This is the ultimate skill - develop critical listening

I share Weekly Samples / mpchead
Sample Packs mpchead.bandca...
Private online mpc lessons - email me for more info at [e-mail]
In studio sessions are available. Be with me in person in my studio and see how I put everything together. This is a great opportunity to understand how I craft my sound. Book a whole day with me and also have access to my records and gear in the studio. If you are a fan of my work and want to know more, email me at [e-mail]
You make music? I'll play your records on the channel - Send me you records - contact [e-mail]
My Gear is here thmn.to/thocf/...
I share loads of samples that you hear here on the channel to my Patreon / mpchead
Upload your music to the world distrokid.com/...
Social media:
/ marlowdigs
/ marlowdigs
Sub to my other channel please / llikido
Private mpc lessons [e-mail]
Learn to listen, getting better at mixing, improve your listening skills, critical listening
#howto #beatmaking #criticallistening

[@jonmakesbeats]

Right on the money. That’s why I don’t really focus on making videos about technical information, more around philosophy. That’s gonna take people much further than knowing what frequency to take out. Not to say that doesn’t matter either.

[@DadAmongMen]

You and Marlow are two of the best out there when it comes to inviting your viewers in to your process. I’m always excited to create after watching you guys. 👊🏼

[@daysaverproductions]

I love the fact @jonmakesbeats is in here! You guys are my go to channels for production knowledge you really are and more than that - inspiration and reinforcing good things.

[@daysaverproductions]

2nded

[@inerosion1992]

Man, i love the beat making community.

[@daniel_dumile]

Great great video The way I developed listening skills was remaking beats. You can only learn so much just by listening to complete beats or instrumentals, or just by making your own beats. Copying the pros is full of useful lessons from sample selection, arrangement, how to adapt drums to fit samples (instead of samples to fit drums), volume/filtering, etc.

[@Guswalz]

DOOM!

[@stilltrippin6100]

🫡

[@chiefmalik6566]

That's a good tip. Especially if you are suffering from beat block.

[@rashaidanderson4403]

Peace. Great idea.

[@bboymac84]

Other people hear different things. 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@Soulstice_Beats]

Your ear is the most slept on ability /skill . Can’t identify or even know what a good sample is without an ear. A producers ear is what separates them from other producers and gives you your own unique sound. Develop your ear !!

[@mpchead]

💯

[@CheecoWrld]

🐐 bro helping understand the technique of sampling

[@manatee_flips6811]

Great topic! It reminds me of wine makers or chefs developing their palates, knowing whats good and bad. I only know the music that sounds good to me, in any genre. EARS over Eyes any day.!!!!

[@ZzGeWizZ]

Good talk! I credit high school jazz band for teaching me to listen critically. I think the easiest way to go about learning the skill is to play an instrument, and play with other people. It'll come naturally that way. Other than that, put on a record you really like, on repeat, and each time through focus intently on a different specific instrument each time. Just the drums, just the bass, and so on

[@jazzroom]

absolutely! 100%! peace 🎷

[@Hunter-rh9ko]

Thank you for this advise, I've just made the first the first beat I'm actually happy with thanks to this video

[@josegrecojg]

my takeaways: I can't teach you, and use volume 😅. love ya Diggs

[@mastahswoored5117]

Thanks Marlow for getting this bit of information out there. I have been catching myself analyzing my favorite producers(including you) and the placement of drums in the mix. I'm just starting to get into the different sounds levels and how each drum sounds. I feel like once i get the drums locked in. I can start analyzing my samples. Like you said, it takes a tremendous amount of time to get to this point of listening. You will start to catch yourself really analyzing how things sound in music then applying it to you. Thanks again man and keep up the amazing work ✌️

[@mpchead]

Thanks for tuning in 🙏🏼 listening is the best tool we have to make out beats sound how we want them.

