## Drag in a Drum Loop We can start forming a drum pattern by selecting audio samples from Soundbase. Some samples are longer loops, containing multiple hits or even multiple drums, while others are single sounds, called one-shots. The main difference is that loops include more information, such as several drum hits or layers, whereas one-shots are individual hit.  ![[Making a Beat with Audio Drum Samples _0.excalidraw.svg]] ## Converting the Loop to OneShots While you can program drums using either method, I’m going to guide you through using one-shots. If you have a loop, I’ll first explain how to extract individual hits from it to create one-shots. ### Tab to Transient With the Tab to Transient mode enabled, pressing the Tab key moves the cursor directly to the beginning of the next transient, allowing for precise navigation through the audio file. This feature is particularly useful when converting loops into one-shots, as it helps you accurately locate the start of each drum hit. By pressing Option + Tab, you can move back to the previous transient, giving you full control over positioning your edit points. This method ensures that you can isolate and extract individual drum hits with ease, preparing them for use as one-shots in your drum pattern. ![[ProTools - Making a Beat with Audio Drum Samples - Tab to Transient.mp4]] ### Make Cuts Once you've located the beginning of the drum hit using the transient, you can then decide where you want the hit to end. To make a clean edit, position your cursor and press Cmd + E to use the separation command, cutting the audio at your chosen point. Afterward, you can delete any surrounding material that isn't relevant to the one-shot. ![[ProTools - Making a Beat with Audio Samples - Cutting at Transients.mp4]] ## Creating a Basic Drum Pattern Now, let’s program a simple drum pattern in Pro Tools using one-shot audio samples. Before starting, you’ll need to adjust the grid resolution to ensure the samples are placed accurately. To adjust the grid, use Shift - to decrease the grid resolution and Shift = to increase it. 1. **Kick drum**: Begin by dragging your kick drum sample onto the first beat of each measure. Since there are 4 beats per measure, place the kick on each quarter note (Beat 1, Beat 2, Beat 3, and Beat 4). This will create a steady and solid foundation for your pattern. ![[Making a Beat with Audio Drum Samples .excalidraw.svg]] 2. **Snare drum**: Next, position the snare drum sample on Beats 2 and 4 of each measure. These snare hits provide sharp accents, creating contrast and driving the groove forward. They’ll fall on every second beat. 3. **Closed hi-hat**: Finally, add your closed hi-hat sample to the eighth-note subdivisions. Since there are 8 eighth notes per measure, distribute the hi-hat evenly between the beats. In Pro Tools, drag the hi-hat sample to each eighth-note division, ensuring a consistent, fast-paced rhythm. After placing all the samples, play back the track to hear how the kick, snare, and hi-hat blend together to form your basic drum pattern.  ![[06. DAW Operation/ProTools/Drum Programming/_attachments/image-3.png|DAW Operation/ProTools/Drum Programming/_attachments/image-3.png]]