Make A REGGAE Song In ONE HOUR

In this video, Kahn makes a reggae riddim in an hour. The next video in this 2 part series will be on mixing the song heard in the video. Note this video is only the tracking portion. Much of the arrangement and mixing will be done in the second part of the series on mixing. Hope you enjoy.
If you're interested in Kahn's Reggae Drum Sample pack, please shoot him an email him at: [e-mail]
As always, thanks for stopping by!

[@zebedeezimminy]

I watched this video the first time more than a year ago, I've got my reggae drum kit sounding good now thanks to your samples and feel like I'm making steady progress. The thing that impressed me at first and still does is that its like learning from a real person rather than a shouty salesman, you present the music in your own way and the curve balls and unexpected glitches are, as I find, just part of the experience. I was impressed the first time through and this viewing just confirms that impression, you are a big help to all the others who like me want to play that reggae music. Thank you

[@DMKahn]

You made my day David, thanks so much for the feedback, it means the world to me. I am so glad I was able to teach you something and that you’re slowly progressing forward in your journey in making “good reggae music” as I call it. There’s so many reggae legends that are passing from this earth and I feel we need to try our best to carry the torch! All the best to you and your family this holiday season.

[@curtischarles5299]

Cant wait for the mixing part. Thanks for your contribution to this genre on KZbin because there aren't much authentic ones around.

[@DMKahn]

Agree 100%! Thanks brother

[@curtischarles5299]

@@DMKahn i have a suggestion. i think there is a market for reggae midi drum files. somehow i dont see much around for sale.

[@wezzas]

Couldn’t agree more. Respek @DMKahn, continue the great work

[@fallenleaf24]

@@curtischarles5299don’t really need them if vids like this exist. You don’t even need a keyboard as most DAWs allow you to use the computers. If you used MIDI files then every track would sound the same. Reggae is about your flow. So hammer those keys, do one thing at a time if you can’t keyboard drum! & for fills.. you got to keep practicing! All the best on your journey bro! One love!

[@NabilBenseddik-np6fg]

Ça c'est du vrai reagge,super job mon ami😊

[@RGE_Music]

ive been making reggae beats for the past year and thanks to help from dm kahn ive been able to learn so much. Thank you man!

[@DMKahn]

This is why I make these videos, people like you! Thank you for the wonderful comment and best of luck on the reggae journey! Send me a song to [e-mail] i'd love to hear it!

[@FunkyVal]

That bass line is siiiick! I keep looping the whole "just jamming to find something" part 😂 awesome content, peace man ✌️

[@DMKahn]

Big up Val! Thank you 🙏

[@essaysbyken]

Reggae bassist looking to sharpen my producer chops and came to the right place! Really dig the bass. I would have left out the higher octave notes. It's mind boggling how cool stuff can sound simply by leaving big ole parking spaces between phrases. We should never be afraid to leave spaces for hummers and limos.

[@jackcarver5225]

Nice one man, really good effort for an hour. This just goes to show that you can put together the foundation of a riddim in an hour, an hour for drum fills, variations and the arrangement then it's ready for the vocalist! and horns if you're lucky haha. Would love to see a 5 part series like this. 1. Building the foundation 2. Arrangement and finishing touches 3. Vocal session (and live horns) 4. Mixing 5. DUB. A big part of the problem for a lot of us is getting to the stage where we can build a riddim like this but we're not sure how to turn all of these ideas into an arrangement that deserves a vocal or other lead part. Then once you do find someone, it's how to write a decent tune to it and record the lead and backing parts in a way that is going to work for the sound. I wonder if we can get a 'build a riddim in an hour' challenge going? ;)

[@DMKahn]

You understand the vision!! Thanks for the comment and for watching 🔥

[@edwincastle2103]

I must point out that the time you invest in making these videos is a godsend. I have always wanted to learn how to make reggae from someone who loves it and knows what is going on.

[@edwincastle2103]

I was looking for the email but I couldn't find it

[@DMKahn]

[e-mail] be care spelling K A H N

[@mojsterr]

Instead of watching random youtube videos, I just watch your tutorials before going to sleep. I love the melodies you produce. Trying to learn what you teach.

