· By Jan Branicki
What Is a Type Beat And How to Make It?
Type beats are instrumentals created by up-and-coming producers and are heavily inspired by the style of well-known producers. However, if you think type beat is only about emulating a particular artist or genre, you’re probably wrong. It’s way more than just a tribute.
In fact, keeping its popularity in mind, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that it has become a part of the beat-making economy. Luckily, multiple dedicated platforms connect aspiring music producers with musicians to help sell their beats. Hence, all aspiring beatmakers must maximize this exciting trend.
This article covers the nitty-gritty details of type beats, so you can understand how it works.
What is a Type Beat?
Type Beat is an instrumental that imitates the style of a particular and well-known artist, producer, or genre. Your beats can be heavily inspired by someone's work, but it shouldn't be an exact copy. Moreover, by using popular search terms with "type beats," you can attract young and emerging musicians online.
For instance, you can use the keywords “Drake Type Beats” or “Daddy Type Beats.” The person looking for these particular styles of type beats will find you using the relevant keywords.
Why Have Type Beats Gained Popularity?
Type beats started gaining traction around mid-2010. Their popularity in the music industry is directly related to the accessibility of music production software. Moreover, the growth of online search and streaming platforms has also played a crucial role in its popularity.
All the above factors have contributed to the affordability of the type beats instrumentals. For instance, non-exclusive instrumentals can be found online for as low as $20 and even for free on some platforms. Hence, aspiring artists can easily get their hands on ready-made beats without relying on professional and expensive producers.
Influence of Type Beats on the Music Industry
Type beats facilitate successful collaboration between artists and producers who share the same interests. Owing to online platforms and type beats, what seemed difficult in the past is now accessible. Hence, it facilitates music production, eliminating the cost and accessibility constraints.
Now artists and producers from anywhere in the world can connect and create music that resonates with the fans of particular genres/artists. It not only shapes the trends in the music industry but also contributes to the evolution of musical styles and genres.
Where Can You Find Type Beats?
If you are a musician looking for type beat music, Google Search is the number 1 option. It will take you to many websites where you can pick and choose as per your preference. Furthermore, you can also check out these four platforms.
- Youtube
- SoundCloud
- Social Media
- Beat Marketplaces
- Online Beat-Making Tools
- Individual Producers websites
How to Make a Type Beat? Tips & Tricks
Here’s a quick guide on how to make a type beat.
1. Select the Appropriate Artist to Imitate
Before proceeding with beat-making, you must carefully select the appropriate artists. Remember, if the artist you are imitating has a decent fan base, your beats will be easier to find online.
For instance, if you are going to emulate a big name such as Drake, you will face a lot of competition on the search engine as thousands of artists are already ranking there for Drake’s style of type beats.
Instead, choose someone who is an emerging artist. This way, the likelihood of you getting the spot on top of Google, youtube, or any other platform is high.
2. Understand How Rhythm and Tempo Work
To emulate a specific sound, you need to find its tempo first. Else you won’t be able to capture the essence of that particular sound. Additionally, make sure to evaluate the rhythm the artist uses. For instance, are they more into R&B style jams or prefer faster trap hi-hats?
Use your DAW or a BPM analyzer to analyze the tempo of the beat you are attempting to imitate. Popular DAW for type beat makings includes Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio.
3. Explore the Basic Classic Sounds Associated with Type Beats
A lot of sounds have some basic beats in common; for instance, 808 Drums and bass are a couple of staples. You can use the 808 from the stock in your DAW; however, putting extra effort into altering the 808 will add more value to your sound. You can also apply sound design techniques to achieve punchy 808s.
Here are some samplers and synthesizers that you may utilize to improve 808s.
- Xfer Records Serum
- Spectrasonics Trilian
- Kontakt Libraries
Lastly, if you can’t spend hours tweaking 808s, you can find 808 samples from online libraries.
4. Pick a Clear Sample
You must look for the best samples on your track to make enthralling beats. You can find numerous royalty-free samples online, curated by expert producers. However, ensure samples are cleared, and you can tweak them later to fit your needs.
Here are a few plugins for sample enhancement:
- FabFilter Plugins
- Waves Audio Plugins
- iZotope Plugins
5. Understand Synth Tricks
Synth programming can be tricky. It would be helpful if you could find a video of your favorite producer working on synths in a studio. This way, you can observe what synths they use and what their tricks are. Many known producers prefer using software synths such as FM8 from Native Instruments.
However, it could be difficult for you to afford the gear they use. In this scenario, a Synth VST clone would be a great option that allows you to achieve similar results as your favorite producer. You can also utilize your DAW, specific plugins, and an affordable MIDI keyboard.
6. Use the Same Effects as Used By Your Selected Producer
Signature effects play an integral part in setting the mood of the track. Make sure you carefully listen and pinpoint unique effects on vocals and samples. This way, you can decide whether your type beat should have slowed or fast vocal samples. Moreover, it also helps you understand where to use autotune and where to utilize crewed samples.
Beatmakers include many effects on the instrumentals. So make sure you pay great attention to details to grasp how different audio effects contribute to beat-making.
7. Understand the Types of Chords and Chord Progressions
The song gains its identity from the chord progression. So, make sure you get familiar with the types of chords and progressions in a beat to create similar patterns. Minor keys are commonly used in the making of most trap tracks.
Therefore, the producers you admire most might also utilize minor keys. Hence, it would be great to start with minor themes and chords.
But in the end, practice is the key. The more you experiment, the more you learn about using chord progression in beat-making.
Why Aspiring Producers Should Try Creating a Type Beat
Type beats are in demand, and a great way to help aspiring producers get heard online. Besides, they provide young music producers with a good opportunity to sharpen their chops.
While exploring the distinguished style of established artists, newcomers learn valuable tips, tricks, and techniques that help them big time in their careers.
Thanks to the type beats, you can collaborate with artists who resonate with your style. The successful collaborations add to your experience and help build your portfolio.
It also enables you to grow your network in the music industry. Additionally, you can create your online presence and decent fan following.
Key Takeaways
Numerous tools and techniques are available online for free, which you can use for making type beats. Type beats help you set your foot in the online music industry as the demanding type beats get you on top of search engines, leading to successful collaborations. However, be mindful not to rely too much on type beats as it might negatively impact your creativity.