AFX Drums: Chaos in Order - how to GLITCH like Richard D. James | Aphex Twin Beats

► / captainpikant Support us on Patreon and get access to lots of drum patterns, cheat sheets and more!
In this video we'll analyze 6 of our favourite Aphex Twin signature moves that you can also use to spice up your own beats - whether it's in your drum machine, your DAW, or any other sequencer.
► More ideas on how to shorten drum sounds on different equipment (free Patreon post):
/ new-aphex-twin-95927433
Featured drum patterns (transcriptions available on Patreon):
Aphex Twin - Alberto Balsalm (excerpt)
Aphex Twin - Blackbox Life Recorder 21f (excerpt)
Aphex Twin - T.69 Collapse (excerpt)
Aphex Twin - Minipops 67 (excerpt)
Aphex Twin - Heliosphan
Aphex Twin - 1st 44 (excerpt)
Aphex Twin - XTAL
Aphex Twin - Tha (excerpt)
Gear used:
OXI One
Elektron Syntakt
Elektron Digitakt
Roland TR-6S
Arturia Keystep
Arturia Delay Tape-201
Arturia Mini V
Seaboard RISE 2 provided by ROLI
TAL-Drum
Valhalla Delay
Valhalla VintageVerb
► Instagram / captainpikant
#aphextwin #analysis #afx #drummachine #drumpattern #beatmaking #idm #glitch #drums #tutorial #ambient #sounddesign #warprecords #synthesizer
0:00 Introduction
0:42 Found Sounds
2:49 Super Short Sounds
9:06 Spot Effects
10:44 Ratchets
16:45 Three Levels of Minimalism
18:29 Cut The Decay
20:46 Putting It All Together
Produced by Jean-Claude Dirckx and Sophie Hoppstädter

[@thomasweiler5319]

Wild...i was listening to Aphex on my way into work this morning and when I sat down at my desk, I looked up some Aphex glitch drum tutorials to listen to in the background. Went back and refreshed the search and bam, new upload from the best drum machine channel in the game, on that exact thing. Excited to watch.

[@CaptainPikant]

Haha thank you so much :) Seems like the universe desperately wants you to make some glitch beats...

[@thomasweiler5319]

@@CaptainPikant I'm dogsitting this weekend and brought my Syntakt and Digitone, so I think I have my work cut out for me the next few days......

[@thomasweiler5319]

@@CaptainPikant also, thank YOU. I'm a string player by training so melody and harmony feel very natural, but programming drums definitely does not, so I come to your channel religiously to study

[@SimonZerafa]

​@@CaptainPikantClearly an example of synchronicity 🙂🤷‍♂️

[@amhamper]

​@@thomasweiler5319 Don't forget the dogs!

[@ecrylian]

13:01 Lets split the difference and ask for a Squarepusher one then! In all seriousness tho this is a really great video, been a fan of afx for a while and this is a fantastic insight into how he acheived those drum sounds, great watch!

[@Overcrox]

I second the request for Squarepusher!

[@voltagefiction7254]

Squarepusher please!

[@TyroneCLove]

Yes please !

[@diglet553]

A Squarepusher video would be very nice!

[@myousickoflife]

All you need to know about Venetian Snares is that he is from Winnipeg, Canada. There's not much else to do up there than become a mad beat making scientist. Love him.

[@kerbalis3298]

my biggest flex is that i have the snares man vinyl

[@physicschaosdev]

he also lives in a parallel universe where people use 7/4 instead of 4/4

[@misterkerker]

DGOHN

[@roydean]

One of the most original and cool educational channels ever. Thank you!

[@CaptainPikant]

Thanks so much Roy :) :)

[@patrickrainey305]

Bro, I’m just your average guy, but I Hella Hella appreciate your videos. They’re amazing. It’s people like you better make the Internet a better place and by extension the world a better place. we spend so much time on the Internet now a days around so much garbage contact I’m not being dramatic when I say your videos are actually really important. What people consume affects how they feel and when they consume content that’s thoughtfully made by somebody actually passionate about what they’re doing it’s really meaningful. Thank you.

[@CaptainPikant]

Thank you Patrick, that's really kind of you to say :) :)

[@PortervilleMusicSociety]

cannot agree more this is a haven of learning and doing rather than everything else

[@justinr5989]

You’ve put it perfectly! Far afield from music, Alec Steele is a metal forger who brings the same quality and passion (and gentility, even), so based on what you’ve said here I think you’d love him. (I’m not a shill, but he leapt to mind reading your comment)

[@_amih]

"A gentlemans' glitch, if you will." Masterful. Keep it coming, Captain! Joined your Patreon today for the transcripts and goodies, and got hit with this gem a few hours later.

