How do people create beats with sampling?

One way to make a beat is by reusing parts of a recording in a creative way.

Think About

• How can you reuse existing music creatively?
• When is sampling stealing and not creating?
• How do producers use samples?
• How can you tell when music is sampled?

Get Started

Watch some examples of people discussing and demonstrating how to create beats by sampling:

1. Watch this video of Pete Rock chopping a sample (a part he took from a recording) into small pieces. He is using a tool called the MPC that lets you assign a sample to a pad that can be played:

At 1:48 Pete Rock explains how he gets samples and then how he uses them to make music

What does Pete Rock mean when he says he doesn’t use kicks and snares from libraries? What does this have to do with sampling?

1. Now, watch this video of 9th Wonder working with a sample on an MPC:

Watch the video again, but this time focus on his fingers when he is using the MPC. Can you follow along to see how he is using the samples?

How is this an example of sampling?

1. Now, watch this video of DJ Premier making a beat by sampling from 0:00 – 0:50

What is a main difference between how DJ Premier makes the beat from 0:00 – 0:50 and how Pete Rock and 9th Wonder make their beats with samples?

Share What you Learned

If you are using the LRNG platform:

• You do not need to submit anything for this XP
• You should be able to describe some of the approaches the beatmakers made in sampling and what ideas you have about sampling in your own beats

If you are not using the LRNG platform:

• Continue below and share with your teacher or organization:

Sharing What You Learned

• Describe some of the approaches the beatmakers made in sampling and what ideas you have about sampling in your own beats

Next Steps

Return to How is sampling a part of making a beat? (continue to the next XP in the mini-playlist)

OR

Move On

Return to the Getting Started Making Beats Music Learning Playlist