Preset Patterns
Free Online Drum Machine
Create professional drum patterns with our free online drum machine and beat maker. This 16-step sequencer features multiple drum kits, tempo control, swing adjustment, and preset patterns. Perfect for music producers, beatmakers, and anyone learning rhythm programming.
How to Use the Drum Machine
- Click on the grid cells to activate drum hits
- Each row represents a different drum sound (kick, snare, hi-hat, etc.)
- Each column represents a step in the 16-step sequence
- Click Play to hear your pattern loop
- Adjust BPM (tempo) to speed up or slow down
- Try different drum kits for various sounds
- Use preset patterns as starting points
Drum Sounds Explained
- Kick (Bass Drum): The low, punchy sound that drives the beat
- Snare: Sharp, cracking sound typically on beats 2 and 4
- Closed Hi-Hat: Short, tight cymbal sound for rhythm
- Open Hi-Hat: Longer, ringing cymbal sound
- Clap: Hand clap sound, often used with or instead of snare
- Tom: Melodic drum sound for fills
- Crash: Loud cymbal for accents and transitions
- Rim: Rim shot or percussion accent
Beat Making Tips
- Start Simple: Begin with kick and snare, then add hi-hats
- Use the Grid: Steps 1, 5, 9, 13 are strong beats (downbeats)
- Snare Placement: Typically on beats 2 and 4 (steps 5 and 13)
- Hi-Hat Patterns: 8th notes (every other step) or 16th notes (every step)
- Add Variation: Remove or add hits to create dynamics
- Experiment with Swing: Add groove by delaying off-beat hits
Common Drum Patterns
Basic Rock Beat: Kick on 1 and 9, snare on 5 and 13, hi-hats on every other step
Four-on-the-Floor (House): Kick on every beat (1, 5, 9, 13), hi-hats on off-beats
Hip-Hop Boom Bap: Kick on 1 and 11, snare on 5 and 13, hi-hats scattered
Trap: Kick on 1, snare on 5 and 13, rapid hi-hat rolls
Understanding BPM and Tempo
BPM (Beats Per Minute) controls how fast your pattern plays:
- 60-80 BPM: Slow (ballads, downtempo)
- 80-100 BPM: Medium-slow (hip-hop, R&B)
- 100-120 BPM: Medium (pop, rock)
- 120-140 BPM: Fast (house, techno)
- 140-180 BPM: Very fast (drum & bass, hardcore)
What is Swing?
Swing adds a "shuffle" feel to your beat by slightly delaying the off-beat notes. This creates a more human, groovy feel. Try 20-40% swing for a subtle groove, or 60-80% for a heavy shuffle feel.