Make Amapiano From Scratch: Jazz Fusion & Deep House Music

Here's another take on deep basslines, complex chord progressions, sampling and improvisation techniques. This time it's the South African beats genre, Amapiano music – which blends deep house, jazz, and lounge music with log drums and piano melodies. If you're a musician or producer that wants to start creating your own Amapiano tracks – you're in the right place.

Let's take a look at the tools you need and tips to get you started!

You Will Learn

1. Understanding Amapiano: Learn the origins and unique characteristics of amapiano music.
2. Jazz Fusion Techniques: Incorporate complex chord progressions and improvisation techniques.
3. Deep House Influence: Create resonant basslines and groovy drum patterns.
4. Sampling Techniques: use high-quality samples to enhance your tracks.
5. Mixing and Mastering: Achieve a polished sound with EQ, compression, and reverb.

What is Amapiano?

Amapiano is a South African music genre that combines elements of deep house, jazz, and lounge music. Characterized by its use of log drums, smooth piano melodies, and percussive basslines have given it global popularity.

Where Did Amapiano Come From?

Amapiano emerged in the townships of South Africa, particularly in Gauteng, around 2012. It gained mainstream popularity thanks to pioneers like DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small. The term "amapiano" translates to "the pianos" in Zulu, reflecting the genre's core element—the piano.

Amapiano Style Closed Hats & Bells

Amapiano Style Closed Hats & Bells collection of audio samples. bright, clean, cold, compressed, drums, high, metallic, monophonic, narrow, one shot, percussive, piercing, punchy, shimmering, short, and thin

Sample FocusBy

Amapiano vs. Afrobeat: What's the Difference?

Afrobeat has complex polyrhythms and live instruments. This gives it an energetic, communal vibe. Amapiano uses steady, syncopated beats and electronic sounds, resulting in a more introspective feel.

• Rhythm: Afrobeat uses complex polyrhythms; amapiano relies on steady, syncopated drum programming and beats.
• Instruments: Afrobeat features live instruments like horns and drums; amapiano is all about synthesizers and electronic beats.
• Vibe: Afrobeat is energetic and communal; Amapiano is smoother and more introspective.

Must-Listen Amapiano Tracks

To get a feel for the genre, start with these essential tracks:

1. "Woza" by Kabza De Small – A classic amapiano anthem.
2. "Scorpion Kings" by DJ Maphorisa & Kabza De Small – An essential album.
3. "Lorch" by Jobe London – Perfect for getting a feel of the genre's vibe.

How To Get Amapiano Sample Packs

High-quality samples are crucial for producing Amapiano music. Sample Focus has a wide range of high-quality and royalty free Amapiano samples tailored for professional use.

Royalty-Free: All sample packs on Sample Focus are royalty-free sounds, ensuring you can use them without legal worries.

Amapiano Style Shakers

Amapiano Style Shakers collection of audio samples. bright, drums, percussive, and shaker

Sample FocusBy

Sampling Amapiano

Sampling techniques are also common in Amapiano production. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Source Material: Choose high-quality samples from reputable sources like Sample Focus.
2. Pitch and Time Stretching: Use tools like Ableton’s Warp or FL Studio’s Time Stretching to match samples to your track’s tempo and key.
3. Layering: Layer multiple samples to create rich sounds.
4. EQ and Filtering: Apply EQ to cut unnecessary frequencies and use filters to add movement.
5. Effects: Add reverb, delay, and compression to integrate samples into your mix.

Add Royalty-Free Jazz

Jazz Fusion Elements

1. Chord Progressions: Use complex chord progressions with 7th, 9th, and 11th chords to add depth.
2. Improvisation: Incorporate jazz improvisation techniques to create unique melodies.
3. Modulation: Experiment with key changes to keep your progressions interesting.

Jazz Improvisation Techniques

1. Melodic Phrasing: Use short, syncopated drum phrases to mimic improvisation.
2. Scale Choices: Explore modes like Dorian and Mixolydian for a jazzy feel.
3. Arpeggios: Use arpeggios to create flowing, improvisational melodies.

Deep House Influence

1. Basslines: Create deep resonant basslines with subtle movement.
2. Pads: Use lush, evolving pads to fill out the mix.
3. Drums: Focus on tight, groovy drum patterns with a deep house kick.

When Producing Amapiano

Drum Programming

1. Kick Drum: Use a deep, subby kick with a quick attack and long release.
2. Snares/Claps: Layer multiple snares and claps for a full, punchy sound.
3. Percussion: Incorporate shakers, congas, and log drums for rhythmic complexity.

Melody and Harmony

1. Piano: Use smooth, velvety piano sounds for lead melodies.
2. Chords: Stick to minor 7th and 9th chords for a jazzy, melancholic feel.
3. Arpeggios: Use arpeggiators to create intricate, flowing melodies.

Mixing and Mastering

1. EQ: Cut unnecessary frequencies and boost the lows and highs for clarity.
2. Compression: Use gentle compression to glue the mix together.
3. Reverb: Add subtle reverb to create space and depth.
4. Mastering: Use limiting to achieve a loud, polished sound without distortion.

Amapiano and Lounge Music

Amapiano's relaxed vibe makes it perfect for relaxing lounge music and smooth lounge settings. Its blend of jazz fusion and deep house music creates a unique, soothing ambiance.

Recap

1. Amapiano Basics: Amapiano blends deep house, jazz, and lounge music with log drums and piano melodies.
2. Jazz Fusion Elements: Use 7th, 9th, and 11th chords for depth and improvisation for unique melodies.
3. Deep House Influence: Focus on deep basslines, lush pads, and tight drum patterns.
4. Effective Sampling: Choose high-quality samples, use pitch and time stretching, and layer for rich sounds.
5. Production Tips: Emphasize syncopated drum programming, melodic harmony, and polished mixing and mastering.

Final Words

Amapiano is a genre that’s here to stay. Always choose high-quality samples. For Amapiano music remember to use pitch and time stretching, and layer for rich sounds. Focus on syncopated drum programming, melodic harmony, and polished mixing and mastering.