What Beat programs are easy to use and quick to learn?
There are many rhythm programs out there. Some have been recognized for numerous years and used in professional recordings. Others are new and allow you to study and create your custom tracks online without installing anything.
Before looking at any pacing program, first consider how you learn most effectively and how you can achieve your goal as easily and quickly as possible.
What kind of learner are you? Do you develop well studying books and manuals? Are you more visual and do you learn things by watching video recordings? Do you learn better by just getting in there and doing it?
How much time, effort, and expense can you put into becoming a seasoned beat maker?
Your options are quite vast and range from intricate high end music production software to free open source programs, there are also web browser based rhythm programs at different price points.
Free vs. Paid
Everyone wants something for nothing, and free is always nice, but like anything free, there’s always a catch. With music production software, free ones come in 2 flavors: time-limited demo versions of paid products or open source and shareware.
If you are a skilled computer user and have resources when it comes to finding information, the open source shareware route might be for you. You’ll need to be able to install and learn the package on your own, and if it goes wrong, there’s no support. Also, and this is the worst downside of free rhythm programs, you don’t get any samples to use.
The benefits of paid products are that the good ones will include good training (video), royalty-free samples that you can use to create leads that you can sell commercially, good support, and if you’re lucky, a money-back guarantee.
At the end of the day, your journey from beginner to seasoned beatmaker can be long or short.
So how much is a good value?
Now, depending on the level of dedication you’re willing to put in, you can either spend a lot or a little at the start of your journey. High-end packages cost hundreds of dollars, while some beginner packages cost less than $30.
What is right for your budget and time depends on your individual situation. Beginner computer software will get you up and running quickly, but may lack some of the more subtle and intricate features of standard professional rhythm programs. High-end software programs take longer to learn, are complicated to set up, but you’re laying a solid foundation.
Only you can determine what will best suit your unique needs. Remember your goal of learning to make beats quickly and easily, and keep that in mind when searching for beat programs. Ask yourself questions like “do I need these additional features?” and “Am I paying more for the brand here?” Focus on your goal and you’ll be hearing your own beats on the radio and in the clubs in no time.