooooo!!!!!! Surely there must be somewhere you can emergency buy tea at 1am?

@sdjtlch

6 жыл бұрын

Sadly, not that I know of, plus I'm at the studio, gotta record foleys today 😁

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Ah that sux! You know what though, we have to pop down to the shop to grab some toothpaste, do you want us to pick up some tea for you? We can email it over to you when we're back! In the meantime, have fun with your foleys :)

Hi

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Hi back to you Eric! Thanks so much for watching, we really appreciate it :)

Tea-bone ..;lol

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

:D

Awesome video! But here's my problem. I do this stuff all the time, only not so "virtuosically" and much more sporadically. You're like a finely tuned machine or something. Man....

hi

@HackMusicTheory

6 жыл бұрын

Hello to you Demon Slayer GD! Thanks so much for watching and connecting. Kate :)

nice song tho!

@HackMusicTheory

2 жыл бұрын

Nice to see you checking in, EndPace! Hope you're having a great August so far, and wishing you a lovely weekend :)

@endpace

2 жыл бұрын

@@HackMusicTheory Hi (Ray or Kate) I thank you very much! I also wish you a lovely weekend and I hope your next days will be blessed ones!