How to Make a Beat from Scratch in Logic Pro: A Step-by-Step Beginner Guide for Beat Makers

Feeling stuck with beat block? No problem. Here’s a foolproof method to create a beat entirely from scratch using Logic Pro’s built-in tools—no samples or downloads required.

Let’s dive into the 30-step process that will take you from a blank session to an original, 8-bar beat. 

Step 1: Open a New Project

• Start with an empty project.
• Select a MIDI channel and load the Retro Synth instrument.

Step 2: Choose a Preset

• Open the Retro Synth and select the Cheerful Melody preset.

Step 3: Set the Tempo

• Change the BPM from the default 120 to 86 BPM for a chill rap vibe.

Step 4: Add an Arpeggiator

• Open MIDI FX on the Cheerful Melody channel.
• Select Arpeggiator and set its rate to 1/8.

Step 5: Open the On-Screen Keyboard

• Press Command + K to open Logic Pro’s on-screen keyboard.

Step 6: Experiment with Chords

• Hold down these keys in order: A, E, G, K. Experiment with different combinations until you find a harmony you like.

Step 7: Turn on the Metronome

• Press K or click the metronome icon to enable it.

Step 8: Record Your Chords

• Hit R to record. Play the chord progression you’ve rehearsed.

Step 9: Edit the Notes

• Double-click the recorded MIDI region.
• Adjust the notes for timing and variation. Don’t overthink—just aim for something solid.

Step 10: Tweak the Synth

• Experiment with the Retro Synth’s settings. Adjust attack, decay, and LFO for unique textures.

Step 11: Add Hi-Hats

• Open a new MIDI channel and load Drum Synth.
• Select Sharp Hat from the hi-hat category.

Step 12: Record the Hi-Hats

• Use the on-screen keyboard to record a hi-hat pattern.

Step 13: Adjust the Hi-Hats

• Quantize the hi-hats for precision (Q) or manually shift every other note slightly for a human feel.

Step 14: Add a Snare

• Open another MIDI channel with Drum Synth.
• Select Gritty Snare.

Step 15: Record the Snare

• Record a snare pattern and keep it simple. Adjust the timing if necessary.

Step 16: Add a Kick

• Open a new MIDI channel, load Drum Synth, and select Tight Kick.

Step 17: Record the Kick

• Ensure a kick lands at the start of each bar. Add ghost notes for swing and adjust their velocity for subtlety.

Step 18: Add Bass

• Open another Retro Synth and select the Sublevel Bass preset.
• Adjust semitones and cents to zero.

Step 19: Play Bass Notes

• Play along with your beat. Keep it simple and align the bass with the main kick pattern.

Step 20: Record the Bass

• Record the bassline at a higher octave for clarity, then lower it to the correct octave in the MIDI editor.

Step 21: Add a Second Synth Layer

• Open another MIDI channel, load Retro Synth, and select Tri Pulse Lead.

Step 22: Experiment with Chords

• Play around with different chord voicings to add harmony to your beat.

Step 23: Record the Second Synth

• Record a simple chord progression and make minor edits in the MIDI editor.

Step 24: Add Ear Candy

• Open a new MIDI channel, load Retro Synth, and select Transmissions.

Step 25: Create Ear Candy

• Duplicate the first synth’s MIDI region. Delete all notes except the root note of the first hit.

Step 26: Position Ear Candy

• Place the ear candy in one or two spots within the loop to create accents.

Step 27: Add More Ear Candy

• Duplicate the ear candy track, select the Breezy preset, and move it to another spot in the loop.

Step 28: Extend to Eight Bars

• Select everything and press Command + R to duplicate your four-bar loop into an eight-bar loop.

Step 29: Add Variation

• Duplicate the Cheerful Melody track and name it Cheerful Melody 2.
• Edit the last four bars for contrast. Try pitching it up or tweaking the sound.

Step 30: Save Your Project

• Save your session! Your eight-bar loop is ready for vocals.

Next Steps: Turn Your Loop into a Finished Beat

Creating an eight-bar loop is just the start. To transform it into a complete beat ready for release, you’ll need a solid workflow. Check out THIS ARTICLE & VIDEO where I share the steps to release-ready🔥

Peace out.