How to Make R

The R&B music genre evolved from the jazz based heavy beat of the 1940s to the present contemporary style that combines rhythm and blues, pop, soul, funk and hip hop. Contemporary R&B relies heavily on percussion instruments simulated by utilizing electronic drum machines and synthesizers and the occasional saxophone. Whether or not you lean toward earlier types of R&B or the sound heard today, the instrumentals you consist of in your mix should be soft and smooth so as not to overpower vocalists singing in melody.

The most important aspect of making R&B beats is the distinctive pace and melody that makes this sound distinctive. The bass line of the beat acts as a connection between the R&B rhythm and the melody. As this is the important note or chord that offers the foundation for the other elements of your musical piece, it should be produced first. Set the tempo to 90 beats per minute for that simple R&B pace. Format the melody with a fundamental 2 to 4-bar intro followed by 8 or 16-bar verses interspersed with an eight-bar chorus.

Listen to African-American legends such as Bo Diddley, Johnny Otis and Ray Charles. Compare their sound to more current styling of Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys. The R&B beats you produce should contain that exact same combination of blues and soul that characterize this genre.

Use a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) keyboard to simulate a total band sound with strings, bass guitar, piano, soft drums and snares. A good MIDI keyboard comes complete with music software and recording capability. When combined with a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), which is essentially a home computer with software that enables you to record and edit audio and midi tracks, you have all the resources an R&B artist requirements to launch a recording profession.

No MIDI keyboard? No issue. Lay down your beats by recording every instrument on a separate track. Use a mixer to combine the layers into a seamless R&B soundtrack.

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