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Tuning drums

Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2011 8:01 am
by Inanimate
I understand the concept, but is this done to turn drums into more melodic elements in the track (not saying their sequencing isn't melodic, just in a different sense)?
Let's say if you're working in the key of A, and you pitch all your drums to A from C, is that essentially the purpose: so it sits well and sounds better? Because I don't usually tune my drums as I'm just getting into the habit now. If they certain elements don't sound good, can they just be simply pitched to another note in a scale, or whatever sounds best? I see the purpose in tuning kick drums, but I usually leave the rest alone if they sound good, especially the hats. Am I doing it right? :lol:

Re: Tuning drums

Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2011 9:29 am
by glottis5
I usually don't bother unless they sound obviously wrong, I usually tune 808 kicks though

Re: Tuning drums

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 5:10 am
by Ldizzy
^that.

Re: Tuning drums

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 7:08 am
by Manic Harmonic
it's totally unnecessary, but i do it anyway because i think it sounds cool. i think its definately a must for 808's though, also resonant snares (those sound the coolest). although sometimes the resonant snares also sound really trashy and cool if theyre totally off key. when i use 808's or a similar kick (which isnt too often), i tune them to each bass note and use like 3-5 depending on the song.

Re: Tuning drums

Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 8:33 am
by Sparxy
I personally don't bother unless it obviously sounds wrong. Alot of people do though, and I tend to do it more when i'm making more minimal, spacey stuff where the sounds really need to work with each other. In more tearouty stuff there are so many frequencies flying around everywhere that it doesn't seem to matter as much