[@sv1rep]

The hardest skill to learn and develop is to think, if you know how the music works or at least have some grasp on basic concepts you are moving in the right direction. Repeat sampling same song but do it with different technique (bom bap/trap) don't bother yourself with details, just listen to music and make something...some people need years some are natural, keep practicing and you'll get better, when i started didn't know what is 4 bar or tempo. i starded with my friends old computer and dos program called tracker F...... nightmare :) keep grinding and trying. Grat viddeo Marlow as always cheers from Croatia

[@mpchead]

🙏🏼

[@1980HiphopFunk]

Facts!

[@mixalisboundas3884]

Love the Cookin Soul Hat! Great video 🔥

[@carlosgil4196]

My only weakness is time consume in making music

[@BoombapArt]

Everyone can rewire their brain, but it takes time and practice. Great vid M!

[@mpchead]

Yup anyone can do it

[@Alckemy]

I was just going to make a video about this!

[@mpchead]

Do it, is always good to hear different opinions.

[@Alckemy]

@@mpcheadmy take is a little more long winded but it touches on going beyond sampling and hearing riffs in the midst of anything. How to Listen (talking head video) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKGbiJaYhq-Yaqs

[@istvantoth7431]

Hey Marlow, would you ever review the ISLA S2400?? I am planning to get one but I need a trusted review of that machine... Or if you don't, what's your honest take on that machine? I think the kick on that sounds very punchy, I'm just afraid of the menu-diving bit ...

[@mpchead]

I'd review it if someone would lend it to me. I don't think Id buy it any time soon. I think it can sound really good, the only thing I'd be a bit worried is the sequencer and workflow in general.

[@arturflor]

Thank you! I appreciate the videos where you share your accumulated wisdom of music-making. I always find them useful despite not making boom-bap (house/techno guy here). More of them!

[@mpchead]

Happy to hear that ✌🏼

[@DadAmongMen]

Ooof, this hit close to home. Great video.

[@sadcold]

Can u make a video about your favorite music, favorite producers and beatmakers and what you listen in moment 🙏🏻

[@mpchead]

Thank you for the ideas, I'll try to put something together.

[@TheMattmatic]

Talent and also practising listening to different kinds of music is why someone like Dilla could be so consistent and good. There was no single "method" he used - he made beats with and without samples, on different equipment, with very different styles and feels - but how many bad Dilla beats have you heard? The common factor was him and his ear for music, not a technique you can learn from a youtube short.

[@jazzroom]

truth!

[@davidscott2095]

Gracias, Maestro!

[@KhaliqueAmel]

Actual facts Marlow, actual facts!!!! "The Art of Listening"....that's a degree I have from my lessons back in the day!!! Lol! As you said developmentation takes time, and even years....there is no short cut or tutorial for that!!! This generation was not taught that, everything is a short cut now, no proper fundamentals,....so it's different!!! I'm so glad I came up in the "Diggin' in the crates" era!!!! Facts!!!

[@mpchead]

Can't get around this skill, gotta walk the path.

[@KhaliqueAmel]

Thanks real talk!!!

[@HimmyHendryx]

lol facts im literally sample demon cuz of my ear skills and TASTE!

[@HimmyHendryx]

also listening to your idols, copying them will tremendously help you

[@DAVDOLLAZ]

Biggest thing you can do for that is listen to more music

[@mpchead]

Yes and experiment with what you heard.

[@WilfridCyrus]

I am the guy who adds too many FX! I am learning that drier is better when you are working with good sounds.

[@mpchead]

Eheh yeah man that is the best way to start a beat, good sounds and then you add effects if needed.

[@GeoffreyB203]

Those how to make a beat in 10 minutes videos don't help either.

[@Wren_The_Ten]

Speak for yourself bro. I’ve learnt loads of different tricks and ideas from them vids

[@GeoffreyB203]

@@Wren_The_Ten I am speaking for myself. I'm sorry if I caused you any pain.

[@iengineer_247]

Thank you for the response!!!!!!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@SFTbeats]

💯

[@distantidentitymusic]

Thank you I developed listening skills over the years.

