Download and install a music production software program (see the References section for links). Download the trial version of the software. Follow the onscreen install instructions; these are easy to follow. The software manufacturers also will provide an install tutorial on their website. The software packages mentioned in the introduction all have a similar installation process.
Open the newly installed software by finding the shortcut in the "Start Menu." Click "File," then "New" to open a new music production document. Open the "Drum Machine" plug in or mixer. This will be found in the "Tools," "Instruments" or "Plug In" section of the "Top Menu." The process mentioned in this step is virtually identical in all software suites.
Explore the "Drum Machine" mixing window. The drum machine works by allowing the user to create "Loops," which are drum patterns or beats. Select the "Length" of the drum beat. Open the "Instrument Selector" or "Drum Selector" located inside the "Drum Machine Window." Drag specific instruments/drums into the blank spaces/tracks in the "Drum Machine" window. Select all the "Instruments" or "Drums" that will be used to compose the loop.
Create the beat. All the instruments have been selected. Compose the beat by selecting when the "Drum" or "Instrument" should hit. This is done by clicking on the "Timing Bar" or "Key" in the loop's "Time Line." Press "Play" to hear the loop. Play the loop as the composition takes place; this allows the composer to have instant feedback how the changes sound. Tweak the "Pitch" or "Sound" of the instrument by right clicking on it in the "Time Line" and selecting the appropriate option (such as "Pitch," "Volume" or "Tone").
Export and save the loop. Once the drum beat or drum loop is complete it can then be saved and exported. Click "File," then "Save" to save the file. Enter the "File Name," and select output options such as "File Format." Output the file as an MP3 as this will be both the smallest and high-quality sound file available.