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The ULTIMATE FL Studio Beatmaking Tutorial (No Experience Needed!) FL Studio 2024 Tutorial

Introduction

Are you new to beat making and feeling overwhelmed after downloading FL Studio? Don't worry! This comprehensive tutorial will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating trap and underground beats, making it enjoyable and easy. By the end of this tutorial, you'll be excited to dive back into FL Studio and make some killer beats.

Getting Started with FL Studio

When you first open FL Studio, you'll see a blank canvas that can seem daunting. The first thing you need to do is gather your resources. Start by downloading drum kits, loop kits, and MIDI kits. These tools will help you quickly understand how beats are constructed.

One effective way to learn melodies is by recreating MIDI from loop kits, so consider taking screenshots and noting them down to understand the structure better. Not to forget, if you're looking for high-quality kits, check out Kyber Kits, where you'll find affordable options to get you started.

Setting Up Your Kits

  1. Organize Your Files: Create a dedicated folder for all your kits on your computer.
  2. Integrate with FL Studio: In FL Studio, go to Options > General Settings > File, and add that folder. This way, you can easily access your kits from the app.

Creating Melodies

Now, let's create your first melody!

  1. Load a Sound: Choose a piano sound (or any one-shot) from your kit and drag it into the Channel Rack.
  2. Open Piano Roll: Right-click on the sound and select "Piano Roll." This is where you'll input your notes.
  3. Scale Highlighting: Activate scale highlighting via View > Scale Highlighting. This will show ghost notes that help you stay in key, perfect for beginners.

For a beginner-friendly starting point, use the C natural minor scale.

To adjust the sound, normalize the one-shot by right-clicking on the waveform and adjusting as needed.

Building a Chord Progression

Utilize the stamp tool to create a basic minor 9 chord, then play around with the notes. Here’s a quick tip: If the sound feels too muddy, consider adjusting octaves for clarity.

  1. Copy and Move: Use Alt + Drag to create a variation in your chord progression.
  2. Adjust Notes: Highlight the notes and press Alt + G to edit them individually, leading to a richer and more dynamic melody.

Layering Your Sounds

Use VSTs such as Electra X for additional layers and to make your melody sound thicker and more vibrant. Copy your chord progression from the piano and paste it into a new Electra X instance. Adjust the octaves and playback speed for unique layering. Experimentation is key!

Building Your Drum Pattern

With your melody established, it’s time for the drums.

  1. Adding 808s: Copy your chord progression, but only keep the root notes for the 808 channel.
  2. Kick Drum: Paste your 808 pattern into the kick channel, and make sure all notes are on the same C note.
  3. Claps and Hi-Hats: Set claps and hi-hats—clearly defined patterns can add depth.

Mixing and Mastering

Organize your channels for a clearer workflow: melody first, each instrument following logically. Use the mixer to load effects on each track.

  1. Master Presets: Load a master preset to enhance your overall sound quality.
  2. EQ Settings: Remove unnecessary low-end frequencies with EQ for clarity.
  3. Automation: If you want to fade out your beat smoothly, create an automation clip on the master channel.

Arranging Your Track

After creating your patterns, it’s time to arrange your track in the Playlist:

  1. Split by Channel: Right-click on your track and select "Split by Channel."
  2. Arrange Your Sections: Drag your patterns into the playlist, creating variations and transitions as desired.
  3. Manage Length: Extend sections for desired lengths, adjusting the flow of your beat.

Once happy with your arrangement, export your track to enjoy your creation!

Conclusion

Creating beats in FL Studio is an engaging and rewarding process. Even as a beginner, you can utilize these tools and tips to produce quality tracks. Remember, always experiment and let your creativity flow, as every producer finds their unique sound over time. Happy beat making!

Keywords

FL Studio, beat making, trap beats, underground beats, MIDI kits, chord progression, layering, VSTs, mixing, mastering, automation, EQ settings.

FAQ

Q: I am completely new to music production. Can I still follow this tutorial?

A: Absolutely! This tutorial is designed for beginners, and step-by-step instructions are provided to help you grasp the basics.

Q: Where can I find drum kits and loops?

A: You can start by checking out online platforms like Kyber Kits, which offer a variety of kits at affordable prices.

Q: What is the best BPM for trap beats?

A: Commonly, trap beats range between 120 to 160 BPM. You can adjust the BPM based on the vibe you want for your track.

Q: How do I add effects to my sounds?

A: You can access the mixer and load various effects like delay, reverb, or EQ to enhance your sounds individually.

Q: Do I need to have any music theory knowledge to start?

A: While it helps, you can start making beats using built-in tools and kits without extensive music theory knowledge. Experimentation is key!

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