Download free demo software from online. Download software that is simple to manipulate. You need to adapt to composition software’s characteristics and technicalities before attempting more difficult endeavors.
Install the software to your computer. Installation can take anywhere from three to five minutes. After installation, a screen should appear asking if you would like to run the program.
Run the program once to verify successful installation. Once success is verified and there are no glitches, you can begin composition. (Note: You should refer to the user’s guide included with the downloaded program for specifics and familiarity.)
Go to the menu and click “File.” Click “New.” Give the session file a name so you will know its identity within computer files. (Note: You could create a new folder for all compositions for more organization.)
Set the composition’s tempo. The arrangement an individual has in mind may be faster or slower than what is the default tempo of the program. Most rap songs today are from 65 BPM (Beats Per Minute) to 80 BPM.
Select the instruments you wish to use. Separate them into individual tracks. Also, if the program has a built-in mixer, set each track in an individual channel of the mixer. (Note: For this example, five will be used.)
Switch the metronome to “on” for tempo regulation.
Choose one of the selected instruments and create the first base loop. A loop is different than an audio WAV file. A loop allows a person to manipulate its pitch and tempo, according to that of the session. An audio WAV file does not allow for the same modifications. Save the file.
Choose the second of the selected instruments and create the second base loop. These loops should be the result of the foundational, musical ideas of the song. Save the file as an alternate file. This way, if later in the composition you find you do not like the latter loops, you will have the original saved.
Choose the third of the selected instruments and create the third base loop. Save the file.
Choose the fourth of the selected instruments and create the fourth base loop. Save the file.
Choose the fifth of the selected instruments and create the fifth base loop. (Note: Once the fifth loop is placed, you can start to create any subsequent loops of chord, melodic or percussion moderation and effect.) Save the file.
Finish the track. Save the file. Export the session as separate WAV files, each instrument having its own file. This is for mixing and exclusive purposes.
Set the audio files into a mixer. Pan the tracks, appropriately, to your choice. Adjust the levels. Export a single “mixdown” of the combined audio WAV tracks. You have then successfully created your own rap beat.