[@SomeMaxiboy]

I honestly like the sound that it's recorded in a room, makes it a bit dirty and casual sounding in a very soothing kind of way. Cool

[@ferencav]

Really nice reggae beat! That bassline was stuck in my head the whole day :) I also liked the little variations you play on the guitar and the organ. Great inspiration to get back at reggae music production. Thanks for showing your skills.

[@DMKahn]

🙏

[@tempstep4058]

Just bought those Drums couple of days ago, people. And I'm making a slow tempo beat like Bob Marley's Crazy Baldheads or Alpha Blondy's Jerusalem. Going well so far.

[@andybowlin]

Thanks for making these videos- Just got back into recording- Love your John Holt- Freddie Mcgregor - Gregory Isaacs styleee and many more- keep that era of reggae alive!

[@DMKahn]

Andy Bowlin YES, the golden era!! Cheers Andy, thanks for the comment

[@danmillward7358]

the beginning is really funny when your having an argument with yourself...good stuff thanks for the video

[@hitbabaji4052]

This guy deserve to be viral ...... Good lesson is, if u don't hv rythem for ur song ..just use chord play multiple times and add bass syncing an play with rythem

[@urbannpa]

I'm going to say this because it needs to be said. I absolutely appreciate these videos. I didn't really get into Reggae until I brought and listened Bob Marley's Birth of a Legend very early '60 Marley (still my favorite album). What was surprising to me and My Brother In Law was going to a Sunsplash concert at the Tower Theater in Philly and seeing Jamaicans and White college kids (who had some good Herb) supporting this music. Black Americans are few a far between when It comes to Reggae. Philly doesn't even have a Reggae radio station and I've been writing and asking why not?

[@kenanbajric1776]

Great stuff man! Keep it up! Can you make a video about arrangement? So, song structure (intro, verses, chorus, bridge), transitions between song parts? It would be strange to all instruments play all the time, so it would be nice to see how to start, when to introduce which instrument etc. Also I would LOVE to see video on how to create basic reggae melodies.

[@DMKahn]

Hey bro that’s a good video idea for sure

[@quentinmorgan3937]

Massive find, I didn't think people like you existed. Fantastic lessons, massive reggae fan, I used to be an A list keyboard player here in the uk but retired . Just started back up again have a small studio. Talk soon, my name is Quentin , but everyone calls me Q. Best wishes Q.

[@DMKahn]

Thanks for stopping by Q, big up 🙏

[@creatiw]

Awesome video man! Thanks for taking the time make this.

[@Diourault]

I make pretty good reggae beats too but Im definitely missing that live bass. It makes a big difference. Great job on this man. I like.

[@rebelion2360]

Excellent video, the effort to share and teach is appreciated. Greetings from Peru

[@christianalvarado528]

11:59 me when I save my project and then open it the next day.

[@netunobeats]

Best reggae channel on youtube, without a doubt

[@DMKahn]

Thank you so much for the comment!

[@movingonup2005]

Wicked brother! Real Solid!

[@DMKahn]

Big up my Cali fams! Thanks for the support breddren

[@Droomtent]

Love the sound of the skank guitar Chris!

[@DMKahn]

Droomtent thanks Peter!! Curious which one you like more, the Ibanez humbucker sound or the tele chop sound, or the combination of both?

[@crazzylee]

Flam drums parts would be a great addition. Sounds like you added some at the end.

[@djtvappdias9353]

Fantastic videos 😉😁, tanksss so much .. I like all your videos, 😁😁

[@gilbertosbfilho]

great video DM, very inspiring, big up from Brazil, I def will apply your methods on my recordings! keep the fire burning bless

[@crazzylee]

Fantastic job man

[@Valdezkhosa]

Actually reggae it's all about bass line!!!! You killed man🤜

[@jonnyfunkson]

Hi Kahn i had a day off work and started my day watching this vid , love wot u do bro and thank you very much for your efforts and your honesty in sharing your knowledge its a great help, i just wished you lived in England :) i will be purchasing ur samples as soon as i can work out how to do it without the wife knowing he he he ,, Bless u bro

[@DMKahn]

Thanks bro! I know the struggle is real hahah

[@seemo1547]

This is so deep inspiring. THX man.

