Why the Best Beat Makers sample Jazz Instruments
Jazz instruments and samples created timeless music (when done right). Get beat making tips to add depth to your sound by sampling jazz records, recording live instruments, and blending genres.
Beat makers that have a thing for jazz tend to be onto something – without even knowing about it.
Throughout history, no other instruments have proven to have such an authentic sound, like Jazz instruments do. Make your pick and any jazz instrument will immediately bring a new vibe and depth to your tracks. It's no coincidence they are used across genres (and always work well). Hip hop, house, R&B, techno , you name it...all of them have classic tracks that incorporated jazz instruments, samples or sounds into the production.
Coincidence?
Let's break down the different instruments used in jazz, across various genres and how to add them into your beats.
Key Takeaways
- Get to know the different jazz instruments and their roles.
- Learn how to mix jazz instruments into your beat-making process.
- Dive into the symbolism behind these musical instruments.
- Pick up tips to boost your music production with jazz influences.
Why the best producers sample Jazz
Jazz instruments bring a special flavor. They add layers of depth that can make your tracks sound different. Figuring out thow to use them can help you create timeless music. Whether you're sampling old jazz records or playing the instruments yourself, jazz stands out when done well.
And history has proof:
In 1998, iconic French DJ and producer Laurent Garnier was invited to a two-week jazz festival in Montreux. Feeling the urge to go beyond the DJ turntable, Garnier was deeply inspired by the live performances. As he put it,
"I’d like to go on stage." He pondered, "How can we make a real live show?" Garnier believed the best thing was jazz because jazz musicians could improvise. He then added, "Again, my connection with jazz and techno is so strong... the whole frame of mind for making this music is the same, exactly the same."
Another example is Talib Kweli's 2002 track "Get By," produced by Kanye West, features samples from Nina Simone’s 1965 classic “Sinnerman.”
With chopped piano riffs and powerful vocals, Kweli’s verses vividly depict inner-city struggles, honoring Simone’s fight for social justice. This blend shows how jazz elements can become very powerful when combined with other genres.
Common Jazz Instruments
Jazz is famous for having such a wide range of instruments. Now, let's look at some of the most iconic ones and see how you can use them in your beat-making.
Brass Instruments
Trumpet: The trumpet is a jazz staple with its bright, sharp sound. Perfect for adding bold, catchy melodies to your tracks.
Trombone: With its rich, warm tone, the trombone can add depth and fullness. Great for background harmonies and solos.
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Woodwind Instruments
Saxophone: Probably the most iconic jazz instrument, the sax has a versatile sound that can be smooth and mellow or gritty and powerful. Ideal for lead melodies and solos.
Clarinet: Offers a warm, smooth tone that’s perfect for melodic lines and intricate harmonies.
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String Instruments
Double Bass: The double bass lays down the rhythmic and harmonic foundation. Its deep, resonant sound is essential for creating a solid groove.
Guitar: Jazz guitar is known for its smooth, clean tone. Perfect for chordal accompaniment and melodic solos.
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Percussion Instruments
Drums: Jazz drumming is all about the swing feel and intricate rhythms. The drum kit is the heartbeat of the jazz ensemble, driving the beat and adding dynamic accents.
Piano: A versatile instrument in jazz, capable of playing complex harmonies, rhythmic comping, and melodic solos.
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Bringing Jazz Instruments into Your Beats
Now that you know about the common jazz instruments, let’s talk about how to bring them into your beat-making process.
Sampling Jazz Records
Sampling jazz records is a popular way to bring jazz elements into your beats.
Here’s how to do it:
- Find the Right Sample: Look for parts of jazz tracks with clear, isolated instrument sections. These can be great for chopping and rearranging in your beats.
- Chop and Flip: Use your DAW’s sampling tools to chop up the jazz samples and rearrange them into new patterns. This can give your beats a unique, jazz-infused vibe.
- Layering: Layer jazz samples with your drum patterns and basslines to create a full, cohesive track.
Playing Jazz Instruments
If you play any jazz instruments, recording them live can add an authentic touch to your beats. Here’s how:
- Record High-Quality Takes: Use a good microphone and audio interface to capture the best sound possible from your instrument.
- Improvise: Jazz is all about improvisation. Don’t be afraid to experiment and play around with different melodies and rhythms.
- Blend with Electronic Elements: Combine your live recordings with electronic beats and synths to create a unique fusion of jazz and modern production.
Britney Young
The Symbolism of Jazz Instruments
In Jazz, each instrument carries its own cultural and historical significance.
Trumpet
The trumpet often symbolizes power and leadership in jazz. It’s a bold instrument that can command attention, much like how jazz has been a powerful voice for social change.
Saxophone
The saxophone symbolizes versatility and emotion. Its wide range of tones can express anything from joy to sorrow, making it a central voice in jazz.
Double Bass
The double bass represents the foundation and stability of jazz music. It’s the anchor that holds everything together, much like the steady, unwavering spirit of the jazz community.
Drums
Drums symbolize rhythm and movement. In jazz, the drums drive the groove and keep the music flowing, reflecting the dynamic and ever-changing nature of jazz.
Pro Tips to making Jazz infused Beats
Here are some practical tips to get you started:
Experiment with Swing Rhythms
Jazz is known for its swing feel, where the beat is divided into a long-short pattern. Try incorporating swing rhythms into your drum patterns to give your beats that jazzy groove.
Use Jazz Chord Progressions
Jazz chord progressions often feature complex harmonies and interesting voicings. Experiment with jazz chords like seventh, ninth, and thirteenth chords to add richness to your harmonies.
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Layer Live Instruments with Samples
Blend live recordings of jazz instruments with sampled elements to create a unique texture. This fusion can bring an organic, human feel to your electronic beats.
Focus on Improvisation
Jazz is all about spontaneity and improvisation. Experiment and improvise with your beats. If Garnier believed the best thing was that jazz musicians could improvise, then it must be for a reason.
Final Words
To add jazz influences to your beats, sample jazz records, record live instruments, use swing rhythms, and incorporate jazz chord progressions. Common jazz instruments include the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, clarinet, double bass, guitar, drums, and piano. You can incorporate jazz instruments by sampling and blending them with electronic elements in your DAW. And don't forget the trumpet symbolizes power and leadership in jazz, representing its influence.
FAQ
What are some common jazz instruments?
Common jazz instruments include the trumpet, trombone, saxophone, clarinet, double bass, guitar, drums, and piano.
How can I incorporate jazz instruments into my beat-making?
You can incorporate jazz instruments by sampling jazz records, recording live instruments, and blending them with electronic elements in your DAW.
What is the symbolism of the trumpet in jazz?
The trumpet often symbolizes power and leadership in jazz. It’s a bold instrument that commands attention and represents the influential voice of jazz.
How can I add a swing feel to my beats?
Incorporate swing rhythms into your drum patterns by dividing the beat into a long-short pattern. This will give your beats that signature jazzy groove.
What are some tips for enhancing my beats with jazz influences?
Experiment with swing rhythms, use jazz chord progressions, layer live instruments with samples, and focus on improvisation to bring a jazzy feel to your beats.
