Developing on the drum machine.

[dBoy100]

I am trying to learn how to use my drum machine. Would anybody have any advice on how to develop? Such as any exercises or just plain advice? Thank you.

 

[dacalion]

What type of drum machine do you have?

 

[dBoy100]

It's the drum machine on the boss br-600 8 track. It's basic, but i figured it would be good enough to learn basics.

 

[Relic]

Excellent choice to learn on the Boss, Many many many MANY moons ago I too started with Boss and Dr Rhythm and what not.
Some of the things that I learned from them was Step Programing. I learned where different sounds ie: Kix and snares went in the time signatures ie: 1/16 and then high hats on 1/8 and so forth.
This became invaluable later because now things like FL ALL more or less use a variation of step programing.
Looking at a picture of it it looks like you are going to get 2 lessons in one as this seems to be a recorder as well.
As its an 8 track , you will want to learn how to get a good mix with 8 sounds (say drums) then to "bounce" (record them all at once) over to 1 track and then start again to add more sounds to it.
Those are a couple of basics that are good to know.
I dont see any actual drum pads marked on there so Im not sure how it works but Boss is always a pretty good starter product.
Dont be afraid of your manual .

 

[dBoy100]

But as in terms of just getting familiar with drum patterns? at the moment i just tap along to albums like the chronic and the infamous, is there any point in this?

 

[dacalion]

Eventhough your BR-600 has a drum machine on it, it's top feature is the recorder/mixer. Banging beats on it is cool as a beginner but eventually you will definitely need to start doing your drum patterns in a DAW (like FL Studio or whatever). There you can really learn how to manipulate patterns and tweak them to sound more like real drums. For now, have fun with what you have, later you can decide if you want to go any futher with making music.

 

[mono]

But as in terms of just getting familiar with drum patterns? at the moment i just tap along to albums like the chronic and the infamous, is there any point in this?

absolutely, this will jumpstart your drum game. get your favorite beats and tap along. best thing you can do right now.