.svg)
.svg)
Recreating Cardi B, The Weeknd, and SZA’s beats (free MIDI files included)
In this installment of In the Loop, we walk through how to recreate the grooves in The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights," SZA's "Good Days," and Cardi B's "Up."
Back to blog
MIDI
5 advanced MIDI velocity techniques
Velocity doesn't have to be exclusively married to volume—in this article, we explore five alternate ways you can use the parameter to add interest to your music.
The 4 most important MIDI controllers
We highlight four particularly impactful MIDI controllers that have made their mark across bedroom and studio setups alike.
How to create drum patterns across genres (lo-fi hip hop, metal, and more)
Learn about how to create original drum patterns in genres spanning lo-fi hip hop to metal, and download our free MIDI files to dive even deeper.
How to make a synthwave track in 10 minutes (free MIDI files included)
Get a firsthand look into the basics of creating synthwave melodies, chord progressions, and drum grooves in Ableton.
5 things you didn’t know about MIDI
Explore five lesser-known facts about MIDI, a protocol that most of us can't live without when producing and performing music.
7 chord progressions music producers need to know (free MIDI files included)
From the basics to more advanced options, we go over seven chord progressions that are absolutely worth familiarizing yourself with.
How to improve your melodies with rhythmic variations (free MIDI / samples included)
From varying note length to applying syncopation, we highlight four versatile strategies for improving the rhythmic qualities of your melodies.
Music theory tips for making melodies (free stems and MIDI files included)
We give you a crash course in music theory, exploring some scales and techniques that'll help you create original melodies.
How to make a beat using only one sample (free stems and project file included)
We take the age-old phrase "less is more" to new heights by demonstrating how you can create an entire beat using nothing but one sample.
Making a beat at 20 BPM (free stems and MIDI files included)
In this video, we explore how we might go about producing a track at a gentle (to say the least) 20 BPM.
4 tips for making melodies (free MIDI files included)
From exploring syncopation to incorporating pitch bend and grace notes, we overview four useful tips and techniques for crafting melodies.