First 20 minutes from class

RnB Drum Programming Overview

In this workshop, we dive deep into the art of RnB drum programming, focusing on groove, MIDI Sequencing tricks, and minimal drum placement approach. RnB drums live in the space between rhythm and emotion, where timing, dynamics, and sound choice matter as much as the notes themselves.

RnB grooves often feel relaxed yet intentional, slow but constantly moving. Whether it’s syncopation, triplet bounce, or 6/8 slow motion beats, the drums are designed to support vocals and harmony while still carrying the song forward. In this session, we break down how to build those grooves from the ground up inside Ableton Live.

This workshop is about understanding why RnB drums feel the way they do, and how to recreate that feel using practical tools, MIDI techniques, and mixing approaches that translate across modern, Old-School, alternative, and neo-soul influenced RnB.

How to RnB Drum Programming

• Understanding RnB Groove
• Learn what defines RnB drum feel and how it differs from hip hop, trap, and pop.
• Pocket Over Precision
• Focus on timing, dynamics, and space instead of rigid quantization.

MIDI Tools and Sequencing Techniques

• Advanced MIDI Editing
• Use velocity shaping, note length, and micro timing to create natural movement.
• Humanized Layering
• Combine MIDI clips, groove pools, and subtle offsets to avoid static patterns.

Browser Organization for Fast Creativity

• Curated Drum Sound Palettes
• Organize kicks, rims, claps, and percussion for fast decision making.
• Sound Before Pattern
• Learn how choosing the right sounds first leads to better grooves faster.
• Sound Similarity Inspiration

Syncopated, Triplets, and Bounce Grooves

• Off Grid Rhythm Design
• Create grooves that lean forward or pull back without losing cohesion.
• Triplet Feel and Swing
• Explore triplet based timing and bounce that feels smooth instead of forced.

6/8 Time Signatures and Slow Motion Beats

• Beyond 4/4
• Program drums in 6/8 for slow motion RnB
• Slow Tempo Energy
• Make slow beats feel full, emotional, and alive without overcrowding the rhythm.

Sound Selection and Layering

• Choosing the Right Drums
• Learn why RnB drums are often softer, rounder, and more textured.
• Layering with Intention
• Stack drums for tone and character rather than loudness.

RnB Drum Mixing

• Depth and Space
• Use EQ, compression, saturation, and reverb to place drums in a vocal friendly mix.
• Glue Without Overprocessing
• Keep drums cohesive and warm while preserving dynamics and groove.
• Mixing inside Drum Racks

This workshop is for all levels, whether you are new to Ableton or already comfortable with beat making but want your RnB drums to feel deeper, smoother, and more musical. You’ll leave with repeatable techniques, organized workflows, and a clearer understanding of how to program RnB drums that groove naturally and support the song every time.

Project from Class

A custom drum rack packed with 32 production ready sounds. Everything you need to start creating RnB drums in any sub-genres and any RnB drum style.

The sound similarity feature can be used to get endless more drum kits from this rack as covered in class.

RnB Drum Bus

A custom audio effect rack to mix and master your RnB Drums. This rack includes:

• Linear Phase frequency splitter with high frequency stereo widener
• SSL Glue Compression
• Multi-Band Tube and Diode Clipping
• Low Frequency Enhancer
• Analog Style EQ Curves
• Hard Clipping
• M/S Limiting

What's Included with this session

• 2+ hours of Ableton Certified Training Video
• Ableton RnB Drum Programming Project
• Custom mixed Drum Rack with 32 production ready sounds
• RnB Drum Bus Audio Effect Rack
• PDF with a list of Sample Packs, Free Plugins, and Keyboard Shortcuts for RnB Drum Programmin

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Yeuda Ben-Atar, a world renowned Ableton Certified Trainer, hails from Los Angeles, California. Originally from Israel, Yeuda’s passion for music led him to the United States, where he discovered his true calling with Ableton Live in 2007, embarking on a journey of mastery.

He approaches Ableton in a unique way; producing and performing with video game controllers under the moniker Side Brain.

One of Yeuda’s most remarkable qualities is his exceptional knowledge and speed, combined with his unparalleled ability to explain complex concepts in a simple and engaging manner.

With years of experience as a music production instructor and educator, Yeuda has contributed his expertise to prestigious institutions throughout the United States, including USC, UCLA, UCSD, Colburn Music School, Berkley School of Music, Cal Arts, NAMM, Skywalker Sounds, Bedrock LA, Sonos Studios, Sweetwater Headquarters, 1500 or Nothing studios, Grammy U, Pensado’s Place, Vintage King, Museum of Making Music, Lynda.com (now known as Linkedin Learning), and Perfect Circuit Audio, among many others.

His projects have included working with and teaching artists such as Timbaland, Ludacris, Lavel Kali(Beyonce, Drake) DJ Numark and Jurassic 5, Beck, Skrillex, Flying Lotus, Ed Sheeran, Rick Rubin, Giorgio Moroder, Simi, Bootie Brown (Pharcyde), Dave Pensado, Madison Mcferrin and countless others.