Drum and Bass Tutorials to help you Sequence, Mix, Arrange, and Sound Design


Welcome to your one-stop shop for all things drum & bass production. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting to explore the world of breakbeats, this page is your go-to resource for mastering the sounds of drum and bass.


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Drum & Bass: A Genre Rich in History

Drum and bass (DnB) is a fast-paced, high-energy music genre that first emerged in the UK during the early 1990s. It's known for rapid breakbeats, typically between 160-180 BPM, paired with deep, heavy basslines and a step rhythm. Over the years, drum and bass has evolved and diversified into various subgenres, each offering a unique twist on the core elements.


Key Subgenres and Pioneers


Jungle

Jungle is often considered the precursor to modern drum and bass, born out of the rave scene in the early 90s. Characterized by its frenetic breakbeats, deep sub-bass, and heavy reggae and dancehall influences, jungle set the stage for what drum and bass would become. Artists to check out: Shy FX, Roni Size, and LTJ Bukem were some of the early pioneers who helped shape this raw and energetic sound.


Liquid Drum and Bass

If you prefer your beats smoother and more melodic, Liquid Drum and Bass might be your style. This subgenre is known for its soulful vocals, lush harmonies, and atmospheric elements that create a more emotional and ambient vibe. Pioneers of this style include High Contrast, Calibre, and London Elektricity, who brought a sense of musicality and depth to the D&B scene.


Neurofunk

On the darker, more technical side of the spectrum lies Neurofunk. This subgenre pushes the boundaries of bass design and rhythmic complexity, creating a sound that's both futuristic and menacing. If you’re looking to craft something that feels dark and intense, this is the style to explore. Big names in this space include Noisia, Black Sun Empire, and Ed Rush & Optical, who have mastered the art of intricate sound design and driving basslines.


Jump Up

Jump Up is the subgenre that knows how to get a dance floor moving. With its bouncy rhythms, catchy hooks, and playful energy, it’s designed to be both fun and infectious. Key players like DJ Hazard, Sub Zero, and Original Sin have made Jump Up a mainstay in clubs and festivals worldwide, delivering tracks that are as memorable as they are energetic.


Essential Drum and Bass Production Tutorials

The following section covers a series of drum and bass production tutorials that will help you master different aspects of the genre. These tutorials offer insights and techniques used by top producers and will guide you step-by-step through the production process, no matter your skill level.


Produce Like Chase and Status

What you’ll learn: Chase and Status are known for their high-energy, genre-blending tracks that dominate both radio and festival stages. This tutorial breaks down how to capture that signature sound, from the grime-influenced basslines to the powerful drum patterns. If you’ve ever wanted to create tracks that hit as hard as theirs, this is where you start.


10 Bassline Patterns for Liquid Drum and Bass

What you’ll learn: Basslines are the backbone of any drum and bass track, especially in the liquid subgenre. This tutorial focuses on creating those deep, rolling basslines that evoke emotion and atmosphere. You’ll walk away with 10 essential patterns that you can use as a foundation for your own tracks, perfect for crafting that smooth, melodic vibe that defines liquid D&B.


10 Fundamental Bass Patterns in Drum and Bass

What you’ll learn: If you’re just starting out with bass design, or if you want to ensure you’ve got the basics down, this tutorial is a must. It covers fundamental bass patterns that every drum and bass producer should know. These simple yet powerful sequences are crucial for creating a solid rhythmic foundation, allowing you to build more complex ideas on top.


10 Fundamental Drum Patterns in Drum and Bass

What you’ll learn: A great illustration covering how the groove changes depending on where you place the Kick and Snare on the timeline. Drums are the driving force behind DnB, and mastering drum patterns is key to producing music that stands out.


Detuned Bass Tutorial

What you’ll learn: Detuned sub-bass is a staple in many DnB tracks, adding a layer of depth and complexity that can really make your music stand out. This tutorial covers the techniques needed to create detuned bass using popular VSTs like Serum, Massive, Massive X, and Operator. If you’re aiming to add some gritty, resonant basslines to your tracks, this tutorial will guide you through the process.


Jungle Drum Tutorials

What you’ll learn: If you’re looking to deep dive into the jungle drums, this three-part series is an essential resource. The first part teaches you how to slice and sequence classic breaks like the Amen break, which is the foundation of many jungle tracks. The following tutorials cover how to process these drums using EQ, compression, and distortion to get that gritty, authentic sound. Finally, the series concludes with advanced techniques to further refine your drum patterns, ensuring they hit hard and sound professional.


Additional Drum and Bass Tutorials


How to Create a Reese Bass

What you’ll learn: The Reese bass is a hallmark of drum and bass, particularly in the darker subgenres like neurofunk and techstep. This tutorial guides you through the process of designing a Reese bass using NI Massive, a powerful synthesizer that’s a favorite among producers. The Reese bass’s growling, evolving sound is crucial for adding tension and energy to your tracks, making this tutorial a must-try.

This guide is designed to be your launchpad into the world of drum and bass production. Whether you're a beginner just starting to experiment with beats and basslines or an experienced producer looking to refine your skills, these tutorials provide the knowledge and techniques needed to create high-quality, genre-defining tracks. Dive in, experiment, and start pushing the boundaries of your sound. With the right tools and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to mastering drum and bass production.

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