[@CaptainPikant]

Glad to have you on board :)

[@___xyz___]

12:54 get in the habit :-)

[@trevormalcolm4328]

I always look forward and love this series, happy new year!

[@OIP_1]

incredible level of quality and information as always!

[@devalt1]

Yeah this video is a masterpiece and definitely your best video yet guys :D there's sooo much we can learn from Richard's work, so it's great to see some of his techniques compiled and explained in such an effective way!

[@CaptainPikant]

Thanks so much, glad you liked it :)

[@ropesquid2085]

The 'Stop asking for Venetian Snares' got me wheezin

[@funkl0314]

Wow! This is excellent! I’ve been dreaming for this for ages. Thanks so much!

[@woosix7735]

Yes I have been. waiting for this!

[@soundisles]

Incredible presentation. The OXI One has my full attention once more.

[@ChristopherGun]

awesome video! Aphexs creative genius really is something else. You produced a banger at the end thats for sure!

[@crimsonfancy]

Wow! The technique explained is hugely appreciated.

[@willarnold3882]

The subtitles are priceless. Thank you.

[@kaitlyn__L]

“Times has no meaning… Did I leave the stove on?” got a good chuckle out of me. I think the “broken metronome” method is exactly what some of my ambient tracks needed 😊☺️ I’ve got plenty of my own “found sounds” to make the metronome with, like I got a lot of little tinkling hits on wheel spokes lately which I really like.

[@audeon_visual]

This is a great analysis of what makes Aphex Twin so hard to authentically imitate. Even though these are all pretty standard techniques, being restrained in ratchet flourishes, incorporating velocity, and trig conditions make his arrangements so compelling. I have to say however, that the main lesson for me is that I really need to invest in an OXI One. Incredible work captain!

[@iiaaiiaannaaiiaaii]

No kidding- I was already planning what I could sell to fund (Oxi)one two minutes in.

[@OFOTCN]

What do you mean by trig conditions

[@Shin3y]

I’ve been waiting for you to do a video on Aphex Twin. Great video!

[@nickoricko4564]

This video is really well done. Nice job!

[@mrfish4572]

Brilliant video and one of the very few, if not only video that actually has corrected got to the heart of how Richard D. James makes his music. Its actually very simple but very effective.

[@Licherous]

thanks cap, been a fan of aphex twin for probably over 20 years now

[@gabrielsyme4550]

Every video of yours is a handful of new tricks, this is is amazing

[@CaptainPikant]

Thank you so much, we always try to put something new in :)

[@cheapgrooves5467]

Wow unbelievably cool video. Learned a lot. Outro sounded very good as well.

[@Kyle-xk4ke]

Your sense of humour is amazing 😂Congrats on almost 100k subscribers 👍

[@stefan1024]

Fantastic video and great ressource, thanks.

[@PeterPepper93]

Wow the level of work behind this is just plain... respect🎉

[@TheActualJae]

Love the end jam on this one…just, dang! ❤❤

[@CaptainPikant]

Thanks Jae we're really happy you like it :) :)

[@Gasparzinho311]

This is a masterpiece

[@rudyrudy6882]

Thank you for your work!!you are really amazing, I can’t re- do that at home, but incredibly grateful! Thanks to Richard too 🙏🇧🇪 Pure perfection, but when I do my Beat it’s more intuitive than sound like a bit like, Richard… no one can he so much exploring mindfulness as him

[@b-HAL9000]

I'm a patron and it's my best spent dollar - you're AMAZING dude !

[@CaptainPikant]

Thank you so much! :) :)

[@alexs8416]

Thank You! Great Job | Done is Done | the morning glow is arrive 🦁

[@Xerin]

Do a video on Venetian Snares!

[@Xerin]

Nvm😞

[@matthewbrooks4024]

Tremendously insightful and entertaining vid!

[@shikakuatama]

So fire. Thank you for all the effort and care you put into these.

[@Pastryarchy]

This is wild, thank you so much

[@CL-hq4cf]

I've just started getting into sample sequencers, and I've gotta say your vids are so damn educational. And entertaining! I lol'd at the JD Beck and Keyser Soze lines. Great stuff!

[@InvertedFantasies]

The video is truly amazing. Especially your way of explaining things, by combining them with that funny, precious edit. Great job!

[@benjamink7105]

Richard you son of a...opening with the sample of a lip guitar? I'm crying. Great video, can't wait to watch the rest! That was crazy...

[@SuperRingoffire1]

Thanks for some great inspiration and ideas 👌😁☮️

[@elcasho]

Well done!