[@davinchibeats]

Yooo man. Your channel the best on KZbin music 🔥💾

[@Poetanky]

Just yesterday I was thinking I need to be a more critical enjoyer as I listened to Benny The Butcher’s Scarface vs Sosa pt 2 on repeat just to get the drum pattern down. Crazy how synchronicities work.

[@KennyLoopins]

One of your best vids, it deserves WAY more views. It can take years to put it all together. Recreating your favorite producers beats will make it make sense.

[@DJ279V]

Listening is a constant skill. In terms of beats, my thought is every beat can have its own sound, thus, making the listening experience vary based on the sound used. It ultimately comes down to what sounds good to the creator, with hope that others will enjoy the same experience. That's part of the reason why sampling is an art. Thx for posting bc this is a great convo foe thoughts.

[@gmanDecksT]

Marlon dropping gems here. I go months without making a beat and just analysing then go back and take all that learned data and put it into practice. Find it a better learning method than constantly making beats and learning techniques. This should be the 1st lesson to beatmakers/producers

[@ChristianIRichardRealAmado]

Am missing my older brother christian and my brothers from aunt aunt aunt side of trinity of my mama that my God brother trinity of Christian real family I remember tha black guy is quite and demons is in tha shadows

[@tx3851]

An honest and insightful video, with a solid message….You are a natural teacher….Thank you for the time and thoughtfulness that you give to us all….

[@mpchead]

🙏🏼

[@Spitz973]

People often forget that your ear is an INSTRUMENT

[@mpchead]

That's basically it, an instrument that you train just as any other instrument.

[@TeddyRockSteady]

Great info shared here! Some of the greatest beat makers at one point emulated their inspirations to learn the process. Thank you for being a good teacher Mr Diggs! Salute!

[@mpchead]

🙏🏼 inspiration is always a gift

[@nekotiq]

I do this and practice this fundamental through meditation. 🧘

[@SimonePhoenix]

There you go, YES! 👊🏽🙏🏽

[@jazzroom]

Critical Listening - very important if not the most important aspect of music you broght into the light here Marco - clearly and thoughtfully expressed in a calm and easy to understand manner - you are a great natural teacher! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🎷

[@mpchead]

🙏🏼thanks appreciate the words

[@goukenbeats]

What a great video!

[@yungstigmatamanne]

this is a great video and im happy for the info but im having the same feeling i got from showing up to school and finding out there was homework, like man no wonder i felt i haven’t been progressing i stopped critical listening YEARS AGO, i hope this video blows up so people dont fall into the slump i was in, im noticing stuff in jay dee beats ive never listened for lmao picking up new drum patterns and stuff

[@mpchead]

It doesn't need to be exhausting. Just being aware is enough.

[@MrElectik]

Learn music

[@mpchead]

I got plenty of friends that are musicians but if you ask them to put a beat together they can't do it. Is not about learning music.

[@GrabThoseKeys]

This was a great topic. Knowing where to go is really important and something i admire about your music. You have a great way of taking us on a journey with the beats you make. That's what I'm trying to get better at. Thanks for another great video.

[@mpchead]

Thanks for listening 🙏🏼

[@daysaverproductions]

I love the video but a cheeky listening challenge at the end would be fun and review people’s answers 😄👌👌

[@mpchead]

Good idea!!

[@slik_p]

É essencial perceber que é uma coisa que dá trabalho e requer dedicação. E por vezes parece-me que só há interesse no produto final. O resto dá trabalho. É uma coisa solitária, que leva anos a desenvolver. O pessoal não percebe que não interessa o que samplas, o que procuras, onde encontras. O sumo está todo no trajecto. Um tipo hoje tem tudo o que quiser na palma da mão numa questão de segundos. Mas ainda assim, a pergunta mais comum é "where do you find samples?". É não querer procurar porque a ideia do "atalho" é mais atraente. Não sei se é algo que se ensina, mas é algo que se aprende. Quem está disposto a dedicar-se a isso. Falhar faz parte de vencer. E isto é uma coisa que tem de se falhar muito para se saber o que se gosta, o que não se gosta, esticar a matéria ao máximo, criar a enciclopédia na cabeça. Só se faz com tempo. Mas querem tudo para ontem. O prazer que é sacar um vinil e tentar puxar o máximo possível, aprender a ouvir para criar discernimento e intenção. Enfim, tal como um instrumento requer muitas horas, isto não é diferente.

