How Long Does It Take You To Make A Trap Beat/Song?

This article will discuss how long it takes to complete a trap beat or song from scratch.

Trap music is a genre of hip-hop that originated in the Southern United States. Its heavy use of 808 drums characterizes it, sliding basslines, synthesizers, and autotuned Rap/Pop/R&B vocals. A trap beat is a specific type of instrumental used in trap music, which typically features a fast tempo and a heavy bassline.

Here are a few popular trap songs: “Sicko Mode” by Travis Scott feat. Drake, “God’s Plan” by Drake, “Mask Off” by Future, “Rockstar” by Post Malone feat. 21 Savage, “Bodak Yellow” by Cardi B, “Bad and Boujee” by Migos feat. Lil Uzi Vert’s “Congratulations” by Post Malone feat. Quavo, “No Limit” by G-Eazy feat. A$AP Rocky and Cardi B, “Stir Fry” by Migos, and “XO TOUR Llif3” by Lil Uzi Vert.

Now let’s get into the main question.

How Long Does It Take You To Make a Trap Beat/Song?

Some producers may be able to create a basic Trap beat in a matter of minutes, while others may spend hours or even days perfecting it. However, if you count the number of hours (which may be distributed in any number of days), from personal experience, it takes about 1-30 hours to make a trap beat/song.

However, it’s important to note that the time it takes to create a full trap song can vary widely depending on factors such as the song’s length, the lyrics’ complexity, and the overall production quality desired. Let’s break it down.

How do you make Trap music/beat?

To make trap music, you must have a basic understanding of the genre and its essential elements. The trap music genre has evolved over the years, but at its core, it typically includes certain key elements such as fat 808 bass lines, fast hi-hat patterns, and hard-hitting snares or claps.

Let’s see all of that in-depth.

• DAW

The genre is known for its energetic beats and high bass levels, and its popularity has only continued to grow. You will need Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software to create a trap beat. Various options are available, such as FL Studio, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, etc.

FL Studio, for example, offers a great GUI for producing trap beats because of its easy sample drag-and-drop workflow, intuitive & fast MIDI programming, and a simple playlist window for arranging your sections. Given below is the image of a beat arranged in FL Studio.

Once you have your DAW, you can start by selecting a tempo for your beat, usually between 130-160 BPM. A typical trap beat will have a fast-paced tempo, and you must work on creating a consistent beat pattern that flows seamlessly with the bass line.

• 808/bass

The 808 bass line is the backbone of most trap beats. It is a deep, thumping sound that provides a lot of low-end frequency to the track. Once you have your basic beat pattern, you can layer different sounds to create a unique sound. You may want to experiment with different samples and presets to create a unique sound to make your beat stand out.

There are several excellent 808 plugins available, each with unique features and sound characteristics. Some of the best 808 plugins include the Roland TR-808 plugin by Roland, the SubBoomBass 2 plugin by Rob Papen, SubLab XL, etc. The Roland TR-808 plugin is a faithful recreation of the iconic drum machine, providing users with the same classic sound as the original hardware.

The SubBoomBass 2 plugin is known for its powerful bass sound and a range of modulation options, making it a great choice for electronic dance music producers. Finally, the XO plugin and SubLab XL combine drum machine samples with a powerful sequencer, allowing users to create intricate rhythms and patterns easily.

Below is the image of SubLab, one of the best 808 and bass plugins, because of its easy customizations, legato and glide controls, synthesizer x sampler workflow, great range of effects, and different envelopes for volume, control, and pitch.

Programming 808s on an instrument like this takes way less time, as you save a lot of time on processing and setting the tone. The plugin sounds great right off the bat. Overall, these 808 plugins offer high-quality sound and a range of features to help producers create powerful, groovy beats.

• Drums

The next essential element of trap music is the use of hi-hats. These are usually fast-paced and provide a crisp and clean sound to the beat. You can experiment with different patterns, such as double-time or triple-time hi-hats, to create a unique feel to the beat.

Another critical aspect of trap music is the use of snares or claps. These sounds typically hit hard and give the beat a sense of power. They can be used in various ways, such as in the downbeat or as a buildup to the drop. You can also add other percussion elements, such as shakers or tambourines, to add a sense of rhythm and groove.

Once you have your beat, it’s time to start layering in other track elements. This is where you can start synthesizing sounds from your sound library to create a unique melody or riff that will set your track apart. Several synths are popular among trap music producers, each with unique features and sound characteristics.

Some of the best synths for trap music include Serum by Xfer Records, Omnisphere by Spectrasonics, and Massive by Native Instruments. Serum is popular for its powerful sound engine and extensive modulation options, allowing users to create intricate and dynamic soundscapes.

Serum is a great synthesizer for creating synths for the trap genre. It may take 25-30 minutes to create a synth from scratch using the plugin. But plenty of presets are available online by which you can get the right sound in under ten minutes.

For example, you can find the Cyamtics Black Serum Suite and load it on Serum, as it has a dedicated Serum preset pack.

Omnisphere is known for its vast sound library and versatile sound design capabilities, making it a great choice for exploring new and unique sounds. Finally, Massive is a classic synth used in countless trap productions for its ability to create big, heavy bass sounds.