[@S14M07]

I think this is how I found out about Aphex Twin. I’m a drummer myself, and I’ve always found glitchy drums super interesting!

[@Mode-7]

Loved the JD Beck shout out

[@adamarmstrong9408]

Love this vid ,been an aphex fan since the mid ninties ,glad you covered his recent work 🤙

[@CaptainPikant]

Yes I think his new stuff is just as good as the "classics"! :)

[@casbahrockin]

Another awesome vid! Thanks ❤️

[@PortervilleMusicSociety]

Ive copied most of these videos into my mc101. would love a book and course here eventually ty so much for your clear instruction and terms. you always give me hope and tools and i love it

[@CaptainPikant]

That's so great to hear! We're actually writing a "Drum Machine 101" book www.patreon.com/posts/drum-machine-101-95208527 There are just a few chapters right now but we plan on adding more this year :)

[@missinforecordsltd]

this is the best video on afx drums so far but I've still yet to see someone breakdown the Richard d James album drums they are wild. like mainly the stuff on peek and yellow calx. but still this video is great

[@recordhigh]

definitely the best video on his drums - unlike all the videos that just talk about repeating and "glitchy" drums

[@Sinnersainthuman]

always killin it Captain 💚

[@CaptainPikant]

Thanks so much Jay :) :)

[@alex11v3]

Hey, you heard my suggestion about a Aphex video! Thanks a lot, as always amazing content

[@martinschissler9208]

such a good episode. thanks

[@federicobondi5393]

Great examples and always interesting :)

[@jaumepp1975]

Amazing, man!!!

[@artvandelay3282]

The elektron boxes are really good for this. It wasnt until i got one for myself that i started programming my drums this way. When you add trig conditions and two lfos into the mix. You can have fun for ages, and multitrack record with overbridge. There really is no better way to write electronic music

[@petereaston8456]

Yes mate this is rad 👏

[@JoriDiculous]

Been listening to Aphex Twin and his alter egos (Polygon Window is well worth a dive) since the early 90's. One of the most innovative and influential artist since. Pretty cool that he built (and rebuilt) his instruments back then. Crazy.

[@real_anxst]

Amazing work as always. Funny, inspiring, informative. Love the math homework/track name work, too perfect. Also, can we get a Venetian Snare's video that just explains why we can't get a Venetian Snares video? 😂

[@CaptainPikant]

Thanks so much @real_anxst! The summary of that video would be: Venetian Snares goes brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrt, Aphex Twin goes brrrrt, which is just the right amount of brrrrt for me ;)

[@leogallagher2736]

LOL​@@CaptainPikant

[@edgarsmakens]

Fantastic video.

[@blacky9906]

Amazing, please more

[@eggyben]

this is so good

[@totalSLACK]

this is my first post as a new sub, and I hafta say, I can get down with getting a lil... "aphex twin-y" 💚

[@iiaaiiaannaaiiaaii]

Dear Captain and Beat Bunny, this was MASTERFUL! I laughed, I cried. Most importantly I'm headed straight to the beat box. You never cease to inspire. Thank you.

[@CaptainPikant]

That's so great to hear :) :)

[@Akuminou]

You do an incredible, tremendous work !! Thank you so much for your hard work and sharing your knowledge. I guess you dont take requests, but still I hope one day you offer us an analysis on the work of Amon Tobin

[@woosix7735]

Damn that so funny, the cat walking over keyboard and the song pronociatian guide.

[@BadTeacherUA]

Brilliant!

[@morgan0]

the variable note length thing is something i stumbled into recently. i was writing a pattern for a single perc that was decently long (still short) with a fairly consistent volume over it's length but a changing timbre, and i used a long and short note to sound more interesting than just a single note length and single timbre

[@CaptainPikant]

That's true, it's also a great tool even if you're not aiming for obvious glitch effects!

[@Leon-yr3bu]

Pikant is the best 😎

[@emphatic001]

These videos are becoming funnier.

[@soundfx68]

That comment about JD Beck, nice to know I'm in good musical company - subbed.

[@flamesintheattic]

Cool tutorial. The Twin also frequently makes melody/pads that repeat rhythmically in a loop and then he the usual rhythm instruments (drums) carry the melody in a sneaky reversal. The bass is always the bass!

[@ottsch]

Perfect demonstration of the seaboard

[@chycor]

Great fun content for music nerds 👍 oh, and I learnt a lot

[@urluberlu2757]

Great! Thanks for sharing...Subscribed!

[@user-fe7ue8tz1e]

Thanks! Top! Job!

[@CorentinHarbelot]

Hilarious and inspired. Great job!