[@mpchead]

Ya é isso mesmo, as cenas demoram tempo. Mas também é por não terem a noção do que requer ser um bom produtor, com tempo ficam os que realmente querem isto e os outros ficam pelo caminho.

[@stilltrippin6100]

Always great points .. 🫡 ✌🏽

[@Stefch0o0]

I figured it out somewhere down the line, and then i knew why it was so difficult in the beginning. You have to pay attention to the way things move and how different chops blend and compliment each other. You have to get to the point where you know what kinds of instruments work well together with certain type of drums and such. It takes time! And as you said it, all the EQ and stuff doesn't mater if you can't put together something that makes sense and it's, for the most part, in tune. I guess it's normal when you are still rookie and you want your music to instantly sound like someone making it for 20 some years. You get all hyped up and such, but you have to walk the walk so then you can talk the talk.

[@mpchead]

That's it 👊🏼

[@djprominent]

Always listen to understand 🔑

[@richardflower1]

Big Up ✊️

[@TannerByTheSea]

Yo, you had me Thuggin on that MPC touch back in the day! 👊🏼

[@mpchead]

Classic 👊🏼

[@TannerByTheSea]

@@mpchead check me out dude! Same name every plat-form cast-A-Stone

[@TheNextExit]

ya so true. thanks for this

[@CDeering]

Knowledge!! Listen and learn folks..

[@CDeering]

"Musical I.Q. is ah terrible skill to waste.."

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

Respect to you Marlow Digs for always giving constructive advice. The listening skill is something that we never perfect but we improve the more that we practice. Keep up the great work

[@BasSelektah]

amen🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@Yarkoo_Payne]

great video thanks

[@ytraortiz]

Thank you! 👍👂🎶🎧

[@WASKMUSIC]

This is what i get asked frequently: How do you know where/what to chop? And i always say something like that: I can teach you to lay down drums, sounds, how the machine works, how the time signature works blabla, but i can't tell you where or what to chop, bc this depends on so many factors. In short: You can teach techniques, but you can't teach that feel. Great topic!

[@mpchead]

People need to learn to listen and develop taste and preferences for specific sounds.

[@Austen_Tv]

Great video! loved this!

[@mpchead]

🙏🏼

[@CheecoWrld]

Thanks!

[@mpchead]

🙏🏼🔥🔥🔥

[@philip6252]

I appreciate the way didn’t write these people off. It takes people different amounts of time to find their voice and tune their ear. I’m not personally convinced that everyone can develop that distinct voice but you made me think a bit more about why I have that opinion.

[@femmy820]

A good way to develop listening skills is to take any song and try to recreate it yourself. Just take a few days or few weeks on any song and try to recreate the various parts over and over again even to the point of nausea. You start to understand how to listen to the various parts of a song and understand what is going on. This also helps when you identify similar patterns in other music.

[@Knick_Fury]

As someone going through this in real-time, I have really begun to understand that what you are saying here is critical. In my head, I tend to hear the “whole” instead of the “specific”…and as a consequence, I would blindly try to recreate the “feel” instead of figuring out exactly WHY things sound the way they do. It has been challenging because you want to “create” but, I now see that I have to spend more time just listening. I was coming to this conclusion naturally but, you just solidified it for me. I will say though, getting some basic technique under my belt has helped me translate the “HOW” a bit better…so I still think there has to be a bit of balance between the two. Once again, you have dropped some 💎💎💎…much appreciated.🫡🫡🫡

[@mpchead]

Thanks for tuning in and sharing. We all get there in the end. It comes a time it just clicks and we start properly hearing it. Takes some time.