[@danielo174]

Man You are incredible! What a gem.

[@pipypoppy]

Dude this is so awesome, khan. Proud of you. This is cool

[@SammyRowdy]

Thats crazy ! Real source of inspiration. Thank you for this content once more 🙏🏽

[@DMKahn]

My pleasure man, thanks for the support!!

[@z-em4612]

It miss the hardest and longest part: finding chords progression! Everything goes so easy once you found a good one.

[@arkishpromusic3395]

this is a vibe

[@silverkamtv]

I should have found this sooner. 😊. Loving it

[@Simomajola1]

B.E.A.Utiful Sound man.

[@ch0obo]

I would like to see full video of reggae song arrangement!

[@dechamo]

Nice. Love the drums

[@DMKahn]

Thanks for stopping by bro 🙏

[@christopherkouri2317]

Man that baseline is fantastic! Well done sir! Liked and subbed

[@martink5127]

Thxs for your Videos, I inhale them all....

[@OsirisXY]

It's taken me a few hours already, but I've modeled some of these techniques and have a good basis for a song. Thanks for these pointers!

[@DMKahn]

That’s music to my ears buddy! Thanks for sharing and for the feedback.

[@mikaellaflamme4300]

669'th like my brodda , love your tutorials, strating reggae and this is verry helpful! when you mess up it's humbleing, everyone makes mistakes, keep going mall, all but support!

[@johndorleans717]

You are a professional doing that bro wow

[@2190studio]

To add those rolls, you could mute everything, enable the metronome and half the BPM to slow things and thereby giving you time to add the rolls. After, you raise your BPM again.

[@demetriussour5771]

It's just amazing how easy it looks

[@user-ze2dd8tm4e]

It's just too good.

[@DMKahn]

Bless

[@raulortiz9938]

Amazing bass line my friend

[@NappiMusicVideos]

just subscribed dude! it is very easy to see that you know what you are talking about. wishing you continued success and looking forward to catching up on your more current vids... stumbled upon this when I was looking for arrangement inspo for a reggae piece

[@DMKahn]

Respect brother thank you for stopping by 🙏

[@cosmo5179]

Love from the Netherlands!

[@LaurentYvanFrancis]

Hi DM Kahn ! Thanks a lot for your videos ! It's been really helpful and inspiring ! Keep up the good work ! One Love ! 🙏🙏🙏

[@DMKahn]

Thanks for the feedback brother.

[@alexandergriboedov4319]

Thank you for your demo. It's very informative. As for my subjective opinion I like the bass line, that you played at 17:34. It's inspired me for bass line that closer looks like that you played just before 17:50.

[@DMKahn]

My pleasure. Yeah, listening back that was a pretty cool one with the step down note. Feel free to use it! Bless and thanks for stopping by

[@chinkwengelwanda4313]

Thanks for this wonderful tutorial. And your setup is beautiful.

[@DMKahn]

Thanks so much for the support! I see you liking my posts often, I really appreciate it brother.

[@7_PICKLES]

Wonderful work

[@DMKahn]

Thanks so much, God bless you bro

[@fallenleaf24]

The amazing thing is that it’s Logic stock plugins! Well for the plugins that is!

[@Sn4p_Fps]

love the bassline !

[@nocomment238]

Cheers Dude!

[@Ande_Lemenged]

big up bro! its awesome...More TUT!

[@bjet1425]

Just found your channel. Man, I've learned a lot from this video. I love reggae riddims and watching you build one is absolutely inspiring. I only have garageband to work with (for now). Do you recommend Logic Pro as the next upgrade for music production? Appreciate any feedback. Newly Subscribed!

[@DMKahn]

Yes bro! Grab Logic, it’s like GarageBand but has more technical stuff to dive into as well as a load more sounds. Thanks for subscribing ! All the best

[@EddieFaggioli]

Loved this video! Thanks!

[@EddieFaggioli]

Hey, you actually remind me of my self somehow. lol I'm dying to make riddims and sell them. Do you have any videos on mic selection and proper miking techniques to capture a traditional or ragga reggae sound? Also, if you know of any info regarding the rights and how to license riddims, or where to go to find it, please let me know as well. Thank you so much!

