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How to Make Breakbeats

Breakbeats are new instrumental tracks made from the instrumental segments of previously existing records, known as breaks. Breaks primarily consist of drum solos, but can include other instrumentation. Breakbeats are used both as the basis for new instrumental creations and as stand-alone loops. A good break can spice up a new composition or liven a party.

Things You'll Need

  • Original music from which to sample Audio-editing software
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Instructions

    • 1

      Identify the selection you'd like to use. Be mindful of timing; seek complete measures, and make sure the selection loops properly. The end of your selection should transition seamlessly into the beginning when looped.

    • 2

      Load the composition to be sampled into your audio-editing software.

    • 3

      Highlight the selection you intend to loop. Preview the selection using a looped play option before continuing if possible. Once the selection is to your liking, you're ready to copy your break.

    • 4

      Copy or cut the selection from the original composition. This copied selection is your master break.

    • 5

      Paste the master break into a new solo track or project. Paste the break as many times as desired, placing the start of each break at the exact end of the break pasted before it. Some audio-editing software automatically pastes copies this way. If yours does not, you will have to line them up manually.

    • 6

      Play back your break chain to preview the breakbeat. Add or subtract breaks until you have your desired song length.

Digital Music

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