Make a Trap beat with FL Studio (Cheat sheet & Beginners guide)
Trap music is all about deep 808s, intricate hi-hat patterns, and snappy snares. And the step sequencer is at the core of Trap beat making. It's what makes it come to life. The core of programming your drums, designing rhythmic patterns, and energy of your track is all there – in the step sequencer.
FL Studio has been around for years. It's intuitive step sequencer is part of the reason producers keep coming back to use this DAW – which makes it ideal for Trap beat makers.
This post will walk you through the tools, techniques, and tips you need to make professional-quality trap music.
What is Trap Music?
Trap music started in the Southern U.S. in the early 2000s and quickly took off as it crossed into mainstream music, giving tracks a modern and aggressive edge with catchy rhythms. It has hard-hitting beats, deep bass, and fast hi-hat rolls. The genre is known for blending hip-hop, rap, and electronic music. Now, it’s everywhere – from rap tracks to pop songs and EDM.
Here’s what makes trap music stand out:
- 808 Bass: The heavy, booming bass that you feel in your chest.
- Hi-Hats: Fast, rolling hi-hat patterns that give the beat energy and movement.
- Snappy Snares & Claps: Sharp snare hits often paired with claps to create a punchy rhythm.
- Dark Melodies: Simple, moody tunes in minor keys that create an eerie vibe.
- Synths and Vocal Chops: Atmospheric synths and chopped-up vocals to fill out the sound.
FL Studio Tools for Trap Beats
The Step Sequencer is perfect for programming the rhythmic backbone of your trap beats. It makes it easy to create fast-paced hi-hats, booming 808s, and punchy kicks with precision. From there, you can layer and manipulate sounds quickly.
FL Studio's step sequencer is easy to use with its grid layout, making it great for beat makers of all skill levels. Even though it's simple, it allows for a wide range of musical arrangements using different sounds and instruments. Connected with the Piano Roll and Playlist, it helps in building detailed and layered music patterns for diverse rhythms and melodies.
Step Sequencer: The Core of Trap Beats
- Hi-Hat Patterns: Program intricate hi-hat rolls with ease. You can adjust the grid resolution (1/4, 1/6 steps) to create fast rolls or experiment with triplet hi-hats for added groove.
- Snare Rolls: Layer your snares and create fast snare rolls that add intensity.
- 808 Slides: Use the Step Sequencer to trigger sliding 808 basslines, a signature trap element.
Why the Step Sequencer is Essential for Trap
Trap is all about rhythmic patterns and energy, and the Step Sequencer in FL Studio allows you to program these elements with efficiency and creativity. Whether you're creating rapid-fire hi-hat rolls, layering claps, or programming 808 slides, the Step Sequencer is essential for building trap beats quickly and intuitively.
How to Use the Step Sequencer for Trap Production
- Kick & Snare Placement: Start with a basic pattern, placing your kicks on the first beat and your snares on the second and fourth beats. For variety, add extra kicks and snare rolls to make the beat more dynamic.
- Hi-Hat Rolls: Select 1/6 step or triplet rolls in the grid to create rapid hi-hat patterns. Vary velocity on each hit to add dynamics, preventing a robotic feel.
- Velocity Control: Adjust the velocity of each step to humanize the sound. Lowering velocity on certain hits will add nuance and make the track feel more natural.
- Pan & Pitch Variation: Pan your hi-hats left and right, or adjust the pitch of individual steps to give the beat a wider stereo image.
Step Sequencer Tips
- Use the Swing Feature: Trap beats can sound too stiff if strictly quantized. FL Studio’s Swing slider allows you to add groove by delaying certain steps, especially on hi-hats and percussive elements.
- Automation: Use automation clips to make your beats dynamic. Automate velocity changes, panning, or reverb effects to add movement and intensity, especially during build-ups.
- Ghost Notes: Utilize ghost notes to see other instruments’ patterns while working on new ones, making it easier to sync rhythms and melodies.
808 Slides and Rolls
Trap is defined by the 808 bass. With the Step Sequencer, you can use the Slide function to create smooth 808 transitions. Adjust the glide length for different effects, making your basslines dynamic and melodic.
