Mastering 808 Basslines for Trap and Drill

Hey there! If you’re diving into trap and drill music, you’ll quickly find that the 808 bass is your best friend. These deep, punchy bass notes are a staple of the genre and can make or break your track. Let’s go step-by-step through the process of creating those iconic 808 basslines.

Step 1: Choosing the Right 808 Sample

 

Why It Matters:
Your 808 sample is the foundation of your bassline. A good sample will save you a lot of time in processing and tweaking.

 

What to Look For:
- *Clean and Punchy*: A sample that’s clear with a strong attack.
- *Sustained Decay*: Look for samples with a long decay that you can shape as needed.
- *Tonal Quality*: Ensure the sample has a consistent tone that fits your track’s vibe.

 

Where to Find Them:
- *Sample Packs*: There are many high-quality 808 sample packs available online.
- *Synthesizers*: Virtual synthesizers like Serum, Massive, or even FL Studio’s built-in 3xOsc can generate excellent 808s.

DOWNLOAD - MOST ICONIC 808 SAMPLES OF ALL TIME

Step 2: Creating the Bassline Pattern

 

Basic Pattern:
1. *Kick Alignment*: Start by aligning your 808 with your kick drum. This provides a strong foundation.
2. *Simple Rhythms*: Begin with a simple rhythm that repeats every bar or two.

 

Advanced Techniques:
1. *Slides and Glides*: In your piano roll, extend the note length and overlap notes to create pitch slides. Most DAWs have a “slide” or “portamento” function.
2. *Octave Jumps*: Use octave jumps to add variation and keep the listener engaged.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Creating killer 808 basslines takes practice and a good ear, but with these steps, you’ll be well on your way. Remember to experiment and find what works best for your track. The more you play around with different patterns, and 808 samples, the more unique and powerful your beats will become.

 

Keep in mind:

It's not that complicated and keeping it simple is key!