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6. Programming mixed-resolution, trap-style hi-hat patterns

1 Here in Logic Pro X, we have a simple, two-bar kick and snare-based beat in 4/4 at 70bpm, to which we’re going to add a tricky, mixed-meter hi-hat part. Having a slow tempo helps when programming parts like this, as it gives you more scope to add fast, double-time notes more easily.

2 We start simply by adding some eighth-note hat beats to the first half of bar 1, as shown. We’ll fill the first two beats with two pairs of triplets, so we switch the grid resolution to 1/16T (/ 24 in Logic parlance) and fill the gaps to create six notes spanning the first two beats.

3 On the next beat, we’re going to have a group of five 1/32 notes, so we switch the grid resolution back to /32. We can either use the Pencil Tool to pencil in the notes, or just copy and paste some of the existing ones by holding down the Alt key and dragging them into position.

4 Starting on beat 1.3, we’re going to continue at our current /32 note resolution, but this time place two groups of three notes in the first seven slots, leaving a one-note gap in the middle. Then we’ll take the first note of the first group and drag it earlier by one 32nd-note, so it hits before the beat.

5 In the next half-bar, we start off minimal by inserting hat notes on the second and third 16th beats. On the fourth one, however, we switch resolution to /64 and go all out with a rapid-fire cluster of four 1/64 notes – that’s four notes in a single 16th – to round off the bar.

6 We kick off the second half of our twobar rhythm with a group of four 32nd notes, so we switch back to /32 resolution to pencil these in. We follow this on beat

2.1.3 with another triplet, which needs to be entered at /24 resolution. To finish, we get rid of the second of our four 32nds.

7 A set of three eighth-note triplets is the order of the day for the next part, so another resolution change is needed – this time to /12 (meaning that each whole bar is divided into 12 segments, three per quarter note). We stick a hat note on each one, ending up with three notes that drag across the beat.

8 It’s back to /32 resolution for the start of the final half-bar, as we pencil in a string of eight 32nd notes starting from beat 2.3. However, with these in place, we then remove the fourth and eighth note, giving us two groups of three. We’re almost done!

9 For a final flourish, we switch to /48 resolution, so we can enter a lavish 32nd-note triplet fill. With the grid at this setting, we plonk hat notes on the fourth beat, and a string of six notes in the last six segments of the bar. When looped, this rolls nicely back to the beginning of our groove. Check it out in our video!