Crash Course on DRUM Production in FL Studio

Everything you need to know about drums in one place. Most of these techniques work across any genre—hip-hop, electronic, pop, R&B, and more.

The focus here is on placement, bounce, sound selection, and essential mixing, using practical methods that translate directly into better-sounding beats.

Drum Placement Fundamentals

Before touching mixing or effects, placement is where drums either work or fall apart. Where each element sits in the grid determines the groove, energy, and overall feel.

Snare and Clap Placement

The snare or clap is one of the most recognizable anchors in a beat. While other drums can be used here, these are by far the most common.

There are two placements you’ll hear constantly:

  • A slightly earlier hit, common in electronic music
  • The most common placement, heard in:
    • Hip-hop
    • Electronic
    • Pop
    • R&B

This position defines the rhythm and creates familiarity. It’s simple, effective, and widely used for a reason.

“This placement shows up in almost every style of modern music.”

Kick Drum Placement

The kick is the loudest drum in most beats. Along with the 808, it acts as the heartbeat.

Key rule:
The kick should almost always start right at the beginning.

From there, you can get creative:

  • Add secondary kicks later in the bar
  • Place hits in pockets that feel natural
  • Adjust placement based on the groove you want

Once your kicks are in place:

  • Select all notes
  • Increase velocity so they hit harder

This ensures the kick maintains its role as the foundation.

Percussion Placement

Percussion includes bongos, auxiliary drums, or even abstract sounds. These work best when they support, not dominate.

One of the strongest placements is on the third steps of the grid.

Why this works:

  • Adds rhythm without clutter
  • Creates movement
  • Keeps the groove interesting

Percussion is flexible, but consistency here tends to sound clean and intentional.

Open Hats and Transitional Sounds

Open hats, toms, or sound effects can be used to reset the loop or introduce energy.

Effective placements include:

  • The start of a section
  • Transitional moments
  • Between main drum hits

There’s no strict rule here—this is where experimentation pays off.

Have fun with it. These sounds are meant to add character.

Hi-Hats: Keeping It Simple and Effective

Hi-hats don’t need to be complicated to sound good. In fact, simplicity often creates the most bounce.

Basic Hi-Hat Patterns

A common approach is:

  • Fill every two steps
  • Keep the rhythm consistent

This alone can work—but it gets better with small changes.

Velocity Variation

Changing velocities adds groove instantly.

  • Softer hits between louder ones
  • Subtle movement instead of robotic repetition

Even one small adjustment can make a big difference.

Creating Bounce with Space

Removing notes is just as powerful as adding them.

Try this:

  • Remove hi-hats where kicks or snares hit
  • Let other drums breathe

This makes key elements stand out and adds natural bounce.

Rolls and Third-Step Timing

Switching the grid to one-third step introduces more swing.

Best places for rolls:

  • Just before the snare
  • Just after the snare
  • Between percussion hits

Adjust velocities on rolls to avoid harsh repetition.

Small changes over time keep drums alive.

Every four or eight bars, introduce a slight variation—often as simple as an extra roll.

Working with 808s

For many producers, the 808 is the favorite drum—and for good reason. But before placing a single note, there are three essential steps.

Step 1: Tune the 808

Make sure the 808 is tuned correctly.

  • Check the pitch
  • If it’s not in C, adjust it to match

An untuned 808 will never sit right in the mix.

Step 2: Set the 808 to Cut Itself

This prevents overlapping notes.

Without this:

  • Notes bleed into each other
  • Low end becomes muddy

With cut-itself enabled:

  • Clean transitions
  • Controlled low end

Step 3: Make Space with EQ

Other instruments should not compete with the 808.

  • Use EQ
  • Cut around 200 Hz on non-bass elements

This clears space where the 808 lives and improves clarity.

Laying Down the 808 Pattern

A simple and effective approach:

  1. Identify the chord progression
  2. Use the root notes
  3. Sketch the rhythm loosely

From there:

  • Listen through
  • Move notes for better bounce

Another option is copying the kick pattern. However, using fewer overlapping hits often creates more groove.

Adding Bounce with Octave Shifts

Pitching select short notes up an octave adds movement and interest.

  • Hold control
  • Press up to shift octave

Not every note needs this—experiment and trust what sounds right.

Popular music often shares similar drum rhythms.

Advanced Drum Techniques

Once the foundation is solid, subtle tricks can elevate the beat.

Reverse 808 Effects

A simple but powerful technique:

  1. Clone the 808
  2. Reverse it
  3. Set both to cut by one

Place the reversed note leading into the main 808 hit. This creates a smooth, impactful transition.

Panning Percussion

Some drums sound better outside the center.

  • Pan percussion left and right
  • Use subtle movements
  • Keep kicks and snares centered

This widens the beat and improves separation.

Layering Drums

Layering adds weight and texture.

Examples:

  • Add a second hi-hat filling every four steps
  • Combine snares with different textures
  • Alternate layers instead of stacking everything

This enhances bounce without overcrowding.

Drum Mixing Essentials

Mixing is what makes drums cut through the mix.

Sound Selection Comes First

Good drum sounds make everything easier. Quality samples reduce the need for heavy processing.

Kick and 808 Balance

  • Center the kick or set it to mono
  • Keep kick and 808 as the loudest elements

For the 808:

  • Cut below 20 Hz
  • Remove unnecessary low energy

This tightens the low end without losing power.

Panning and Placement in the Mix

  • Snare: center or slightly offset
  • Percussion: panned outward
  • Hi-hats and open hats: slightly to the sides

This creates width and clarity.

Master Bus Control

A simple approach works best.

  • Use a soft clipper
  • Or a limiter
  • Or a combination of both

This controls peaks and keeps the beat sounding full and clean.

Drums don’t need complexity—just intention, space, and balance.