[@DMKahn]

Hey man I have a video on how I tracked a remake of the roots Radics rhythm “big ship”. As far as licensing I have no idea 🤷‍♂️ all the best brother best of luck!

[@jttube9977]

You are Just amazing!!

[@soultymaela4173]

Hey Kahn hows it man? I must let you know that you inspire me man, I'm a heavy fan of reggae and Bob Marley does it for me, thanks for this great eye opening content. For that I'll like subscribe and share ✌️

[@DMKahn]

Great to hear, thanks so much for the encouraging comment. God bless you

[@jundytouch]

Great video. What is the link of the continuation to this video? Thanks.

[@DMKahn]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJDLh6ecidBsl9E cheers

[@gaiuskanu3724]

Hello man you are great.

[@robert-jy4hr]

Sounds really cool

[@JahsealFlames-jy7hz]

Ur super cool producer

[@DMKahn]

Thank you brother

[@DJSKAROB]

Big ups! -great vid as always bro...

[@DMKahn]

DJSKAROB big ups to you, you’ve been a contributor to the channel for years! Thanks for the comment

[@johankarlsson1052]

WOW Thats an awesome track man.. I really like the organ and the bass is super good

[@DMKahn]

Thanks Johan!

[@johankarlsson1052]

@@DMKahn your most welcome, i watched the mixvideo too,(learned alot of tricks) you got to have a monstercomputer to handle all those plugins, mine almost cant handel the reverb at the end.. i will defenetly get myself one of those tapemashines, that sounded so good. i would love to hear this track with some nice lyrics

[@johankarlsson1052]

@@DMKahn would love to see and hear you make a dancehallsong . .

[@sperodemus2899]

Very nice khan!

[@pablolavrov5652]

Thank you, for this job!

[@wiseknowin777]

That bass line is tuff bro

[@DMKahn]

Thanks man!

[@TODJOLPROD]

Very cool man!! 😎😎

[@johndorleans717]

Wow wow bro you are the best

[@pr0t0typ50]

My favorite youtube channel! Which amp simulator do you use for the guitar skank ? Thanks for the video.

[@DMKahn]

Pr0t0typ awesome! It’s TH-U Slate edition by Overloud. It comes with my Slate All Access Pass subscription. Highly recommended

[@AdamNissen33]

Thanks for the video. Gotta love that reggae music. I think my heart actually beats on the two and the four!! Anyway, I am impressed with the use of the real (acoustic) percussion instruments and was wondering what you used to mic them. I noticed you leaning over to what appeared to be some sort of second small mic?? cheers. Adam

[@DS-wi3bk]

thanks man, i love it 🤘💯

[@scottejohnson83]

Really dig your work man. Would love to hear some melodica thrown in on one of your tracks! Either real or VST!

[@DMKahn]

Thanks man! My melodica is severely out of tune, I need a new one haha

[@Tryall200]

Excellent. !

[@zac1002]

Good stuff man!

[@rdriddimtv9235]

Ive been waiting for this

[@MrFromthefuture]

great channel ! amazin job

[@chriscrissofiso4455]

Hey..I will love to see your mixing session for both instrumentals and vocals, as an upcoming reggae producer, it is a delight to discover that you been a reggae producer for over 20 years. Lastly, how can I hit you up personally and privately and thanks

[@tasettiecharles7153]

Yea love the vibe

[@michelemartullighettomusic6498]

Big up great reggae man

[@prophetchristonokorochabsc6841]

Thanks for ur lessons, l enjoy it. I will like to work with u

[@DreddXful]

Cool stuff man! Nuff respect. Thanks for the inspiration. What's the DAW you're using there?

[@DMKahn]

Thanks for stopping by man and for commenting! Thats logic

[@prentomedia]

👍 well done. 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@finnkinnara1]

Ye man

[@BraddaAsh]

Aloha Kahn! Stoked on your tutorials! I was wondering: How do you set up your MIDI instruments to be all on one piano roll? (i.e. when you choose from various types of hi-hats/snares etc.) im assuming you arrange on ESX sampler plugin? but how?? mahalos in advance.