Piano Roll
The Piano Roll in FL Studio is your go-to tool for melodies and chords. Here, you can develop complex melodies, basslines, and harmonies that complement your drum patterns.
- Melodies: Use the Piano Roll to create moody, minor-key melodies that fit the trap vibe.
- Automation Clips: Automate panning, volume, or pitch bends to add dynamic changes throughout your track.
Mixer
The Mixer is where you fine-tune every sound in your beat, helping you shape the track with precision.
- EQ & Compression: Use EQ to sculpt each instrument, making sure the lows, mids, and highs don’t clash. Apply compression to tighten the mix.
- Effects: Add reverb, delay, and distortion to enhance texture and depth.
Mixing Techniques for Trap
Kick Drum
Trap beats rely heavily on a punchy kick:
- Layering: Use two kicks—one for punch (boost 60-80Hz), and another for sub-bass (focus on 30-50Hz).
- Kick 1: Boost around 60-80Hz for punch. Cut 250-500Hz to reduce muddiness.
- Kick 2: Boost 30-50Hz for deep sub-bass. Apply a high-pass filter above 100Hz to clean up the highs.
- EQ: Cut mid frequencies (250-500Hz) to remove muddiness and boost the low-end for a clearer kick sound.
Snare and Clap Layering
To create a powerful snare:
- Snare: Boost around 1-2kHz for a snappy sound.
- Clap: Layer with a clap (boost 200-400Hz) for added body and fullness.
Hi-Hats
- EQ: Boost around 8-12kHz for crisp, cutting hi-hats.
- Stereo Widening: Apply stereo effects to make hi-hats feel more spacious.
808 Bass
The 808 defines trap’s low-end, so focus on creating a heavy bass:
- Sub Frequencies: Boost 20-60Hz for a deep, sub-heavy sound.
- Distortion/Saturation: Add saturation for a dirtier, more textured 808.
Trap Beat Making Cheat Sheet
Core Elements
BPM: 130-150 BPM (common trap tempo)
Time Signature: 4/4
Key: Minor scales (e.g., A minor, C minor) for that dark, moody vibe
Trap music typically uses a slower tempo compared to other electronic dance music genres, which contributes to its laid-back feel. The 4/4 time signature provides a steady, predictable beat that's easy to groove to. Minor scales are favored for their moody and sometimes melancholic sound, which fits well with trap's often dark themes.
Drums & Rhythm
Kick Drum
Layering: Use two kicks—one for sub-bass, one for punch.
Sub Kick (30-50Hz): Boost the lows for depth.
Punch Kick (60-80Hz): Boost mid-bass for punch; cut 250-500Hz to remove muddiness.
808 Bass
Sub Frequency Range: 20-60Hz.
Slides & Glides: Use FL Studio's Slide function for smooth 808 transitions.
Saturation/Distortion: Add some dirt using distortion or saturation plugins for extra grit.
The kick drum is essential for creating the foundation of your trap beat. Layering kicks allows for a more dynamic sound, and focusing on different frequency ranges can create depth. The 808 bass should be handled carefully, with proper slides and saturation to maintain punch without losing clarity in the mix.
Melody & Harmony
Melody
Scale: Stick to minor scales (e.g., C minor, A minor) for moody, dark melodies.
Instruments: Use synths, pianos, or pads with atmospheric sounds. Layer vocal chops or stabs for texture.
Simplify: Keep melodies simple and repetitive for a hook-like effect.
Chord Progressions
Basic Progressions: Use simple two to three-chord progressions.
Minor Chords: Experiment with chords like i-VI-VII to give that classic trap feel.
Using minor scales reflects the darker tones typical in trap music. Melodies should maintain simplicity for catchiness, while chord progressions may be experimented with to find a vibe that resonates with your audience.
Mixing & Sound Design
EQ Tips
808: Boost sub frequencies (20-60Hz), and cut mids to reduce muddiness.
Kick: Boost around 60-80Hz (punch), and cut 250-500Hz to clear space.
