Making EDM – Hihat sequencing techniques

Hihats are used to in conjugation with the「kick」and「snare」to add groove and expand on the tonal range of the kit.

「Snares」generally provide stronger accents,
but hats are great for subtly implying grooves in a beat.

In this article, we will focus on「hat」sequencing techniques.

Sound design

Hihat basic patterns

The strength of a hihat can depend largely on how its sequenced.
Placing an strong「open hat」on the「8th note offbeat」is a common technique used in EDM.

If you want to accent smaller subdivisions, place the notes on the 「16th note offbeat」.
This gives your song a sense of speed.

Developing hihat patterns

After sequencing like above, you may feel「it’s boring after a while..」
If that’s the case, try changing the sounds of the offbeat closed hihats.
It will create a more natural sound, and get rid of that repetitive feel.

You can also add PAN to individual hat sounds,、
creating motion in the beat with your hihats.

This isn’t recommended for live hats, but is used alot in electronic music.

After adjusting the PAN, change the pattern to fit the movement accordingly.
You will end up with an even cooler beat.