Help a newbie? :)

2003-03-15 10:36 pm

I've gotten into writing a real up-beat latin piece, but I can't figure out how to put in a drum beat. If I could get the right sounds i would make my own, but i can't find any.
Any suggestions?

Re: Help a newbie? :)

Reply #1 – 2003-03-16 02:58 am

I'm sure more drum-intensive users can give you better advice than I can give. But while you wait:

Use a search engine to browse the Internet for MIDI files of Latin tunes that are familiar to you. If you don't know the titles, try general Latin dance-beat categories.

Some of the files may have a generic drum-beat that is characteristic of the music, perhaps from one of the programs used to auto-generate accompaniments. Take a look at the percussion track, and see how it's done. Just be sure that you are not ripping someone's original work.

Percussion tracks are unusual, compared to instruments such as piano or sax. On a percussion track, the staff position generally does not represent pitch, but designates the instrument. There's a drum reference, and many MIUDI tracks, in the Scriptorium (to get there, go to the main NWC page, then user links).

Re: Help a newbie? :)

Reply #2 – 2003-03-16 04:21 am

Thanks

Re: Help a newbie? :)

Reply #3 – 2003-03-22 08:13 pm

Hi, Dylan. You could also try looking at this link:

http://www.goodwinpro.com/musical/midi/drums.htm

The site lets you download around 100 free MIDI drum tracks, many of which are Latin in feel.

Iqbal