Snare/Clap: Boost 1kHz-2kHz (snap) and 200-400Hz (body).
Hi-Hats: Boost 8kHz-12kHz for clarity and brightness.
Compression
Kick & 808: Use sidechain compression to prevent frequency masking between the kick and the 808.
Glue Compression: Apply light compression across drums to bind the elements together.
Mixing can determine the clarity and impact of your trap beat. Proper EQ techniques allow the kick and 808 to coexist without clashing, while glue compression can make the drums feel solid and cohesive.
Structure & Quick Tips
Basic Structure
Intro: 4-8 bars (minimal, atmospheric)
Verse: 16 bars (drop the 808 and kick, keep it simple)
Chorus/Hook: 8-16 bars (heavy 808, snare rolls, melodic elements)
Bridge: 4-8 bars (strip down elements to build tension)
Outro: 4-8 bars (fade out or reduce elements for a clean finish)
Quick Tips
Layer 808s: Combine multiple 808s for a fuller low-end.
Swing Settings: Apply swing to hi-hats and percussions for groove.
Humanize Drums: Adjust timing and velocity slightly for a more organic feel.
Stereo Imaging: Use stereo widening on hi-hats and melodic elements to make your mix sound larger.
Understanding the structure of a trap beat can significantly enhance its effectiveness. Knowing where to place your elements can build tension and excitement throughout your track.
Essential FL Studio Plugins for Trap Music
- EQ: Use Fruity Parametric EQ 2 (stock) or FabFilter Pro-Q 3 (third-party) for precise frequency shaping.
- Compression: Try Fruity Compressor (stock) or Waves CLA-76 for aggressive compression.
- Reverb: Use Fruity Convolver (stock) or ValhallaRoom (third-party) for lush reverb effects.
Trap Beat Structure & Layout
808 Sub Bass
Program deep, sub-heavy 808 patterns and use slides and glides to create the characteristic movement of trap beats.
Kick Drum
Layer two kick samples for depth:
- Sub Layer: Focus on 30-50Hz.
- Punch Layer: Boost 60-80Hz for attack. Use sidechain compression to sync the kick with the 808, preventing frequency clashes.
Core Rhythmic Elements
- Snare/Clap: Place snares on beats 2 and 4. Layer with a clap for impact.
- Hi-Hat Groove: Program basic patterns, and experiment with triplets or rolls for complexity.
Sound Shaping and Enhancement
- EQ: Carve out unwanted frequencies for clarity.
- Compression: Glue your elements together for a cohesive sound.
- Distortion/Saturation: Add subtle distortion to 808s or synths for a grittier sound.
Arrangement and Structure
Standard Trap Structure
A basic trap layout often follows:
- Intro: Set the mood with atmospheric sounds.
- Verse: Feature the 808 and kick as the driving force.
- Chorus: Bring energy with snare rolls, hi-hat variations, and heavier bass.
- Bridge: Drop the energy before the next big drop.
Mixing and Mastering for Trap
Mixing
- Balance: Ensure each element has its own space using volume control.
- EQ & Compression: Use EQ to separate frequencies and compression to tighten the overall mix.
Mastering
- Limiter: Apply a limiter on the master track to increase loudness without clipping.
- Final Polish: Use stereo enhancement and multiband compression to give your track a professional sound.
Tips for Making Unique Trap Beats
- Layered 808s: Combine multiple 808 samples to create a rich, full bass sound.
- Realistic Drums: Slightly vary the timing and velocity of your drums for a more natural feel. FL Studio’s swing and groove quantize features can help.
Recap
- The Step Sequencer is key for trap beat programming.
- Layering sounds enhances the depth of your tracks.
- Mixing techniques for clarity and punchiness make all the difference in Trap.
- Automation adds dynamism to your productions.
- Experiment with effects to get unique sounds.
Final Thoughts
The Step Sequencer is an amazing tool that changes the way you make music. Adding different sounds together is important for making your music more interesting. Mixing sounds well is key to making your music clear and powerful. Remember to use automation so your music sounds dynamic. And don't be afraid to try out different effects.