H-10
Defining the Arrangement
Many styles of modern music feature several different musical sections
(verse, chorus, bridge etc.). The rhythm arrangements can be changed or
altered (slightly or drastically) to help distinguish these different
sections. HereÕs a few very basic ideas among the thousands that are
commonly used:
¥ Use a different groove variations for different sections
¥ Use tom Þlls and cymbal crashes to introduce sections and for
accents.
¥ Introduce new percussion parts to help "lift" the chorus (congas,
snare drum accents, ride cymbals, etc.).
¥ Try switching from a hi-hat part in the verse to ride cymbal in the
chorus.
¥ Try using a side-stick sound on the verses and switch to a snare on
the chorus
Looping Measures
One quick and simple way to begin designing your drum arrangement is
to loop a few measures into a song-length groove. You can easily loop
patterns in the Session Drummer from the Song pane. Once you have
mapped out your song with other instruments, go back to the drum
arrangement and replace the looped patterns with other groove
variations, Þlls, intros and endings.
Adding Fills
One of the nice things about using a VAMTECH Drumtrax pattern is
that a real drummer played the kit that created the pattern. But what if
you decide to add something over it like a tom Þll? Try deleting the hi
hat or snare drum in those measures to make the section sound more
"real."
Regarding Tempos
The tempos of individual sequences were determined when they were
originally played by the live drummer, so they sound great at their
recorded tempo. Nevertheless, donÕt be afraid to try them at different
tempos. The recorded tempo is included in the Session Drummer Style
name. For example, the style Alternative 080 was originally recorded at
a tempo of 80 beats per minute.
Quantizing
These grooves have been played in by real drummers; thus, they feature
subtle variations in timing and velocity that give them a natural feel.
Quantize with care.
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