Maschine Live – Learn to build, edit and perform a groove using finger drumming

In this seven video course for Maschine, we will take a look at how to build a basic groove using finger drumming, overdubbing, and/or step sequencing, how to add variations in a live setting, using effects and automation live, adding ghost notes to your grooves, how to setup a kit for finger drumming, using swing in Maschine live, and even live sequencing!

* I use the Maschine Studio hardware and have the camera focused on it throughout, but the topics in the course can be applied to all versions of the Maschine hardware.

Build a ‘Skeleton Beat’

In “The Skeleton Beat” the first video of the series, we learn how to create a simple beat using only three sounds.

These beats form the backbone of the entire performance on Maschine, and can be tailored to fit many genres or aesthetics. We first take a look at finger drumming these beats, and then at quickly sequencing them.

This method is a great place to start with live performance in Maschine. With a solid rhythmic and stylistic foundation, it is easy to expand a performance to include virtuosic finger drumming, stylistic sample flips, and memorable moments.

From here, one can build a groove quickly and easily.

Adding Variation

In “Adding Variation” we add some variation to the skeleton beat created in the first video in the series.

Having previously played everything in eighth notes, we expand to playing sixteenth notes in-between. Likewise, we look at using both hands as opposed to just one hand.

As with the first video, we use both the sequencer and finger drumming to add these variations.

This video serves as an excellent template for moving beyond a simple skeleton beat.

Record Automation Live

“Recording Automation in Live Performance” introduces use of Maschine’s built-in effects into the course.

These techniques can be applied to both Maschine’s factory-supplied DSP effects, as well as any VST or Audio Units plugins.

Practicing the use effects while finger drumming is covered.

Recording automation in a live setting is also covered.

These techniques are important for creative transitions in Maschine.

Introducing Ghost Notes

In “Introducing Ghost Notes” practice and performance methods are covered, focusing on ghost notes as a next step.

The ability to play and sequence ghost notes on pads could be considered a threshold one needs to cross in order to take live performance with Maschine to the next level.

Playing with velocity sensitivity is introduced in this video.

How to play ghost notes at fixed velocity is also covered.

Set Up For Finger Drumming

“Setting Up a Kit for Finger Drumming” covers how to re-arrange sounds using only the Maschine hardware.

Some tips and tricks are introduced for common arrangement schemes or layouts that are conducive to finger drumming.

Additionally, using multiple copies of sounds is covered. This allows the user to use both hands and build speed using different finger drumming methods.

Live Sequencing

“Live Sequencing” serves as an introduction to using Maschine’s sequencing capabilities in a live setting.

The step sequencer is covered, including tips and tricks for creative uses of step sequencing and “beating the clock,” or sequencing in near-real time.

In addition, use of pattern length and other parameters is introduced in order to provide creative additions to simple step sequencing.