These synths are popular among trap music producers for their high-quality sound and versatility, making them essential tools for creating hard-hitting and dynamic trap beats. Next, you should experiment with different effects, such as distortion, reverb, and delay, to create more complex and interesting sounds.

For example, Mike Dean (producer of NWA, Kanye West, Travis Scott, and more) had a huge role in the evolution of the Trap sound we hear today. Watch the below video to discover how he uses synths to create a great sound design in music.

• Sampling

Next, study sampling is a huge part of hip-hop and trap music. Sampling is a fundamental element of hip-hop and Trap music, where producers use pre-recorded audio clips to create beats and melodies. Samples can be taken from various sources, including other songs, movies, and even video games, and can be manipulated in various ways to create unique and original sounds.

In hip hop, sampling has been used extensively since the genre’s inception, with producers like DJ Premier and J Dilla renowned for their innovative use of samples. In Trap, sampling has also become a well-known technique, with producers often using samples to create the iconic melodies and basslines that define the genre.

• Vocals

Finally, once you have all the track elements in place, it’s time to start arranging and mixing the music. This involves putting all the different parts of the track together to create a cohesive and dynamic whole. You’ll need to experiment with different levels and panning for each element of the track and use EQ and other effects to create a balanced and polished sound.

Secondly, autotune is important in Trap. Autotune is a vocal processing technique that has become synonymous with the trap music genre, with many artists using it to create a unique and distinctive sound. Autotune works by analyzing the pitch of a vocal recording and correcting any off-pitch notes, creating a smoother and more polished sound.

In trap music, autotune is often used to create a melodic and harmonized vocal effect, allowing artists to experiment with different vocal melodies and harmonies that might not be possible with traditional singing techniques. Autotune has become an essential tool for many trap music artists, helping to create a distinct sound and style that has become synonymous with the genre.

• Study other producers

Many producers have contributed significantly to the trap music genre, each with its unique style and approach. Some best trap producers include Metro Boomin, Zaytoven, 808 Mafia, Wandagurl, Mike Dean, Kanye West, Hit-boy, Mike WiLL Made-It, etc.

Metro Boomin is known for his minimalist and hard-hitting beats that have become synonymous with the modern trap sound, producing hits for artists like Future, 21 Savage, and Lil Uzi Vert. Zaytoven is a legendary producer who has been instrumental in shaping the trap sound, having worked with artists like Gucci Mane, Migos, and Future.

Mike WiLL Made-It has been responsible for producing some of the biggest trap hits of the past decade, having worked with artists like Rae Sremmurd, Kendrick Lamar, and Beyonce. Lastly, Kanye’s 808s & Heartbreaks is great for studying the fundamentals of trap production and how the evolution started.

The autotune sound on the album inspired the likes of Drake, Travis Scott, ASAP Rocky, and more. Further, albums like Astroworld by Travis Scott, Future’s Future, Metro Boomin’s Heroes & Villains and Not All Heroes Wear Capes, and Internet Money’s B4 The Storm are great case studies for trap music.

Metro Boomin’ Heroes & Villains

These producers have significantly impacted the trap music genre and helped shape modern hip-hop’s sound, making them some of the industry’s most respected and influential producers.

Finally, after we know what it takes to be a trap producer, I will answer the main question based on other factors.

For an experienced producer with a clear idea of the beat or song they want to create, it might take a few hours to produce a complete track. However, producing a high-quality beat or song could take several days or weeks for someone new to the genre or experimenting with different sounds and techniques.

Making a trap beat typically involves selecting and manipulating individual sounds and samples to create a unique melody and rhythm. This can involve layering multiple sounds, adding effects and filters, and adjusting the tempo and timing of the beat to create a dynamic and engaging sound.

For a complete trap song, the production process may involve additional steps, such as recording vocals, arranging different sections of the song, and adding additional instrumentation and effects to create a fully-realized sound.

We have seen how much detailing it takes to finish a song at a great quality. You must be familiar and experienced with the studio, the DAW, the equipment, the room, all the plugins, music theory, ear training, the synths, the artist’s voice, sample packs, and so much more.

If you are already familiar with these things, completing a trap beat should not take more than a few hours. If not, these are the basic things you need to learn, which you will learn as you create beats and practice. The best way to learn is through trial and error.

Ultimately, the time it takes to make a trap beat, or song can vary depending on various factors. Still, the most important thing is to take the time necessary to create a high-quality and unique sound representing the producer’s vision and style.

Hence, the more experienced you are, the more you understand the genre, the more music you have studied, and the more amount of time you have spent in the studio experimenting with different drums, synths, artists, and your DAW, the faster and better music you can make.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making trap music requires creativity, technical skill, and a deep understanding of the genre. By listening to a lot of trap music, building a sound library, creating beats, layering in other elements, and arranging and mixing the music, you can create unique and infectious tracks that stand out in the genre.

However, it’s important to keep experimenting and pushing yourself creatively, as the world of trap music is constantly evolving and changing. Some producers/artists can take a few hours to create a great-sounding trap song; some could take a few days, some could take a few weeks, and even a few months, depending on the complexity of the arrangement.

With most major artists, there’s a lot of back and forth between a team of producers and engineers, as one may specialize in sound design, and the other may specialize in sound selection. Someone else may specialize in vocal production, and so on. Hence, I recommend trial and error, working in the studio with other artists, and discovering your process.

I hope the article was of help. Thank you for reading.