[@neniv]

While bummed about not having a Venetian Snares video, I was pleasantly surprised to see his name be brought up in this video, as I found him branching out from Aphex Twin in the early stages of my experience listening to electronic music of this nature. When I was in high school I considered Aphex Twin, Venetian Snares, and Squarepusher the holy trinity of modern electronic music at the time.

[@farlandu_wmv]

probably my fav video of yours so far, mainly because i get all the jokes lmao. but still, awesome work on this!

[@CaptainPikant]

Thank you :)

[@OoraMusic]

great video!

[@DeathMayBeYourSantaClausz]

"The universe demands balance" - came for the drums, stayed for the poetry

[@elektronzer3809]

the choke method works great on the Analog Rytm with with 8 of the twelve voices being shared.

[@ChaosBeforeOrder]

Thank you

[@electronictiger]

Great video! Very nicely done indeed, as always really.I dig the visual effects on the outro tune. I gotta ask though, what is it that makes it that a v.snares video is not gonna happen? Anyway, don't go gentle into that good night!

[@Digiphex]

Good use of your OXI!

[@oxiinstruments]

indeed!!

[@inputmonitor]

One of the few "gear" channels that actually can play.

[@teleman-11]

Double thumbs up!

[@IcedDoubleYT]

Guter Video Bruder

[@ilikefarting]

the track u made at the end rly reminds me of the tuss, would love to be able to download it

[@FoundationStepper]

APHEX 🥰🥰🥰 TWIN 🙌✨

[@beetheimmortal]

I really hope you do a video about Amon Tobin someday. his drums are insanely complex sometimes.

[@JLeonSarmiento]

Thanks🙏

[@adityatadoori8989]

More aphex twin pls❤

[@nothin-yy4gn]

I laughed out loud for about 5 minutes when I learned what the "i" in IDM stood for.

[@manuelsirotti9340]

Man, really a great video, thanks! One of the most helpful videos I've ever seen on rhythms. I'm a big fan of Aphex Twin too. I was noticing how you use the Oxi one and it seems to be great for beat production. I always see it, used with external hardware but on this Tal sampler drum, it seems to work really beautifully! I wanted to ask you, if the Tal drum then gives you separate rhythm channels on the Daw? So I could put effects in post and mix the drums as I want! PS every time you show the Oxi one in the video without external machines, are you using it with the sampler Tal drum in your Daw? Thank you very much dude !

[@CaptainPikant]

Hi Manuel, yes you can route each channel in TAL-Drum to a separate output so you can mix the instruments individually and put FX on them :) And yes it's always TAL-Drum except on Heliosphan where we used D16 Drumazon 2 for the 909 sounds.

[@manuelsirotti9340]

@@CaptainPikant Hi :)) Incredible how well the Oxi one works in production! Thank you !

[@manuelsirotti9340]

@@CaptainPikant Can I ask you for advice? I'm not interested in controlling external analog devices but in controlling samples. I was fascinated by how he managed the samples with the gate and in a simple way on velocity etc. and how the grid was clear and explicit but I was wondering since it costs so much is there a device that can do the same equally well that costs less?

[@CaptainPikant]

@@manuelsirotti9340Not that I know of. But you could always do this in the DAW.

[@manuelsirotti9340]

@@CaptainPikant Yes of course but going crazy with a lot of editing ;) With this Oxi it seems really very comfortable. Didn't I ask you what you think about Oxi one? Thanks for your beautiful video even if it will cost me some money hahaha

[@dankro279]

Great stuff. Must have been an enormous amount of work you have put into this. Totally worth a patreon support!! Do you happen to know why there is no track called mangle eleven on my "drukqs" album originally bought around 2001?

[@CaptainPikant]

Thanks so much! It's possible that it's only included in the later reissues of the album?

[@arianeshtehardian]

Bonus track released on Soundcloud and added to the digital release of drukqs on his online store, never released physically!

[@florafunk4515]

Best one yet there tiger!!!

[@MrZensphere]

All the ratcheting techniques are super easy in a tracker using retrigger commands and the shortened drum bursts are easily done with cut commands

[@FluxFreeman]

Love it

[@cckeysify]

You are sooooooooooo smart dude

[@LarsenEirikMiinea]

I was already watching the video with extreme interest, but the moment you mention the pocket calculator and the melody of kraftwerk (19:40) starts it was like instant. Little detail that was unimportant to the purpose of the video but that I enjoyed a lot.

[@CaptainPikant]

Thanks!! That was actually one of The Intern's ideas and I was also very happy about it :)

[@hdslave]

Good effort

[@WARDISWARD]

ON the cirklon it's a lot easier because we have 4 aux commands per step , ideal for ratcheting , polyrhytms , repeats etc ...and that's exactly why Richard used a cirklon