[@DMKahn]

Ashton Obrero Hey bro! Thanks for the great question. In the EXS24 sampler you can set it up to be a multi-output. When you go into the editor you can route each set of samples to a different channel. Send me an email and I’ll link you to a good KZbin tutorial that showcase what I’m talking about

[@gravedubreggae]

Hello Brother! greetings from Argentina! Excellent all the information you provide! I've been trying to find the sound that the roots radics keyboardist uses, which would be like something similar to a flute, I think ... it's a very particular sound that they also use with Israel vibrations! good brother greetings!

[@DMKahn]

Blessings! Maybe it’s a synth?

[@gravedubreggae]

@@DMKahn to be more precise I leave you the link of the song! the sound is the one that sounds similar to a flute I think, if it is in the whole song, blessing! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnfKZKZtfa97r7c

[@DMKahn]

That kind of looks like a JUNO synth but I could be wrong. Definitely a synthesized flute sound

[@gravedubreggae]

@@DMKahn Thanks brother! let's try! greetings and good year!

[@CUZNSLEEPYMUSIC]

Brother…THANK YOU

[@DMKahn]

You’re Welcome! God bless

[@gcastroism]

You did a review of MODO bass a few years back, could you do a video comparing your bass with MODO bass? When i hear your bass i hear frequencies that i can't get with MODO. When i hear a band like stick figure my MODO basses seem like a joke, but maybe i am doing something wrong.

[@WillWasser]

I'm little confused about your tempo and this problem met me multiple times: if you take it exactly, you cant play an offbeat on beat 2 and 4. cause offbeat means the accentuation between all 4 beats. correctly the bassdrum has to be on beat 1 and 3, the snare has to be on 2 and 4 and between all beats is the offbeat placed. even in some scientific articles they dont describe the (right) half timed tempo. im wondering about that. apart from this... very nice video and i'm excited of the next part. bless up mate!

[@DMKahn]

WillWasser Riddims it’s quite simple really... reggae is half time. So if you double tempo, as I did in this case, the offbeat is actually on beat, because the tempo is doubled. Hope that helps.

[@WillWasser]

@@DMKahn yeah thats clear boss :) i just wonder why you double timed it

[@travelhightsmusic]

Hello Khan Thanks for the good work yo doing for us reggae lovers and producers. Which type of a mixer is that?

[@DMKahn]

It’s a Midas F24. Thanks breddren

[@whoamiwhoami3769]

Hi DM Kahn, first of all, thank you so much for an amazing video that youve been posting. I love ur work flow and ur explanation on details of the song production. Would you say that those "real instruments that are not VSTs" are necessary? I know that real instruments could be better in terms of giving natural sound quality and is recommended, But I just wanted to see if Raggae music can be produced just by using the VSTs (guitar, drums, bass guitar / bass synth like Trillian, synth like konkakt or Omnisphere). It would be amazing if u could show some production works making raggae / dub related music just using the VSTs!!!! Thank you so much again, and I subscribed ur channel, cuz it is great. I hope to hear back from you.

[@DMKahn]

Yes you can definitely make reggae with VSTs but I think real guitar and bass makes a big difference. For keys you can def get away with a VST. Drums are doable for sure but there’s nothing like the real deal to be honest. Cheers

[@nathanbryers]

Kahn, can Yu do one on chord progressions? Is reggae all a&e? What are some boundaries for reggae chords? I feel like I’m rewriting every reggae track

[@DMKahn]

Lots of different progressions. Check out my piano tutorial. I go through a few good ones

[@pipypoppy]

DM, could you teach how to properly make reggae drums because I'm having difficulty making my drums catchy like yours. It's well appreciated

[@DMKahn]

Tom Cat I’m definitely planning on more in depth drum tutorials, stay tuned!

[@Raymixstudio]

I love your videos

[@Fadefade796]

Thanks for your reggae videos. Where can I find so good timbals sound please ?

[@DMKahn]

Native instrument Cuba plug-in has a great timbale

[@Fadefade796]

@@DMKahn merci beaucoup.