How to get over beat Block
If you’ve ever sat in front of your DAW, trying a bunch of different things, and none of it sounds good so you keep trying something new, you’ve experienced beat block. The good news? Every. Producer. Deals. With. It. From beginner producers to Billboard charting ones. Because of this, many solutions have been created.
Today, we’ll cover 10 proven strategies to help overcome beat block.
1. Start with the drums
When creating beats, some producers like to make the melody first. This makes it easy to know where the beat is going go, what the mood is going to be, and what the drums are going to sound like. By starting with the drums, it eliminates a lot of expectations and creates a vibe IMMEDIATELY (even if you still don’t have an idea for a melody). This creates a “vibe first, and make it sound good later” mindset.
This is my personal go-to when I encounter beat block.
2. Use a loop -> Change it after (or not)
Use a loop that already has a view and inspiration built in and build off of that. When you're almost done with your beat, replace that loop with your own sound.
3. Create without expecting
I’ve seen this a lot: a producer sits down and says “alright I want to make house music”, and then spends another 30 minutes try to produce house music. They end up coming up with nothing.
Instead of setting that expectation of creating house music, just start creating “something at all”. Whatever sounds good, will sound good.
4. Try A New Sample Pack
Download a fresh sample pack, use new presets you’ve never used. You’ve used your old ones so many times that you’re used to them. That kills inspiration.
5. Try a New Genre
This one goes directly against number 3 but trust me, it works. Stop making those trap beats bro, try some lofi beats. It will keep you motivated to try something new.
6. Collaborate With Other Producers
Collaborating with other producers means you don’t know what can happen in the beat. This is perfect for killing beat block.
7. Listen to Music or Beats
If you don’t know what to create, don’t create. Go out, listen to music. Maybe one of those songs will inspire you to create something similar.
8. Flip A Sample
Similar to number 2, flip a sample. Find a sample and do the traditional chopping and cutting. It’s popular for a reason.
9. Hum A Melody And Try To Replicate it
Stop clicking in random notes into that piano roll and hopping something will sound good. Instead, turn off the DAW and just imagine and think of a melody or beat that would sound good. Once you have it, turn your DAW back on and try to exactly emulate it.
10. Finish The Beat (Even If It Sounds Bad)
Beat block happens because we keep creating something that we think sounds bad. Sometimes, it doesnt actually sound bad at all, it’s just not a finished product yet. Nick Mira always says “Trust The Process”.
